Have you ever thought about the origins of spring cleaning? Before electricity and other modern conveniences, homes were heated using oil, coal, or wood and lit with gas or candlelight. Winter was accompanied by soot and grime. Spring arrived, and all doors were opened. Rugs, furniture, cabinets, curtains, and other items were cleaned out, scrubbed, and aired out.

Even though central heating doesn’t attract that much dirt, winter bugs seem to sneak in. With the harsh weather conditions this year, it is important to keep our homes warm. This year, we are relying on our instincts to bring spring into our lives by cleaning up.

Clear it Out: Strategy No. 1

Get rid of unnecessary clutter in your home.

• It can be recycled. You can still read the printed version online, but some people still love the physical versions. Take out any magazines and newspapers that you haven’t read yet. You can also recycle mixed papers in your community. Check the regulations, then create a bin to store them.
• It can be sold. You can sell it at consignment shops, garage sales, tag sales and tag sales. You can collect them all in one place and then decide how to dispose of them after spring cleaning.
• Donate it. Good-quality items that don’t fit your lifestyle but are still in good condition can be donated to charity or “freecycled”. Freecycle is an online, grassroots nonprofit organization that allows people to give and get stuff for free in their local communities. Membership is free, and each local group is moderated.
• Convenience for the consumer: Lighter containers make it easier to transport and store at home.

Strategy #2: Take stock of your supplies

Make sure to have all of the supplies you need before you begin cleaning.

An all-purpose spray cleaner should be used for small, washable areas. A powder or liquid cleaner should be used for large, washable surfaces such as floors and walls.

You might also need cleaners that are specific to your surfaces, such as granite cleaners or metal polishes. Or you may have to use your personal preference, such as wipes or special-purpose sprays. Don’t forget about checking your trash bags and vacuum cleaner bags.

Strategy #3: Create a Plan

• Choose your cleaning style. It is easier to clean one room at a time. Some prefer to do multiple tasks at once, such as cleaning out windows in several rooms or vacuuming up until the end.
• Prioritize. Decide on the order of each room if you prefer to work in one place at a given time. It’s better to tackle the rooms that are most difficult or have the highest traffic first. This way, even if cleaning plans go sour, you can still be proud and satisfied with what you have accomplished.
• Think about the big stuff. Are the curtains to be washed? Consider comforters, blankets and slipcovers for bed skirts, shower curtains, and comforters. Do you need professional cleaning for your draperies and area rugs? It will be much easier to clean the remainder of the space once these items have been removed.

Strategy #4: Require Help

You don’t have to do everything.

• Get involved with your family. Plan a Spring Cleaning Day. Get started early. Assign tasks based on age and ability. Pre-plan lunch – perhaps even deliver it – so that your helpers don’t lose momentum. Make it enjoyable. You can hide your favorite treats in areas that aren’t clean. You can keep everyone’s energy high by playing lively music.
• Get together with a friend. Schedule a second day if necessary.
• Hire professionals. You don’t need to do all the cleaning yourself if your budget is tight. You can have someone else wash your windows, polish the floors, shampoo the carpets, or clean the upholstery. Or even do most of the cleaning after you have removed all the clutter.