To get in the groove, I want you to remember to clean by category and not by location so you can start by washing all the windows, dusting all the light fixtures, wiping the floor and so forth. To go deep, you’ve got to be ready to pull the furniture and appliances away from the walls you need to clean. This is the time for a good deep clean, so make sure you vacuum, mop, sweep and wipe everywhere. 

Nooks and Crannies

After the big-picture clean, it’s time to wipe down areas that generally doesn’t see a wet rag. Like the top of the refrigerator, inside the kitchen cupboard or the space behind the television. Remember the top of the refrigerator is not a shelf so keep it clear.

Other Areas to Remember to Wipe 

• Wipe underneath the bed, dresser and the closet floor. To remove the dust from under the bed use a blowdryer.
• Wipe doorknobs and doors
• Lift up your rugs and wipe underneath, you can put your rug outside to get natural sunlight as the heat from the sun is a natural disinfectant. 
•  Clean the shower with baking soda and vinegar. Works similar to scrubbing bubbles, without the cost.
• Don’t forget the garbage bin – it collects garbage but even that deserves to be wiped and be disinfected. You can use lemons to freshen it up!

Vacuum and Dust 

• Dust baseboards and surfaces with dryer sheets, they’re surprisingly effective or (use a vacuum if preferred).
• Pull out the cushions in your living room sofa and vacuum, you will be surprised how many crumbs and loose change you might find. 
• Look up high and check the ceiling for cobwebs.
• Inside drawers can get dirty, use the vacuum to get rid of dirt.
• Dust and polish wooden furniture.

 Don’t Forget the Fridge 

Cleaning the fridge can be a big undertaking. As discussed in my previous blog – Get Neat in 10 Days.  First take everything out and give the shelves and products a good clean to get rid of any dirt and sticky residue. Group all items in categories and get rid of any expired food or leftovers you don’t plan to eat. Then group all items in the fridge in categories and designate a bin or space for each food group (meats, diary, condiments, vegetables, juice etc.). 

Refresh and Reset 

Now that all the cracks and crannies have been cleaned, and dust has vanished. It’s time to rearrange furniture and switch out any seasonal items like clothing and bedding. Ideally, all your clothes should be in your closet as I do not recommend organizing by season.  If that’s not the case, we will save that for another blog but now would be the time to switch to your spring clothes. Thank your bulky jackets, chucky sweaters and cold weather accessories for their months of service and pack them away. Do the same for your bedding and curtains – switching out heavier blankets and comforters for lighter sheets and quilts. Get some spring colors in there, a soft, rosy hue blooming with potential is Benjamin Moore color of the Year (First Light 2102-70). Now don’t forget to rotate your mattress. 

Add Some Plants

 What’s spring without plants? If you have plants, now is the best time to nurture them by adding soil, fertilizer and pruning the leaves. The weather is getting warmer so crack the widow to get fresh air and move them closer to the window for sunlight if needed.  If you don’t have any plants and would like to see if you have a green thumb now would be a good time. House plants are great to have as they are a natural humidifier to clean the air. If you are looking for a plant that is low maintenance try getting a snake plant (Sansevieria). It’s the only one we have managed to keep alive. 

If you tackled any cleaning today big or small, leave a comment below or tag us in your photos @neatrules. We want to give you virtual high fives!

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