SPRING INTO A CLEAN HOME
It’s warming up in Chicago, which means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning! You owe it to yourself to enjoy a clean, clutter-free environment. Before you whip out that duster, though, you may want to consider these tips and tricks that will make your life easier as you go.
1. De-Clutter
Get your Marie Kondo on before you begin cleaning. Studies have shown that a disorganized home adds to your stress level. Spend some time at the beginning of each season organizing your closets and looking into that junk drawer to eliminate unnecessary stress from your life.
2. Consider purchasing a HEPA Vacuum
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums contain filters that are capable of trapping extremely small, micron-sized particles. HEPA vacuums not only remove dirt and dust, they also remove allergens and impurities from your air.
3. Think Green
A steam cleaner is one of the best green products for spring-cleaning. Since steam cleaners only use hot water vapor, they are a 100% natural and chemical-free cleaning solution. Don’t have a steam cleaner? Try white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and water. These ingredients are affordable, non-toxic, and have worked for ages when it comes to cleaning. Or, check out this list of essential (and affordable!) green products.
4. Safety First!
For safe spring cleaning, wear rubber gloves, masks, scarves and even hairnets. Protective clothing will help you guard against skin irritations and allergic reactions. Also, make sure to read labels if you suffer from allergies or are using heavy-duty cleaners.
5. Make a Schedule
What areas of your house do you skip during routine cleaning? Those are the best places to start. Having a plan for when you’re tackling each room will keep you focused on the task at hand.
6. Work from Top to Bottom
It’s important to start from the ceiling down. This will force debris downward and keep you from having to re-dust or re-clean your space.
Have these down? Then it's off to the races! If you feel like going above and beyond, check out our checklists for recommended seasonal maintenance activities to keep your home running in top-notch fashion.
