It’s Time for the Annual Spring Cleaning!

There comes a time each year when we need to turn our attention to house spring cleaning.  We are usually busy doing daily and weekly chores. But this type of deep cleaning is needed. For not only will it ensure that every nook and cranny of our home has been thoroughly cleaned, it will also enable us to concentrate on maintenance and prevention cleaning afterwards.

Preparing your home for spring cleaning
Clutter is the most prevalent problem facing spring cleaning.  Before we can get down to the business of serious cleaning we first need to get rid of the junk that clutters our homes.  Pick up and toss old magazines and papers.  Put away toys and other items back in their respective areas.  

The key to successful spring cleaning is to be able to get to all walkways, surface areas, windows and doors.  Your home should be open enough to get to the dirt that hides in nooks and crannies.

What needs cleaning?
Spring cleaning conjures up images of sunny days with the windows thrown wide open and sunlight flooding every room.  It provides thoughts of freshness and summer scented air.  

While it may not be possible to attend to every inch of your home, spring cleaning should cover lots of tidying, dusting and scrubbing.  Study each room and make a list of what needs to be done.  Your list will provide you with a timetable as well as what equipment will be needed.  From this you will be able to divide up your chores into manageable sections.  If you are aiming at washing all your curtains for instance plan to do them all at the same time.  Without the clutter of curtains you will have the opportunity of getting to curtain rails, windows and windowsills.  This will also give you the opportunity of dusting and cleaning high up into the corners of the ceilings.

Spring cleaning tips
Spring cleaning is traditionally undertaken in spring, especially in colder climates.  The warmer weather provides the motivation needed to get rid of dust and grime accumulated during the winter months.  However the warmer weather often calls for outdoor activities and spring cleaning is far down the list.  There are ways to help you get organized and in doing so alleviate the time taken for this chore.

1.    First, decide how much time you want to dedicate to the task and when it is most convenient.  For instance some people may prefer to tackle the task over an entire weekend while others may prefer to devote a few hours to it each day over a period of time.

2.    Ensure that you make your task as enjoyable as possible.  Put on your favourite music and be sure to take sufficient breaks.  Order your favorite take out foods as a treat at the end of the session.

3.    Ask for help if you can.  Get your family or friends involved and offer them incentives for helping you.  Equip each person with a bag they can keep on them filled with cleaning materials and a list.

4.    Be brutal about getting rid of items you no longer have any use for.  Sort and separate them and sell them if you can.  You can also offer them to friends and family or donate them to charity.  Most charities will accept almost anything for fundraising.  Be sure however that you offer them goods that are in good working order.

5.    If you are disposing of hazardous materials ensure that you do so in an environmentally friendly way.  You can either deliver them to a waste station or arrange for them to collect.

6.    Arrange those items you are keeping in containers and find an area where you can store them neatly.

7.    Once you have finished spring cleaning why not rearrange your furniture for a fresh look.  If you can afford it, spring cleaning offers a perfect opportunity for re-decorating or re-painting.

8.    Spring cleaning is a great way to get rid of the old and bring in the new.  Pay attention to every area.  De-clutter your bookshelves, cabinets, clothes and even your computer.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/house-spring-cleaning-a-necessary-task-1798795.html#ixzz1IsDm9K3K