Ahhh, springtime.  The sun is shining, the days are longer, trees and flowers are blooming. When all you want to do is go outside and enjoy the warmer weather, there is no better time than to hole up inside and start cleaning!  While it seems counterintuitive, spring cleaning is an age-old tradition that has roots in religious and cultural customs.  

Back in the 1800s, long winters left homes covered in soot and grime after being heated with coal or wood, and lit with kerosene lamps. When spring arrived, a deep cleaning was absolutely necessary. 

Biologically, winter months with less daylight make our bodies produce more melatonin, causing us to feel sluggish and tired. With more daylight in the spring, our bodies are naturally energized and this extra melatonin production subsides.  If you’re ready to use this extra energy to get cleaning, read more below! 

Tips and Tricks to Get Started

-  Dedicate at least a full day or two to your goal of cleaning.  You may finish sooner, or you may need more time.  Either way, it helps to clear your calendar so you have free time dedicated to your goal of refreshing your apartment.

-  Make a list of your goals for the cleaning session, including the areas you want to tackle.  Some people prefer to start with the smallest/easiest task, and others prefer to start with the most difficult.  Start where it feels right to you!  Keeping a list will help you remain accountable during the process.

-  Focus on one area at a time.  It can be very easy to get overwhelmed with everything you have to get done.  If you focus your attention to one area or task at a time, you will find that getting through your checklist is much easier than it seems.

-  Purchase or gather cleaning supplies.  Some supplies are absolutely necessary for this process, such as:

• Trash Bags
• Paper towels or microfiber cloths
• Sponges
• Window cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes
• Duster
• Deep cleaning products for the bathroom and kitchen, such as Comet or Clorox bleach spray

Checklist

Wherever you decide to start, the checklist below will help you stay on task.

1.  Pick a playlist.  Music will help make the daunting tasks ahead slightly more enjoyable.  Break out your headphones or speaker and throw on some of your favorite tunes or podcasts to get you motivated!

2.  Declutter.  This will always be the first step (after your cleaning soundtrack is selected, of course).  Purge your space of any belongings that you no longer need. 

• Working on your closet?  Donate any clothes or shoes that no longer fit, or you haven’t worn in the past year.  
• Tackling the kitchen?  Throw out expired foods and condiments, and consider donating non-perishables that you don’t plan to use (like those impulse buys from when quarantine started).  
• Braving the bathroom?  Get rid of old bath products that have been sitting under the sink for ages.  Check your medicine cabinet too for anything that may be expired or no longer needed.

3.  Dust and sanitize.  And not just dust around your things; It’s best to remove everything and get into every corner and crevice.  Don’t forget those little spots around the apartment that tend to get overlooked, like window tracks, behind the toilet, light switches, and even remote controls.  Areas like the kitchen and bathroom may require some heavy duty scrubbing with those deep cleaning products mentioned earlier.

4.  Vacuum. Ensure all carpeted areas are vacuumed thoroughly.  It helps to move slowly here; moving the vacuum over carpet slower results in removing up to 85% more allergens and dust.  Once the carpets are done, remove all of the couch cushions and vacuum any crumbs, pet hair, and whatever else found its way into your sofa.

5.  Air it out.  Open some windows and let the fresh air flow through your apartment for a few hours.  Before opening the windows, be sure to wash them too!

6.  Bring some life in.  Once you’re done cleaning, treat yourself and your home to a new plant or some fresh flowers.  Not only will this look lovely in your refreshed space, but plants are said to improve air quality, enhance your mood and increase creativity.

Hopefully these little tricks and tips helped spark a little inspiration to tackle your spring cleaning checklist!