What is Spring Cleaning?
While our spring cleaning list is intended mostly for your home, you can apply the concepts to any part of your life anytime. Humans need renewal for their mental and physical health. Order means control over chaos, and cleanliness means health over illness. MaidThis LA knows this, and we’re here to help.
Have you heard of being “in the zone”? It’s fully immersing yourself, almost like a baptism, in an experience that focuses and energizes you. That’s what spring cleaning does. It’s different from general cleaning because it’s a deep cleaning process that gives your home and you a fresh start.
THIS POST COVERS:
Tips for a More Efficient Clean
Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Living Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Pre-Cleaning Prep
Your first step is the warm-up to get yourself in the zone. Dress for success in comfy clothes. Be sure you hydrate and nourish yourself, and then engage in slow, deep breathing. Do a bit of light exercise and easy stretches while you imagine yourself surrounded by sparkling brightness. Create an action plan by setting mini-goals that are easy to achieve. Open windows for fresh air to give your body oxygen. “Out with the bad air, in with the good.” Put on music that makes your body move. And now you’ve broken the first barrier!
Gather Essential Supplies
Adapt the list the way you need. Being prepared means you’re ready to roll!
- Microfiber cloths
- Broom, dustpan, vacuum, wet mop bucket
- Extendable microfiber duster
- Extendable microfiber scrubber
- Soft brushes in different sizes
- Waterproof gloves
- Face masks or respirators to protect your lungs from dust
- Earth-friendly natural products whenever possible
- Mild dish soap or castile soap
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Salt for scrubbing
The Fastest Way to Declutter
Use the three-box method to make an immediate difference:
RETAIN: Put items you definitely need or want in this box. Decide later where to put them. Do you use them often? Do you get pleasure from being around them? Sometimes taking a photo of an item before donating it is enough.
RE-HOME: Put items for donation or recycling in this box. Contact local non-profits, community outreach organizations, shelters, religious organizations, veterans’ groups, and your county assistance departments. Social media often list local groups that barter or sell used belongings. For recycling information, contact your local waste management office.
RELEASE TO THE UNIVERSE: Doesn’t that sound nicer than saying “throw out with the garbage”? In landfills these items will degrade into different kinds of molecules that enter the water, soil, and air, ultimately returning to the universe to become stardust.
A Timetable that Works for You
One key to success is to make your project fun. Create a plan that makes you feel like you can get the job done. What is spring cleaning? It’s a house-wide celebration of renewal that you can spread over three months if you want! Breaking the project into manageable units is called “chunking.” Here are a few examples of chunking:
- Work on one room every week.
- Choose the time of day or night when you feel most motivated. Set your timer for 45 minutes to devote to your project.
- Pick one day a week to focus on a specific area: floors, trash cans, sinks, windows, grout, upholstery, whatever beckons.
- Gain power by identifying the task you LEAST want to do. Once a week, confront it and do something to improve it.
Tips for a More Efficient Clean
Work From Top to Bottom
Start with ceiling fans and work down to the floors so dust, spider webs, and grime won’t scatter onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Hint: Keep your mouth CLOSED when you reach up high!
“A Few Good Men”
That slogan dates from 1779 when the Continental Marines were recruiting for Revolutionary War volunteers. Think of it when gathering supplies: a few good all-purpose products are easier and more economical to manage.
Make It a Date
Don’t tackle that spring cleaning checklist alone! Involve some people over to help. You can even send invitations for spring cleaning company, offering refreshments and upbeat music to get the party started! Let each guest take control of a different task. It doesn’t have to be perfect. And you can invite your company back over again later.
Cleaning Secrets from the Pros
Here’s what all general cleaning experts know: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” This Tanzanian proverb advises doing small things often. In the case of spring cleaning, doing a few tasks daily saves you from confronting an overwhelming monster job later. Not only will your spring cleaning be a breeze after plucking away at it all winter, but your health and mental state will improve.
Want more ideas? Click here to read our blog post dedicated to spring cleaning tips!
The Earth is your home. Treat it that way:
- Use products labeled as eco-friendly, biodegradable, or safe for the environment. Check out our MaidThis blog for some eco-friendly suggestions.
- To decrease the amount of plastic you buy and toss into the environment, avoid plastic packaging. Get your preferred products in large containers when possible and transfer diluted amounts into spray bottles.
- Save trees by giving up paper towels in favor of washable microfiber cloths that don’t collect bacteria the way synthetic sponges do. Discard sponges forever.
- Remember: Your dollar is your vote.
- Don’t make landfills worse. The rotting garbage attracts pests that spread. The materials degrade into toxic gases, microplastics, and other contaminants. Recycle, reuse, or donate unwanted items. Need inspiration? Watch how the stranded tourists on “Gilligan’s Island” used their resources!
Room-by-Room Breakdown
General Cleaning in All Rooms
- Declutter to see quick results & make space to work.
- Dust from top to bottom, including fans, light fixtures, curtain rods, air vents, walls, & wall decor.
- Damp-wipe walls & baseboards.
- Wash windows, blinds, & doors.
- Launder curtains, throws, & floor rugs. Wipe down drapes.
- Sweep & mop floors. Vacuum & deep clean carpeting.
- Disinfect handles, knobs, buttons, switches, & keyboards.
- Empty trash & disinfect trash containers.
Kitchen
The combination of food, moisture, warmth, and hiding places attracts unwanted residents. Discourage rodents, insects, spiders, and mold with daily attention and frequent deep cleaning:
- Degrease walls, surfaces, & inside cabinets & appliances. Bacteria love grease.
- Launder curtains, rugs, & potholders.
- Clean tops, interiors, exteriors, behind, & under all appliances & furniture.
- Discard expired foods.
Bathroom
Mold thrives in moist crannies, so you know what to do.
- Every flush of the toilet sends aerosol droplets onto all the surrounding surfaces, so disinfect anything your hands or mouth will touch.
- Wash windows, mirror, shower curtain bar, & curtains.
- Scrub tub/shower walls.
- De-lime faucets.
- Sanitize cabinet interior & exterior.
- Discard old cosmetics, creams, lotions, & ointments.
- Scrub toilet surfaces & floor.
Living Room
- Deep clean upholstery.
- Clean spaces under cushions.
- Wipe down all surfaces of furniture & devices. Clean behind & under everything.
- Clean out closets & drawers.
Bedroom
- Wash bedding including pillows. Replace pillows as needed.
- Turn & sanitize mattress.
- Wipe down all surfaces of furniture. Clean behind & under everything.
- Donate unused clothing.
- Clean out closets & drawers.
Miscellaneous
- Arrange for annual inspection of hot water heater & HVAC system.
- Update fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, & CO2 detectors.
- Sanitize animal & houseplant areas. Trim plants.
- Clean laundry room, behind & under appliances. Check filters & venting.
- Clean out attic & basement, checking for pest infestation.
- Clean & organize storage areas.
Printable Spring Cleaning Checklist
For your free spring cleaning checklist PDF, click below! This downloadable spring cleaning list shows how to break a big job into easy steps.
Special Section on Smoke & Fire Damage
Although your home has remained intact following the wildfires, you and your loved ones still may be affected. Be sure to consult fire professionals and public health agencies with any questions.
Effects can last for months depending on wind, precipitation, local pollution, and other factors. You’ll want to damp-wipe all surfaces often and vacuum frequently. Be mindful of checking and replacing water and air filters.
Take care of your health by ensuring good nutrition, hydration, rest, and exercise to support your immune system. Keep your home well-ventilated with fresh air to dilute the concentration of particles from smoke and burned materials. Launder clothing and bedding often for the same reason.
Let Us Help You
MaidThis Cleaning of Los Angeles offers expert maid service excelling in all aspects of home and vacation rental cleaning. If our streamlined spring cleaning checklist printable feels overwhelming despite your best efforts, let us help you! We do one-time jobs, vacation rental turnover cleaning, regular housekeeping visits, deep cleaning, and move-in/move-out cleaning. Nothing is too small or too big.
MaidThis is a thriving company with franchises all over the US. We work exclusively with professional cleaners in your community to provide our clients with the highest standards of service. Got questions? Need advice? Call us today! We’re YOUR spring cleaning company.
