A room-by-room guide to keep you focused as you spruce up for spring?
Gather your spring cleaning supplies, put on some motivating music, and roll up your sleeves.
Alternatively, try the pillowcase trick: Envelope a blade with a pillowcase, then slide it off.
Photo:Serhii Shleihel/Getty Images
This will trap the dust inside the case, so it doesnt spread everywhere.
Dont forget to dust the lightbulbs and soak any glass shades.
Ceilings and Walls
Swipe ceilings and walls with a clean, dry microfiber mop.
This speedy technique is ideal for painted or wallpapered surfaces.
For textured ceilings or stucco walls, use a feather duster instead.
Wipe window trim with a regular, damp microfiber cloth.
Hang curtains ASAP so they dont wrinkle.
Wall Art
Wipe glass with a flatweave microfiber cloth thats been sprayed with glass cleaner.
Never spray the frame directly, as moisture can seep behind the glass.
Use a soft brush (like a paint brush) to dust off detailed frames.
Lampshades
Bust out the vacuum again for thisjust execute the long-bristle attachmentup and down your lampshades.
Alternatively, use a lint roller if you dont want to lug out your Hoover.
Plants
Plantleavesneed a little TLC too.
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off dust from leaves.
Wipe the planter, too!
Roll area rugs and vacuum beneath to remove dirt and debris.
While you’re at it, use the long-bristle attachment to clean the baseboards.
With a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment, suck it up as you go.
When you’re done, toss the reusable mop head or microfiber pad in the washing machine.
Grease and cooked-on food should come right off.
Small Appliances
Dont forget to tackle these hardworking machines!
Wipe the exteriors, as well as the cords, with a damp cloth.
Shake your toaster over the trash and descale your coffee machine with vinegar.
Rub lemon juice on dishwasher-safe containers, let dry in a sunny place, then wash as usual.
Wipe with a wet sponge and dry.
To freshen up the garbage disposal, cut a lemon in half and run both pieces through the disposal.
Let it sit overnight, then remove in the morning.
Put it in the dryer on low heat for 10 minutes to soften and remove wrinkles.
Hang it back up, looking like new.
Spritz the mirror with glass cleaner and a flatweave microfiber cloth.
Combs and Brushes
Its easy to forget your hair tools!
Soak combs and brushes for 20 minutes, then rinse and air dry.
PS: check out this in-depth guide tobathroom cleaning.
Living Room
Upholstered Furniture
Your upholstered furniture can use a deep clean, too.
Television
Spray glass cleaner onto your microfiber cloth and wipe your television down.
Before placing books back, tackle the bindings with a Swiffer duster.
Under Furniture
While you’re most likely (hopefully!)
Pull everything out and purge items you no longer wear and are ready to part with.
For a simple upgrade, use all matching hangers and hang everything facing the same direction.
Nightstands
Declutter your nightstands and wipe off the surface with a damp microfiber cloth.
Dont forget to dust your alarm clock and lamp!
Here are some tips onstripping pillows(unfortunately you could’t strip memory foam or feather pillows).
(Really get into the folds!)
Run a normal cycle setting with warm water.
While thats doing its thing, wipe the exterior of your machine with your favorite multipurpose cleaner.
Dryer Vent
Vacuum or brush thedryer venttubing, then address the lint screen.
Brush off dust and scrub with a toothbrush and soapy water.
Let it air dry.
Finally, sweep or vacuum around your machine.
Now’s the time to tackle hand washables and other delicate pieces.
Carve out some time to listen to a podcast while you make these simple fixes.
