It feels like spring is finally in the air. If, like so many of us, you’re totally over the long, wet winter, the urge for a bit of refresh and renew might be upon you. This usually means a bit of spring cleaning around the house and while the idea is always appealing, the reality might not be as tempting.
If you’re ready to scrub the winter out of the corners and throw open the windows to some fresh spring air, we’ve got a few tips to help you whip round in no time – or at least a bit less time:
Make a Plan:
Before you start cleaning, take some time to make a plan of action. Identify which areas of your home need the most attention and tackle those first. Breaking down the cleaning process into small, manageable chunks can make it feel less overwhelming. If you want it all done on a time scale, allocate jobs to days. That way you’ll know it’ll get done on time, plus you can stop and still feel noble when the day’s task is finished. If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, you could hire a reliable cleaning company in Calgary.
Declutter First:
Before you start deep cleaning, declutter the space. Go through each room and identify items that you no longer need or use. When you find items you want to keep but have no space for storage, consider looking into storage unit rental. It might be cheaper than you think and makes a safe haven for precious or bulky things you want to hang onto.
Gather Supplies:
Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment before you start. Include things like microfibre cloths, multipurpose cleaner, vacuum cleaner, mop, and scrubbing brushes. Having everything you need to hand means you can just crack on without stopping to hunt for something. Have a little cleaning caddy that holds all your supplies so it’s easy to carry around, and use multi-surface cleaners where you can to minimise bottles and sprays.
Work from Top to Bottom:
When cleaning each room, start at the top and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris that falls will be cleaned up as you work and prevent having to go over areas again. Begin by dusting ceiling light fixtures, wall mirrors and pictures before moving on to shelves, surfaces and finally floors.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas:
Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. These areas tend to accumulate more dirt and grime and may take a little longer. Use a combination of cleaning products and elbow grease to ensure these spaces are thoroughly cleaned. If you need to clean or shampoo carpets, pick your time carefully so the carpet has chance to dry before it gets too much traffic.
Don’t Forget the Small Details:
While it’s important to focus on larger tasks, don’t overlook the smaller details. Pay attention to areas such as skirting boards, window sills, and door frames, which can accumulate dust and grime over time. Use a damp cloth or vacuum attachment to remove dirt and debris from these often-neglected areas.
Delegate Tasks:
Get other members of the household involved and delegate tasks to get finished even quicker. Assign specific tasks to each household member based on their strengths and preferences. It can be hard work getting teens to help with cleaning up, but you might encourage them to at least sort out their belongings and make space in their bedrooms. Things they’re not using, such as seasonal clothes or sports gear, can go into your self storage room for safe keeping.
Take Breaks:
Cleaning can be surprisingly demanding, so take lots of breaks to rest and recharge. You could set a timer for intervals (say work for 30 mins then stop for 10). This tactic is often helpful when it’s a job you really don’t relish.
After all that work, you deserve a treat. Whether you’ve got something planned, such a meal out with a special someone or you just fancy relaxing with a favourite drink, make sure you do something nice for yourself. After all the months penned up indoors, it’s glorious to think about the summer months just round the corner. And now you’ve got a lovely clean house to welcome guests or simply enjoy the family.