Spring into Spring Cleaning

Checklist:

■ Restock your cleaning supplies

■ Wipe walls and ceilings

■ Reseal grout lines around the home

■ Clean headboards and flip your mattress if needed

■ Swap seasonal apparel and linens out

■ Launder curtains and wash or dry clean rugs

■ Dust electronics, light fixtures, fans, furniture and décor

■ Vacuum or wipe all vents and returns

As we come out of the icy grip of winter, thoroughly cleaning your entire house may seem like an overwhelming task – but nothing beats the feeling of a decluttered, deep-cleaned home.

Finding it hard to get started? Try opening windows to usher out stale air and welcome a refreshing breeze. Use aromatherapy to reenergize yourself during the cleaning process and put on a lively playlist, podcast, or TV show to keep your spirits up while you clean. Establishing a fun and reinvigorating tone for your spring-cleaning ritual will set you up for success.

Here is a comprehensive checklist for a thorough spring cleaning, as well as some natural cleaning methods.

■ Clean behind and under larger pieces of furniture like couches and tv consoles

■ Clean windowsills, blinds and windows – both inside and out

■ Clean out your refrigerator and freezer of any old food. Change out any air and water filters if necessary

■ Turn over your garage from winter ready to spring ready, putting away snowblowers and shovels, for lawnmowers and gardening tools

Natural Cleaning Methods:

WHITE VINEGAR: A great natural cleaner that can be used to clean windows, mirrors, and floors. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it as a cleaner.

BAKING SODA: A natural abrasive and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Mix it with water to create a paste and use it to scrub surfaces like sinks, tubs, and toilets.

LEMON JUICE: Can be used to clean and deodorize surfaces like cutting boards and countertops. Mix lemon juice with water and use it as a cleaner.

OLIVE OIL: Can be used to polish and clean surfaces like stainless steel appliances and wooden furniture. Mix it with a few drops of lemon juice and use it as a cleaner.

CLUB SODA: Great for cleaning surfaces like carpets and upholstery. Spray it on the surface and blot with a clean cloth.

CASTILE SOAP: A natural soap that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and use it as a cleaner.

Did You Know?

The practice of spring-cleaning dates back to ancient history, with origins that can be traced to Jewish Passover, the Persian New Year, Japanese, and even Christian traditions. This positive process allows us to declutter, refresh, fix, and clean the home in order to welcome spring the right way.

How To Prep Your Home for Outdoor Entertaining

After a long, cold winter, spring is finally here, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather and outdoor entertaining. But before you invite guests over for a spring barbecue or garden party, it’s important to prepare your home for outdoor entertaining. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Clean up your outdoor space

After a long winter, your outdoor space may need some TLC. Start by cleaning up any debris that may have accumulated, such as fallen leaves, branches, or dead plants. If you have outdoor furniture, give it a good cleaning to remove any dirt or grime.

Check your outdoor lighting

With daylight hours getting longer, you’ll want to make sure your outdoor lighting is in good working order. Check your outdoor light fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs. If you don’t have outdoor lighting, consider investing in some string lights or lanterns to create a cozy ambiance for your guests.

Spruce up your landscaping

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your landscaping. Consider planting some flowers, shrubs, or trees to add color and texture to your outdoor space. If you have a lawn, make sure to mow it regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy.

Invest in some outdoor decor

Outdoor decor can help to create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Consider adding some outdoor throw pillows, rugs, or even a decorative fountain or statue to make your outdoor space feel more inviting.

Make sure your grill is in good working order

If you plan on hosting a spring barbecue, make sure your grill is in good working order. Check the gas tank and make sure there are no leaks. Give the grill grates a good cleaning to remove any leftover residue from last season.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your home creates a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests to enjoy the warmer weather and the beauty of the season.