During the winter months, it’s common for messes to pile up in our homes. Distracted by the holidays or by hibernating in our beds, we aren’t likely to check for the dust bunnies that have gathered or the shingles that may have fallen off the roof.
But spring is here and it’s the perfect time to deep clean your home. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a checklist of tasks to prioritize during spring cleaning to ensure a fresh new year.
Table of Contents
Schedule a pest control inspection
Spring brings all of those household pests out of hibernation, so it’s a good time to have a professional assess your property. A thorough inspection should start with your yard and the home’s foundation, as the best strategy is to keep the pests out in the first place. After that, continue the walkthrough inside to look for entry points or signs of infestation.
If you live in an area where termites are an issue, that should be your main concern during the assessment. Check for telltale signs like sticky doors and windows or foundation damage so you can get ahead of any infestations early.
While any pest control service can do the job, it’s best to seek out a reputable company with good reviews who uses organic, sustainable products like this. Not only is this route better for the environment, but it’s safer for your family and pets, too.
Thoroughly clean the patio
Patios and balconies can be deceiving. They might look spotless from a distance, but you can’t see the leaves wedged underneath the welcome mat or the cobwebs forming in front of the door. Clean the patio the same way you would clean your living room because any insects lurking outside the door are mere inches from coming in.
Purge the closet
Over the winter, your taste in clothing might have changed. Your size might have changed, too, meaning some of your old clothes will no longer fit. Clean out your closet and take any unneeded clothes to a thrift store. You’ll be surprised at how refreshing it is to toss out what no longer reflects your personal style.
Wipe the windows
If possible, clean your windows on the outside as well as inside. This will help the summer sunlight come in with a pure glow. Wipe dead insects off the glass and clear off those pesky spiderwebs. These details are small but highly noticeable.
Clean the kitchen
Have you ever looked through your kitchen to find cans of food that expired ten years ago? It’s easy to forget the cans at the back of the pantry, but outdated food won’t be of any use. Spring cleaning is a great time to buy fresh groceries to replace any moldy food in the back of the fridge.
Wash the carpet
Carpets, especially dark-colored ones, can hide all sorts of stains and spills. Pest control is a big part of carpet cleaning, too. Insects can build nests under the rug. Thoroughly wash and clean your carpet to get rid of all the mud and bugs.
Toss old makeup
Makeup and skincare products that sit unused in the winter might end up at the back of the drawer. During the winter, we’re often less likely to apply lipstick or eyeliner. Soon, a pile of gooey lipstick and dry, cracked eyeshadow will grow. It’s unlikely you’re going to use these products, so toss them out.
Clean your hard drive
Your lightweight laptop might be holding the biggest mess in your house. Stacked folders hold endless files, selfies you don’t need, and screenshots from months ago. Not only does the mess make navigation difficult, but it will result in a slow, groggy computer that could shut down on you at any time. Organize the laptop yourself or get help from a professional to sort things out.
Spring cleaning looks different for everyone; individual needs vary. The age and placement of your house will make a difference in what needs to be repaired. If you live in the forest, check even more carefully for pests. If you’re in the big city, ensure that your alarm system is up-to-date. In both cases, don’t forget to clean the gutters! This list of basic spring cleaning tasks can help you get a cleaner house this spring.