Spring Cleanse
- May 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: May 9, 2024
A Guide to Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is more than just tidying up; its's a ritual of purification, symbolic gesture of letting go of the old to make way for the new. Beyond merely decluttering our physical spaces, it offers an opportunity for mental clarity, emotional release and healthy living.
Not everyone knows how to clean, I mean properly deep clean. Yes, some things are self explanatory; we hope, but did you know that it is best to clean windows when the sun is not shinning directly on them or that you should be cleaning the drain of your washing machine each month. Most people have the basics down and keep a tidy house but by deep cleaning and creating a proper cleaning schedule you would improve your homes longevity, breathe better, and save time on the weekends for other fun stuff. So follow me as I share what i've learned about how to properly items in the home, what tools you should have and other simple tips and tricks.
Start with a Plan:
It can be overwhelming and you can even find yourself sitting in 3 rooms all half done. So take a movement to assess your home and identify areas that need attention. Create a check list of tasks, prioritizing areas into how often they should be kept up with, do not overlook areas, such as closets, drawers and storage space.
Here is a great checklist to work off of made by an a former housekeep Vanesa Amaro.
Vanesa Amaro is where I learned a lot of my cleaning from and has an amazing more detailed guide.
Declutter Mindfully & Organize with Intention:
Cleaning is a good time to sift through your belongings, and make room to grow; so ask yourself: Does this item bring me joy? If not, it may be time to let it go. Be ruthless in discarding items that no longer serve a purpose or hold sentimental value. Consider donating or recycling when disposing them. I find that decluttering makes the home feel spacious and even opens ideas of improving a space focus and organization. Invest in storage solutions that maximize efficiency and accessibility. Label containers, arrange items b category and create designated zones for different activities. If this is where you find cleaning most difficult consider help from my friends at Mac Mom Organizing; they will come to your home to do the work for you or consult you on making the next steps easy for you.
Deep Clean:
This type of cleaning is not an everyday thing, it takes a little more time and patience put into doing it right and should be mixed into your cleaning schedule route. Deep cleaning can range from every month, every 6 months or every year, depending on what your cleaning. Unsure what is a deep cleaning project, take a look at the list below, my tip to you is to take an item to clean in the same section you will be cleaning the rest of that area during your daily route.
*Example: If I weekly clean the kitchen on Tuesdays, I'll be sure to schedule a deep clean of washing and degreasing stove hood and filters the first Tuesday of the month.
Here is a great list to work off of made by an a former housekeep Vanesa Amaro.
Don't be afraid to let in fresh air while cleaning, especially when deep cleaning. Open the windows and play some tunes, this allows you not only to stay energized but most importantly allows you clean safely with proper ventilation.
Here are some pro tips on chemical safety made by an a former housekeep Vanesa Amaro.
Refresh and Renew:
Infuse your home with the scents and sights of spring. Open the blinds and windows to let in fresh air and natural light in, adorn your space with vibrant flowers or plants, and introduce touches of color through decorative accents. Consider rearranging furniture or switching out textiles to breathe new life into your surroundings. No mater the occasion, buy a small thing of flowers and set them on the coffee table, it brightens a room and just brings happiness and peace to space. Reward yourself for your efforts. reflect on the process and celebrate the progress your've made
Extend the Practice:
As you revel in the new found sense of clarity and lightness that spring cleaning brings. Incorporate regular decluttering sessions into your routine and strive to keep your space organized year round with stay on top of your cleaning schedule.
Cleaning Tips: *Keep a bucket under each sink with cleaning supplies need for that room
Mirrors:
When cleaning mirrors, turn off the lights (but do in the daytime). This will prevent any streaks, since the warmth of the light evaporates most of the cleaner, causing streaks.
Hair Brush:
Start by using a comb or pick to remove hair trapped in the brush, than place in a bowl spray with dawn power wash and a little bit of warm water, flip brush face down and leave for 30 minutes. Grab a scrubbing brush and scrub your hairbrush clean, rinse and let air dry face down about 3 hrs.
Hard Water Faucet Heads:
Check the bottom of the water faucets. If they have hard water buildup, wrap a plastic bag with vinegar and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then brush the faucet and rinse.
Deep Clean the Washing Machine: *Keep your washing machine open in between uses to avoid mold and mildew.
How to Clean Microfiber towels:
Microwave:
Use 1 Cup of water, 2 Tablespoons of white vinegar and pour into a glass bowl. Place it inside the microwave for 5 min. Let is sit for 1 min more before opening then wipe the insides down, it all melts away.
Sanitize Dishwasher:
Place 1 cup of vinegar in a class bowl/mug and place on the top rack, than run a quick cycle.
Greasy Blinds:
Put 2 tablespoons of Dawn dis soap and 1/4 of a cup of your favorite degreaser in a bowl with warm water. Wipe blinds down.
Note* if it is nice out take them down toss them in the tube to do then dry outisde on towels.
Clean Shower Glass Doors: *Keep a squeegee in the shower and use after each wash.
Keep a soap wand (the kind you would use for the dishes) in the shower. Fill it with half white vinegar and half dish soap. Scrub the inside of the doors after you shower, then hose it down with cool water and use a squeegee to remove the water.
Inside Stove:
Easy-Off Heavy duty spray. Follow instructions, there are a few ways to use it. *have windows open for ventilation, wear a mask and gloves. After wiping it down, use Dawn's purple power degreaser and spray the inside of the door, use a blade to scrap and a paper towel to wipe it down.
Stove Top Grates:
Fill a sink or deep pan with boiling hot water and a tablespoon of dish detergent. Submerge the grates and soak for 20-30 minutes. Scrub using a pumice stick, rinse and dry.
Stove Top Range:
Spray with degreaser, let sit then rinse and wipe. For stuck on items use a razor blade scraper tool, than spray, rinse and wipe.
Oven Hood Range:
Remove and place in sink or deep pan. Spray with dawn degreaser and let sit for time on bottle. Boil hot water and pour over hood range. Next spray with dawn spray soap and scrub with a scrubber brush. Rinse and air dry. Before putting back be sure to clean the hood itself by wiping it down with degreaser then soap and water. (if it is stainless steel use proper polish and towels on hood)
Check out some of the mentioned cleaning supplies below in the slideshow.
Get Inspired
In essence, spring cleaning transcends the act of tidying up; its's a mindful practice that fosters growth, renewal and self-discovery. So, as your embark on your own spring cleaning journey, remember to approach it with intent, embracing the opportunity to refresh both your home and your spirit.
Check out more ways to nurture your well-being and embark on a the path to a healthier, happier you by going to the Thrive Well category in the blog.
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