Spring Cleaning Guide
Once that first gust of spring air makes its way through my windows, it's enough to send me into a cleaning frenzy. We've been cooped up in our dens for the better part of a year, squirreling away our creature comforts to cope with a seemingly endless winter. The result is a cluttered home that pays homage to our winter survival tactics. Namely, the ninja warrior like obstacle of accomplishing what needs to be done outdoors before your eyebrows freeze solid. For this reason, my spring cleaning regimen focuses less on scrubbing and more on ridding my house of the unnecessary or unwanted clutter that has inevitably accumulated. Below I'm laying out the steps I take and the services I enlist to get my home feeling fresh in time for summer.
Step 1: Purging
As a mom of 4 kids, my home accumulates at a rate that far supersedes my ability to manage it. Routine cleaning is so much easier when closet corners aren't piled with old birthday party goodie bags, so the majority of my effort is spent sorting and decluttering closets.
I work best when I set goals, so allotting a set amount of time to complete tasks helps keep me motivated and focused. I start by writing out a list of all the closets in our home and assigning them a given amount of time. I typically do one closet per evening as to not get overwhelmed or create too much of a mess in multiple rooms. I like to complete this project within a week or I run the risk of losing interest as timelines drag out.
To complete a closet, I start by taking everything out of it. I give it a proper cleaning by vacuuming, dusting and wiping it down from the highest shelf to the base boards and everything in between. Next, I'll work with whomever the closet belongs to to evaluate clothes - what no longer fits and what they no longer wear. We'll create a donate pile and dispose of any clothes that are beyond repair. Once we've gone through each item, we'll put everything back in - grouping items accordingly. I have a system for how I store clothes in our closets that I'll share in another post.
The next area I focus on is drawers. Once a year each spring, I go through every one of our drawers. I typically start with a dresser at a time, taking everything out and sorting it into piles. My objective is always to clear out what we no longer need, want or wear - but also to get a chance to run a vacuum through the drawers and give them a good wipe down. As I put items back, I'm always cognizant of how I can improve functionality - adding drawer dividers or other storage solutions as I go (here is one of my favorites!)
The kitchen is a particularly daunting task that I carve out as its own weekend project. Start by going through each drawer and cabinet, emptying its contents and giving the interior a good cleaning. Create zones for items you want to donate, sell or dispose of. Return the remaining contents to its place being mindful of any improvements you can make to functionality.
Step 2: Cleaning
My goal when I complete my spring cleaning is to finish with my entire house clean - at the same time. It's the crown jewel at the end of the back-breaking journey. If you've attempted a project like this, you know that one area often unravels as you turn your focus toward another. This is why my spring cleaning focuses on deep cleaning areas that typically go untouched throughout the year and then calling in a team of professionals to manage the regular maintenance. Here is a list of the areas I give attention to for their once a year polish:
Washing shower curtains and shower liners
Washing and ironing bed skirts
Washing and ironing curtains (or dry cleaning if necessary)
Dusting light fixtures
Emptying refrigerator and freezer - washing shelves and drawers
Dusting radiators with a radiator bristle brush (I'm linking one here).
Step 3: Call in the pros
Finally, it's time to call in the pros. There are some services we need performed around the house that are best done by the professionals. Below is a list of the pros I call on for help, utilizing locally owned small businesses whenever I can.
Carpet or Upholstery Cleaner: Tiller's Carpet Cleaning
I have used Tiller's to clean our wool area rugs, wall to wall carpet and also upholstery like couches and dining chairs. They are an independently owned and operated local business providing exceptional service. 15816 Quebec Circle, Eden Prairie (952) 935-8900
Tile Cleaning: Zerorez
If you have tile or grout that isn't responding to household cleaners, consider having Zerorez come in and professionally steam clean it for you. It instantly removes layers of soap scum and stains like nothing else can. After cleaning the grout, plan to reseal it to preserve the like-new luster. 5310 West 23rd Street, St. Louis Park (952) 937-6739
Dry Cleaning: Edina Cleaners
Twice a year, I bring our down comforter to be professionally dry cleaned at Edina Cleaners. I also bring any pillow covers or curtains that require extra attention. They have always done an excellent job handling my delicate fabrics with care and returning items in perfect condition. 4530 France Avenue South, Edina (952) 927-9991
Maintenance Cleaning: Mint Victoria
Once I have completed my deep cleaning - from the insides of our sock drawers to the darkest corners of our freezer, I call in a professional crew to bring it all together. Mint Victoria is a Veteran owned residential cleaning company serving the Twin Cities. They set themselves apart by offering à la carte add-on services. For $15 extra, I opt to have them wash down doors and trim that are regularly grazed by sticky, smudgy fingers - but they are happy to tailor their services to fit your needs respectively. 1405 Park Road, Chanhassen (952) 401-9119
With that, your spring cleaning is done! The feeling of completing such a daunting task is euphoric - especially with the promise of warmer temperatures on their way. The breeze seems to flow a little more freely through your home now that the clutter is gone and space has been made in your home and mind for a summer filled with memories. I would love to hear the professionals you call on for help around your home. Does anyone with allergies have their HVAC duct work cleaned? Tell me more in the comments below!
This post contains affiliate links