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That time of year we’ve all been waiting for is here! It’s the beginning of the traditional “clean and organized” season. If Spring cleaning is on your mind you may be dreading even getting started, but home organizing and cleaning pros have some tips for giving your living spaces a fresh start.

Step 1    Take a few minute to plan your strategy.

• Accumulated a lot of stuff over the winter? Where will it go?
• Have help and want to do it all at once? Make sure you have the supplies you need, and don’t be discouraged if there’s a lot left at the end of the day.
• Doing it a little at a time? Make a list and check things off to help stay motivated – one closet at a time is still an accomplishment.

Step 2    Declutter.

Start with where things are going to be put away – closets, cabinets, storage areas – and remove things that can be donated or disposed of to make room for things you actually want to keep. Organize your storage as you put things away. There are lots of options in bins and bags that can help.

Step 3    Dust and vacuum.

Containing the dust means it won’t keep moving from place to place as you organize.

Step 4    Tend to spots and smudges.

Clean the spots and smudges that require cleaning liquids, and schedule the deeper cleaning that requires professional help.

Organize your entire house cleaning in groups:

• Clean the windows. It can be surprising how much a little more light can help you see what’s been missed during the winter.
• Clean out the refrigerator, checking the expiration dates can be surprising.
• Move large appliances and furniture (if possible) and clean under them.
• Clean blinds and vacuum fabric window coverings. Tip: To avoid damaging curtains, wrap the end of the vacuum tool with a bit of loosely woven fabric or plastic screen.
• If your mattress has two sides, vacuum and then flip it. Just vacuum if it only has one “up” side. Wash pillows and mattress covers as well.
• Check and/or change heating system filters.
• Dust and vacuum everywhere
• Clean the spots and smudges.

When it’s time to clean spots and smudges, make sure you have the right cleaning products for your surfaces.

Dishwashing detergent can soften wall and trim paint (and even automotive paint) and can leave trim paint feeling gummy. Windex and other glass cleaners may damage the finish on metal blinds. Many hard-surface furniture cleaning products contain silicone that leaves a shine but will also attract dust.

In general, applying the cleaning product to a microfiber towel is safer than spraying directly on the surface to be cleaned.

If this seems like a lot of work, remember that this list was compiled by home organizing professionals that do this kind of thing for a living, and turning some of this over to a pro might be a good idea. Hire help or do it yourself – either way the effort will be worthwhile. Your home will not only feel cleaner, it will be a healthier environment.

How can we help?

When you need help with the cleaning of your interior furnishings, keep us in mind. We’re cleaning specialists of installed carpet, area rugs, upholstery and stone, tile and grout. Our experienced and friendly service team will be happy to help.