Spring cleaning isn’t just an annual ritual for sprucing up your home – it’s also a necessity for maintaining it, especially after the long and intense winter months. Enduring all of that messy, wet winter weather can wreak havoc on our exterior surfaces, and being cooped up with the heat blaring for months means there’s likely plenty of dusty crevices inside to address. To help you get your home ready for the warmer months ahead, here’s our guide to spring cleaning.
Wash the Windows
After the winter season, there’s no area that tends to look quite as grimy as the windows. All of that snow, rain, and dirt can do a serious number on them, making your entire home look grubby and unkempt. Plus, it can darken your interior by buffering out the natural light. So, the first task to tackle on your spring cleaning list is scrubbing away that winter grime on your windows. To get them sparkling, you don’t need to use harsh chemical cleaners. A simple solution of soap and water and a microfiber cloth will clean them up even better than standard cleaning agents. Use a squeegee for the best, streak-free results and keep a damp cloth on hand to wipe up drips and clean out those sliders. If it’s a really sunny day outside, it might be best to wait until it’s cooler and cloudier since the heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry out faster and leave streaks behind. While you have the soap and squeegee handy, you can tackle two birds with the one stone by running them over your sliding patio doors too.
Baseboards, Doorframes, and Walls
Being stuck for such a long period of time inside during the winter can desensitize us to the areas throughout the home that need some attention, but often get overlooked. That’s why we recommend having a family member or friend who has an honest, critical eye to point out areas that may not register on your cleaning radar. Some commonly neglected areas include the baseboards, doorframes, kitchen cupboards, and even the walls. To get rid of the handprints and dirt, soap, water, and a sponge will do the trick.
Clean the Carpets
If you have carpeting throughout your home, or even just some rugs, the springtime is ideal for giving them a deep, thorough cleaning. The is particularly important to do at least once per year if you have pets in the home. Their hair and dander can become deeply embedded in the fibers which can provoke allergy symptoms – something we’d all rather avoid. You can hire a professional carpet cleaning service or rent out a deep cleaner to do it on your own.
Vacuum Under Furniture, Along Vents, and Crevices
With the windows sealed up and the heating roaring continuously during winter, vacuuming is a must during your spring cleaning. With the help of your spouse, friend or family member, make sure to get into those not-so-easy-to-access areas – under the couch, under the rugs, under appliances, around your vents, and in any crevices. If you have central air conditioning, it’s a good idea to eliminate as much dust as you can from your air ducts before it’s time to switch on the cool air.
Refresh Your Kitchen
As the warmer spring-like weather emerges, it’s also a popular time for homeowners to re-examine their interior and give it a refreshed look. If your kitchen, bathroom or even the basement could use an updated look, now is the perfect time to do it. Hop online to get ideas of what you like, then consult with a designer, find a reliable contractor, and lock in your dates so you can have it done in time to enjoy the summer.
Dejunk
We’re all guilty of buying things that we don’t need or barely used just to add it to another junk-filled drawer. If this sounds familiar, why not embrace the brighter, sunnier months with a fresh slate? Dejunking may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The secret is to chip away at it gradually, focusing on one area or room at a time. Sorting through your belongings and eliminating excess clutter not only makes your home look and feel airier and inviting, but it also will make you feel so much better without seeing junk piled up in every corner.
Safety Inspection
Spring cleaning is also a good time to perform a few safety inspections. Check the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide alarms and replace them if needed. And if you don’t have a fire extinguisher on hand, it’s worth your while to purchase one, learn how to use it, and always keep it nearby the kitchen in case of a fire.
Renosgroup.ca has you covered for all of your home renovation needs. If you’re planning to overhaul your kitchen, bathroom or basement this year, reach out today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss your ideas and vision so we can get it done in time for the summer.
