Spring is a time of renewal. It is also the time of year when we reach for brooms, mops, and soaps to start the process of spring cleaning. This week, we look at why we tidy up in the spring and how you can get your home sparkling.
Why?
People have been engaging in spring cleaning for centuries and across cultures.
Some attribute the practice of spring cleaning to the Iranian Nowruz, which is the Persian new year. During this time everything in the home is cleaned thoroughly. It might also have a connection to the Jewish festival of Passover, or to the Catholic practice of cleaning church altars on Maundy Thursday before Easter.
One possible reason spring cleaning became such a common practice is because of the prevalence of coal furnaces years ago. By the end of the winter, the entire house was covered in soot. Spring was therefore the ideal time to get everything clean and looking good as new.
Fortunately, there are plenty of health benefits to spring cleaning. This includes creating a safer home environment (because you are less likely to trip over clutter). Cleaning also helps you sleep better, it improves your breathing by removing dust and allergens, it is a proven de-stresser, it burns calories, and you are even more likely to eat healthy when your home is neat and organized.
Spring Cleaning by the Numbers
Seventy-six per cent of the population engages in spring cleaning each year. April is the preferred month for spring cleaning activities. Just six per cent of the population says they never bother. Millennials are more likely to clean because they want to remove allergy triggers. Not surprisingly, the least-liked chore is cleaning the toilet. Yet the room most likely to receive a deep cleaning? The bathroom.
The average consumer will spend about $44 on their spring cleaning project, which includes purchasing cleaning supplies or organizational items/storage.
Where to Begin?
While some people want to tackle the areas that guests see first, it might be better to first address whatever it is that is causing you stress. In other words, instead of scrubbing the dishes, work on the basement first if that is what you are really concerned about. Regardless, focus on one room at a time.
Always start from top to bottom, so that dust works its way down, rather than up. This is much more efficient.
Of course, before you get started you should ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies.
Don’t Ignore these Areas
While the assumption is the toilet seat is the dirtiest surface in the house, this is not true. Some of the dirtiest areas in and around your home include the remote control, doorknobs, pet food bowls, cutting boards, smartphones, computer keyboards, toothbrush holders, and purses. You should also definitely replace your kitchen cloth or sponge.
We tend to remember to wash windows, clean out the garage, or mop the floor — but there are some areas we do overlook. Don’t forget to clean the tops of furniture, walls and crown mouldings, ceiling fans, lamp shades, sliding door tracks, window screens, air vents, door knobs, remote controls, and trash cans/bins.
Appliances should also be cleaned out. This includes your dishwasher, washing machine, and the dryer’s lint trap. Be sure to clean under and behind the fridge. Of course, fridge shelving and drawers should be washed out too.
Another area we often overlook? Our vehicles. This is the perfect time to clean out any garbage, wash the floor mats, and wipe down the dashboard.
Cleaning Hacks
Need some help? Try some of these cleaning tricks.
- Dryer sheets help to get rid of gunk and mineral stains around faucets and shower heads
- Lint rollers can be used to clean lamp shapes, drapes, or throw pillows
- Vodka cuts through mold and mildew in the shower
- Clean blinds by wrapping a pair of microfiber towels around a pair of tongs
- Use newspaper when cleaning glass surfaces, to avoid streaking
- Kool-Aid can be used to clean stains from the toilet bowl. You can also try Coke
