Springing Into Cleaning:

Get Some Spring Into Your Step: Spring Cleaning for Every Room

If you read last month's post, you know the warm weather is coming. The best part of the season is getting the windows open (for a few months before the heat REALLY gets settled here in Florida) and rid of the dreary winter vibes. Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home, focusing on organizing spaces to create a healthy welcoming environment. Here are a few tips for dep cleaning and organizing different areas of your home (especially for those in the "swampy" states 😁)

Let's start where a lot of time is spent: the living room. Start by giving all the furniture a good dusting, including moving photos and electronics, to remove dust and allergens. After dusting, use a vacuum or steam cleaner on the carpets and upholstery (or hire a local carpet cleaner) to eliminate any germs or bacteria from the flu season. These "little loves" thrive in humid climates. You may also want to wash curtains and dust the blinds to help let all the beautiful sunshine in.

The kitchen deserves as much attention as the living room. Counter tops should be cleaned and sanitized according to material and installation instructions. Wipe down cabinet handles and inside drawers to prevent mold from any lost food crumbs and oils. This is also a great time to go through the refrigerator and freezer to remove any old, spoiled and unwanted food. Think about donating to a local food bank if items are still edible/safe but not wanted. (I would also recommend trying to time this as the day before trash pick up to avoid any smells or pests accumulating in the garbage.) Clean the oven and stove, being careful to run self-cleaning features while able to leave the home or have the windows open for ventilation. It will get a little stinky and or smokey.

In the bathrooms, sort through items in cabinets to get rid of old/expired items. Re-organize the items to increase space and ease of finding. Just like the living room, this may also be a good time to wash the shower curtains and/or mats to remove mold and mildew. These items can hold smells over time, so it's best to get them fresh.

There is nothing more comforting than a relaxing bedroom. You can improve smells by washing curtains, drapes and bed covers. Vacuum and rotate mattresses to prevent moisture build up and uneven shifting. All of these activities will help prevent dust mite accumulation. This is a great way to prolong the life of the mattress as well. Declutter closets and drawers, and plan on sending unwanted clothes to a local shelter. 

In general, this is a great time to open the windows to allow fresh air in. It also helps with ventilation should you be using certain household cleaning products. Natural cleaning products help reduce exposure to harsh chemicals and prevent irritation of allergies. Due to the moisture and humidity in the southeastern US (especially here in Fernandina Beach), consider a dehumidifier to control humidity and prevent mold growth in damp areas.

In closing, these are just a few suggestions. You can easily do some, if not all, on your own, but you may also want to consult a local professional. This post is not written by a professional in all fields, so make sure you follow manufacturer directions and recommended product guidelines through all of the activities. You'll be glad you took a few extra tips this spring when you are enjoying family and friends over for Memorial Day celebrations, 4th of July fireworks and great summer time memories.