Is spring cleaning on your to-do list in the next several weeks? These tips will help you ensure that you don’t miss a single spot when you deep clean your New Jersey home.
Spring cleaning can seem overwhelming if you don’t have a plan to tackle the project. Before you gather your cleaning supplies, divide your home into several zones, such as:
If you can’t clean your home completely in one day or weekend, you can probably finish a zone or two. Once you’ve divided your home into zones, create a checklist for all the cleaning tasks in a particular zone. For example, your checklist for the kitchen might include these tasks:
The cleaning process will be much more efficient if you:
Follow a Top-Down Approach: Clean the highest object in the room, then move to the next-highest object. If you save the high objects for last, dirt and grime may fall onto newly cleaned surfaces
Dust, Then Vacuum: The vacuum will pick up any dust that you dislodge when you dust.
Focus on the Task in Front of You: It’s easy to get distracted when you clean, particularly if you come across items that don’t belong in a room. Although it may only take a minute to put your son’s sneakers in his bedroom closet, chances are you’ll probably notice a few other things that need attention when you make the trip to the bedroom. Ignoring distractions will help you clean much more quickly.
Carry a Laundry Basket: A laundry basket makes a convenient place to put shoes, clothing, and other objects that belong in other rooms. Once you finish cleaning a room, it will only take a few minutes to put the misplaced items where they belong.
Soft items absorb odors, collect dirt, and can become stained over the course of the year. Vacuum and steam clean carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstered furniture, and other items that you can’t put in the washer, like dog beds. Check cleaning labels first and clean a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the cleaner won’t cause any damage.
Instagram influencer Slay at Home Mother recommends steam cleaning your mattress too. Steam cleaning is a simple way to kill dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria and viruses, and other unpleasant things lurking on your mattress.
Dirt and dust find their way into the nooks and crannies of your house. During your cleaning spree, don’t forget about:
Cleaning your home shouldn’t be a hazardous activity that could put your health at risk. Stay away from harsh cleaners that may irritate the skin or emit strong, unpleasant odors. You’ll find a variety of products that are safer for you and the environment in grocery and big box stores.
Once a room is sparkling clean, it’s time to organize the space. Before you start organizing, put your belongings into three piles labeled “keep,” “trash” or “donate.” Throw away anything that’s stained, torn, doesn’t work, or is expired.
In the bedroom closet:
In the entryway/mudroom:
In the kitchen and bathroom:
In the garage or basement:
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