What lingered unseen throughout the dull days of February becomes starkly apparent as March sunlight pours in through the windows: Your home is in need of a spring cleaning.
If that thought makes you uncomfortable, fret not! There’s no reason to fear the yearly tradition of banishing winter’s dust and post-holiday clutter. Addressing just six specific areas in the house can make your residence appear and feel revitalized swiftly.
Begin from the Ceiling Down
Cleaning professionals generally advise commencing at the top of a room and working downwards. Eliminate the cobwebs from the cornices—the junction where your walls meet the ceiling—with a vacuum hose, dusting wand, or even a gym sock tied around the end of a yardstick (you can secure it with a rubber band).
Don’t overlook ceiling light fixtures. Gently remove and wash glass globes and light shades. Clean any part of the fixture that can’t be easily detached. Dust off ceiling fan blades, or remove them for a thorough wash with spray cleaner or soapy water.
Owning a crystal chandelier? Molly Maids suggests cleaning each prism with a solution of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the crystals and wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.
In the bathroom, vacuum or dismantle and scrub the vent cover of the exhaust fan. Carefully use a small brush or vacuum to remove any dust that has collected around the motor and blades.
Walls and Doors
Your walls accumulate dust, too! While you might not relish the idea of wiping down entire walls (although it’s a good step if repainting is on your spring home improvement list), it’s essential to focus on vertical surfaces. This includes louvered and paneled doors, whether they are painted or stained.
Dust over and behind picture frames, signs, wall lighting, shelves, and ornamental items. Use spray cleaner and wipe down mirrors and cabinet glass doors.
If your wall art is shielded by glass, clean the glass to let the artwork’s beauty shine through.
Does your wall decor need a refresh? Consider a new wall clock or a bright floral spring wreath.
Windows
Cleaning windows can be a sizeable task, especially if they aren’t the tilt-to-clean type. Homeowners who can’t afford professional window cleaning might be tempted to disregard them.
However, once the spring sunlight starts to shine, a spotless window providing a clear view of the blooming outdoors is magical!
Window washing doesn’t have to be completed in one day. Clean one or two rooms each weekend, and soon you’ll be ready to invite in those refreshing spring breezes.
Begin by removing and washing window treatments. Wipe the top of the window frame and the finials on your curtain rods as well.
Next, clean the curtains or blinds. Window treatments can become incredibly dusty, so clean them thoroughly. If your curtains aren’t machine washable, at least give them a good shake outside or a refresh in your dryer on the no-heat or “fluff” setting.
Vinyl blinds can sometimes be cleaned with a hose or shower head. If you prefer not to remove them, wipe each slat with a microfiber cloth, or vacuum with a soft dusting brush attachment.
Lastly, with window treatments removed, use window spray or a mixture of vinegar and water on a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to eliminate grime and spots from window panes. Don’t forget to clean the window sills to prevent old dust and grime from blowing into your clean house!
Shop Curtain Rods & Window Treatments
Surfaces
Wood furniture is stunning, but dust can dampen its luster. Regular dusting and polishing of wood furniture maintains its prime appearance and prevents the wood from drying out and cracking over time.
Painted surfaces, like shelves and door frame tops, also require regular dusting. Spray cleaner can tackle stubborn dirt. Scratches might need minor paint or stain touch-ups.
Use spray window cleaner or a vinegar-water mix to remove dust and smudges from glass tabletops.
If you have marble or granite countertops that need occasional sealing, now is the ideal time. Use a high-quality sealer and follow the detailed instructions. Consult an expert knowledgeable about your specific countertop material for tips and guidance.
Furnishings
Move larger pieces like couches, dressers, and beds to clean behind and beneath them. Vacuum under chair cushions and use your vacuum’s wand attachment to reach deep into couch crevices.
Notice any spots or stains? While not all upholstery can be cleaned (and some stains are permanent), using a commercial upholstery cleaner might help. As a safety measure, test your product on a fabric scrap or in an inconspicuous spot. Bob Vila suggests testing on the underside or back of the chair, or a side of the cushion that’s not visible. Let it dry fully to verify the results before tackling the stain.
Launder throw pillows and blankets. Now could be a perfect time to swap out your heavy winter throws and dark accent pillows for something lighter and more cheerful.
In the bedroom, wash the mattress cover and flip your mattress, if possible. Also, wash your pillows.
Save a complete closet overhaul for another day, but do remove items from your closet floor and wipe or vacuum.
Move your bed and clean beneath it. Are your shoes and off-season clothes stored under your bed? Do a quick sort and start a donation pile. Consider a new storage container to keep the items neat and accessible.
Dust and wipe all your tabletop and shelf decor, including desk lamps, vases, picture frames, and other decorative accents. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to dust fabric lampshades.
Tend to any houseplants, maybe repotting those that are growing too long. If your plants have seen better days, think about replacing them with faux spring tulips or artificial plants that will look fresh without any maintenance!
Wipe down your fireplace mantel and around the hearth. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it might be time to clear out the firebox, clean the fire screen, and empty the wood bin for the season.
Floors
Even if you vacuum or mop your floors regularly, an occasional deep clean is beneficial.
Dust baseboards and vents with a cloth. For dirtier baseboards, use a damp cloth with a water and vinegar mix to wipe away the grime. Use your vacuum wand on the carpets or floor along the baseboards. Get into those corners!
Move floor lamps and furniture to dust, sweep or mop your wood, laminate, vinyl, stone, or tile floors. Vacuum and steam clean or shampoo your carpets and area rugs. Clean other floor surfaces with recommended cleaning products based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Area rugs are excellent for covering worn carpet sections and shielding your flooring, especially in high-traffic zones. Many place an area rug at entryways to catch dirt and prevent it from being tracked everywhere.
Area rugs are conveniently available in various colors, sizes, and styles to match your decor.
Bright and Immaculate
Congratulations, your house is now pristine from top to bottom! You’re ready to embrace the springtime sunlight and breezes with a more refreshed and radiant home.
Should your rooms still need further sprucing up, feel free to peruse our wide array of home decor and furnishings.
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