Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring Cleaning Checklist

It’s April and the weather is getting warmer. Now is the time to throw open those windows, let the fresh air in and embark on the annual chore that is spring cleaning.  While getting your home all spic and span is not necessarily enjoyable, creating a tidier, healthier and more organized living environment is definitely worth the effort. Not only will your home be neat, but professionals say that a clean home also contributes to lower stress levels and allergy symptoms, and increased safety.
Here’s a list of some suggested tasks for your spring cleaning to-do list. The list may seem a bit daunting at first, but there’s no need to tackle everything all at once. Come up with a chore schedule that works for you, such as focusing on one room a weekend, or cleaning the floors one day and closets the next, etc.
Ready, set, clean…

Throughout every room in your home

  • Vacuum and shampoo rugs
  • Clean upholstered furniture
  • Check smoke detectors – Here are some important tips on how to do it correctly
  • Wipe walls, baseboards and windowsills
  • Clean curtains and blinds
  • Dust light fixtures, lampshades, and ceiling fans
  • Clean windows, screens and window sills
  • Look for items you don’t use or need and donate them
  • Dust crown molding
  • Wipe switchplate covers
  • Dust artwork and knick knacks
  • Clean picture frames and mirrors
  • Vacuum and clean floors

Tip: When dusting, always start from the top of the room (the light fixtures, ceilings, etc.)  and work your way down. That way, you will be able to avoid dust falling on areas that have been previously cleaned.

Kitchen

  • Clean refrigerator and freezer
  • Clean out and organize pantry
  • Throw out bad or expired food
  • Wipe cabinets inside and out
  • Organize cupboards
  • Wipe countertop appliances
  • Clean microwave – Use this tip from Good Housekeeping to make this task a breeze
  • Hose out and disinfect trash cans

Den/living room

  • Wash or professionally clean pillows and throw blankets
  • Organize your media – CDs, DVDs, etc.
  • Clean TV screens
  • Wipe remote controls
  • Vacuum furniture including crevices and under the cushions

Dining room

  • Wash table linens
  • Clean chair cushions or slipcovers
  • Wipe down table and chairs
  • Polish furniture and silver

Bedrooms

  • Wash bed sheets, blankets, comforters, and quilts
  • Flip mattresses, sprinkle with baking soda and vacuum
  • Machine wash pillows (check to make sure they are machine-washable first!)
  • Wash curtains
  • Polish furniture
  • Vacuum floors and rugs
  • Declutter closets and dresser drawers to look for items to donate or give away
  • Always make the bed!

Basement/Garage/Attic

  • Organize tools, toys and other items
  • Donate, sell, or throw away old party decorations, broken toys and tools, sports equipment and supplies you don’t need
  • Store items in labeled, transparent storage bins and stack the bins to free up floor space
  • Safely dispose of old gas, batteries, brake and transmission fluid, paint, electronics, fertilizer and other hazardous waste.  Follow your town’s guidelines for proper disposal.

Bathroom

  • Throw out expired medications. Follow proper guidelines. Here are some instructions from the FDA.
  • Replace worn out towels
  • Clean the fans and vents
  • Clean shower curtain and liner and replace if necessary
  • Disinfect in and around sink, toilet, shower and tub
  • Polish the faucets and towel racks
  • Remove soap scum from glass doors, tub and tiles
  • Clean mirror
  • Clean crevices of shower door (an old toothbrush can be helpful to get into the small areas)
  • Get rid of grout stains. Check out these tips on Bobvila.com.

Want to save money on your cleaning supplies? Think DIY!  Read this Omni blog for ways you can make effective cleaning supplies using ingredients you probably already have in your home.  
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only. Omni Financial does not endorse, recommend or imply affiliation with the listed companies or organizations.

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