Winter’s cold grip is finally relaxing, but its leaves can be…well, let’s just say underwhelming. Snow melting away exposes a layer of grunge covering everything, dust bunnies have launched an all-out invasion , and the brilliant hues in your abode appear to have retreated under a layer of winter’s detritus. This annual reckoning of the state of our homes after the cool months can be daunting — or at least it could be. Well, a proper spring clean is about more than just looking good — it’s about a healthy and happy environment. A seasonal refresh that banishes winter grime and gets rid of the accumulated clutter is one of those things that you need to invest time and effort in, or even think about the best cleaning services if you want someone else to take care of it. This article walks you through every step of the ultimate spring clean, from removing things you no longer want to scrub down surfaces to refreshing upholstery to use better the space you already have to enter spring with a clean and fresh home.

Purge and declutter: get rid of things you do not use

Before you even consider taking a duster, the first step is decluttering. It’s about clearing space to make way for the new energy of spring. Now is your opportunity to finally deal with those overstuffed cupboards, drawers, and storage boxes. Be ruthless! 

• Clothes: Go through your closet and donate those clothes that no longer fit you or that you don’t wear anymore.

• Household items: Toss broken appliances, outdated décor, and anything else just taking up space.

• Paper: Shred documents are no longer needed, so clean your filing system. If you can, opt for digital.

• Sentimental items: It’s hard to part with sentimental items, but try to be selective and stash only the most meaningful. Maybe even a memory box for these gems.

Decluttering can seem overwhelming, so divide and conquer. Focus on one room or area at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask friends or family to help you.

Give your hard surfaces a deep clean

Now that you’ve purged, it’s time to get down and dirty with cleaning. Sooty winter dirt attaches to every surface, from dusty shelves to muddy baseboards. This accumulation must be adequately cleaned with a deep clean to start fresh and neat.

• Dusting: Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves from top to bottom. Dust effectively by using a microfibre cloth to trap dust.

• Cleaning walls: Wipe with a diluted mild detergent on a damp cloth. Focus on high-traffic areas and any stains or blemishes.

• Dust baseboards: Baseboards tend to be overlooked but get pretty dirty. Go over them with a damp cloth or brush, getting into the cracks.

• Cleaning the bathrooms — Get scrubbing tiles, grout, fixtures, etc, in each bathroom.

• Cleaning kitchen appliances: Go through your refrigerator and clean your oven and other kitchen appliances.

Don’t neglect those frequently ignored surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. These are high-touch surfaces that can be breeding grounds for germs.

Change window treatments: allow natural light in

Winter tends to take on window treatments and become dull and dusty. This will not only make your home look a lot nicer but also allow more of that glorious natural light in.

• Washing curtains: Remove the curtains and wash them following the care instructions. Some can be thrown in the washing machine, while others must be dry-cleaned.

• Cleaning blinds – Dust blinds with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

• Cleaning windows: Polish them inside and out for a brilliant shine. Use a window cleaning solution and a squeegee for streak-free results.

Clean, shiny windows make a world of difference in the light and ambiance of your home.

Refresh your upholstery: get rid of allergens and stains

Winter can pose challenges for upholstery, with allergens, dust mites, and stains building up over time. Reupholstering your furniture can also change its air quality — and will freshen it.

• Vacuum: Vacuum all upholstered furniture (including cushions and crevices) and beneath it. Use a crevice tool to access narrow areas.

• Spot clean: Apply a suitable spot cleaner to any fabric-type stains.

• Shampoo: If the upholstery needs to be deeply cleaned, consider shampooing it. You can hire a professional cleaner or rent a carpet and upholstery cleaning machine.

• Hire a professional janitorial cleaning company for a deep clean, especially if you own pets or have allergies. Equipped to handle the most stubborn stains and allergens, they know just what to do.
  
  

Consolidate your storage space for efficiency

Spring cleaning is the best time to reorganize your storage spaces. A tidy pantry, linen closet, or garage will ease many of your life's pains.

• Pantry: Throw away expired foods and sort the rest by type. Use only clear containers so you can see what you have.

• Linen Closet: Fold linens and label bins or baskets.

• Garage: A garage is a big space that must be organized, tidy, and stored in its place. To optimize space, use shelving or wall-mounted storage.

• Organizing your storage space will save you time and frustration and make maintaining a clean and clutter-free household easier.

Final thoughts: welcome spring back into your home

Spring cleaning — the annual chore that seems to invade even the tiniest among us — is a ritual of renewal, an opportunity to freshen your home and, sometimes, your mind. As such, following these steps can zap that winter grime, ensure a tidy space, and welcome spring with a shining home. Embrace the fresh, clean smell and the pride of a job well done. Your home will appreciate it, and you’ll uniquely enjoy the warmer months of the year in your space.