5 Tips For Spring Cleaning

1) Start With A Plan. Many Apps are available to aid you in your planning process for Spring cleaning. Spring Cleaning Checklist is a great Free app to try to get started with your list. Allocate how you check off items on your to do list according to time. Conquer a few of your smaller items throughout the work week and save your larger tasks for the weekends.
2) Declutter. Start with your closet. I like to put all of my winter clothes in plastic bins to free up space in my closet. I usually keep the bins on the top shelf of my closet, so they are out of the way. Be sure you get your Winter sweaters & pants dry cleaned at your local Pilgrim Cleaners location before storing them away. Take your Spring/Summer clothes out of hiding and bring them in for a fresh cleaning as well. Be sure to get rid of any items that no longer fit, or bring them to our professional tailors for a quick alteration. Get rid of the items in your closet that you no longer wear (if you didn’t wear them all season it’s a safe bet you can get rid of them.) Sort these clothes in to two piles, one for donation & one for resale. Poshmark is a great app to use for selling your unwanted items. You can also bring them into your local Buffalo Exchange or Turn Style.
Once you have everything back in your closet that you want to keep, I like to sort out the items by type. I have half of my closet (the right side) designated to work clothes (sorted out by skirts, pants, blazers, tops) and the other half of my closet (the left side) designated for my lounging & going out clothes. I also have this portion sorted out by item type (skirts, pants, workout clothes, dresses, leggings, tshirts, sweaters, cardigans, etc.) After your closet is reorganized & decluttered, move on to the rest of your house. Recycle old bills, papers, donate unused electronics, books, dvd’s, furniture, decorations, pet supplies, shoes, handbags, accessories, etc. The more you get rid of, the less you have to clean! Craigslist free postings is also a great way to get rid of unwanted items quickly, without having to leave your house!
3) Deep Clean. Start with your kitchen. The most unsanitary place is usually the fridge. Check expiration dates and throw out any expired items. A neat way to keep track of the items in your fridge is The Fridge app. This app will help you reduce food waste and save money. After you have removed everything from the fridge, clean the shelves with a mixture of salt and soda water. The bubbles in the soda water combines with the exfoliation action of the salt to make a great cleaner. Next move on to the kitchen sink. The best way to get rid of lime buildup around the sink it is to lay paper towels over the fixture, soak it with vinegar and let it set for an hour. The deposits will soften and become easier to remove. Last but not least, make sure to clean your stove. Remove the oven racks and drip pans, and clean them with a damp paper towel. Wipe down all surfaces inside your oven. Some ovens have a self cleaning mode you can use, which makes it simple, but if not; remove build up with a nonabrasive scrubber. Use a scrub brush to clean the racks, dry, and put back in. Give the oven window a good scrub with vinegar and water. Next, continue your scrubbing into the bathroom. Be sure to thoroughly clean the tub & toilets. The living room & bedrooms should be thoroughly vacuumed, or mopped, and the walls should be wiped down. If the drapes are looking drab, take them down and run them through the air-fluff cycle in the dryer along with a wet towel (to draw off the dust) for 15 minutes. Hang them back in the windows immediately. If their are stains that are on the drapes, bring them into a local Pilgrim Cleaners for a cleaning. While you’re at it, be sure to bring in your blankets, comforters & rugs for a cleaning as well! Don’t forget to finish off your cleaning with a thorough dusting & window washing.
4) Freshen Up. Once your house is clean, I like to open the windows to air out the place. Fresh air always brings in a nice smell. I also light candles or incense, Febreze the furniture, wash the pet’s bed, etc. Adding a fresh touch is also a great way to make your house feel new again. Try a new throw pillow, wall accent, or a new rug! A plant is also a great way to make a space feel fresh and add better air quality. If you don’t have a green thumb, try these house plants that thrive on neglect and are basically impossible to kill.
5) Reap The Rewards. Now that you have accomplished your Spring cleaning, sit back and enjoy! Drink a glass of wine in your fresh new space, read a book, or take yourself out for a night on the town.