It’s that time of year again, when the birds start singing, the chilly southwest Ohio winter days give way to milder temperatures, and our homes are in desperate need of sprucing up. Whether it’s your indoor or outdoor space, if the thought of spring cleaning feels daunting, you’re not alone.
In a recent OnePoll survey, 68% of people said that cleaning their home each spring is an overwhelming task. So, we asked a local expert to weigh in with their insider tips and tricks on how to tackle that spring cleaning to-do list. Here’s what we found.
General Indoor Cleaning Tips
Find Your Motivation
Like most other tasks in life, our success starts with our mindset. Remember, the goal is to create a more enjoyable and peaceful living space for yourself and your loved ones. It’s not a contest, and you don’t have to compare your progress to anyone else’s success. Start small and adjust your expectations as needed.
Gather What You Need Before You Begin
“Start with a list of what you want to accomplish,” says Jeannine Franco, owner of Excellence Cleaning Services, a cleaning business that serves the north/central Cincinnati area. “Getting the items out of your head and onto paper helps so you’re not so overwhelmed.” A list can give you the satisfaction of checking it off as you go along. Then, before diving into your cleaning spree, gather all your essential supplies.
Declutter Before You Clean
Head into your cleaning project with a well-defined strategy. Franco recommends you create three piles as you clean. Arm yourself with a trash bag, a donation bag, and an area for items you want to keep. Start by tossing or donating anything you no longer want or need. You’ll find that cleaning and organizing become much simpler once you’ve cleared the clutter.
Focus on One Space at a Time
Franco says to resist the temptation to tackle your spring cleaning all at once. Instead, concentrate on one room or area at a time (i.e. cleaning the baseboards or cleaning the front of your kitchen cabinets). Breaking your project into manageable tasks will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and help you stay committed to your goals.
Stay Organized Year-Round
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste by saving cleaning duties for the spring. It’s helpful to create a regular plan for decluttering your home. By staying organized throughout the year, you’ll cut down on stress and keep your space looking its best. Here are three simple practices that can help you stay clutter-free:
- Put things away immediately after use.
- Reset your space at the beginning of each week.
- Evaluate your belongings periodically and donate or discard items you no longer need.
Enlist Help When Needed
If time constraints or other factors are holding you back, don’t hesitate to ask for help. “Make a list and ask someone to help. It’s more motivating to work with someone than to try to tackle something alone,” Franco says. Recruit family members to pitch in or consider hiring a professional cleaning service if it’s within your budget.
Practical Outdoor Cleaning Tips
Ever since the pandemic, people have spent more time outdoors than ever before. This has translated to using our personal outdoor spaces on a more regular basis. Because of this shift, you may have more outdoor cleaning to do each year. Here are tasks we suggest you add to your outdoor to-do list.
Clean Outdoor Furniture
Begin by removing any debris from your patio furniture. Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning cushions and other fabric components. Franco suggests using water and dish soap as a safe option to wipe down furniture surfaces.
Use a Pressure Washer
Rent or buy a pressure washer to clean your home’s siding, decks, and pavement. This powerful tool will help you remove dirt, mold, and grime that can accumulate over the winter season. Make sure to wear clothing that can get dirty and wet.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters can get filled with leaves and other debris over the winter. Make sure to clean them out to prevent any water damage to your home.
Care for Your Lawn and Garden
Mow your lawn, rake up leaves, and aerate your soil to promote healthy grass growth. Trim your trees and shrubs to encourage new growth and maintain a polished appearance.
Clean Your Outdoor Lighting
Wipe down your outdoor light fixtures with a damp cloth, clearing away dirt and bugs. Replace any broken or outdated bulbs.
Once you’ve checked off your spring cleaning to-do list, take time to enjoy your space and celebrate the work you’ve done. Although we can’t control everything in life, we can spruce up our indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy them this spring.