Growing up, do you remember your mother or grandmother doing her Spring cleaning? Do you remember how thorough it was? Cabinets were emptied and cleaned. Throw rugs went out to be aired. All the windows were cleaned. A good week of solid cleaning ocurred. Who has time for that these days? Most of us don't.
In our rushed daily lives, cleaning takes a back seat to more pressing needs. Unfortunately our homes today need more of grandma's touch than older homes ever did. New construction has made our homes very air tight. Therefore germs can build and breed in our recirculated air and on our floor and furniture surfaces.
To get the benefit of "grandma's clean" without the time commitment here are ten effective cleaning tasks that will do the most to get germs out of your house in less than six hours.
1. Open the windows - As simple as it seems, the best way to get germs out is to circulate fresh air throughout your home. Time commitment - 5 minutes
2. Steam clean your carpets - Carpets are a breeding ground for germs and allergens. As an added bonus having your carpets steam cleaned is environmentally responsible as chemicals are not involved. Hire a professional that only uses steam and skip the rental cleaners. Time commitement - 5 mintues (the time it takes to make a phone call)
3. Clean major traffic doors - Finger prints, mud and dirt build up all winter long. You can't help but see them every day as you go about your life. Cleaning these highly visible areas will go a long way to freshening up your visual space. Clean with a simple solution of baking soda and water. This solution is gentle on surfaces yet effective. Best of all there is no lingering odor or chemical exposure. Time commitment - 60 minutes (assuming 10 minutes per door and 6 major doors)
4. Eliminate odors - Open a box of baking soda and leave it in windowless rooms and closets. Baking soda will absorb orders and leave the air fresher than a chemical freshener. Time commitment - 5 minutes
5. Toss it - Throw away the lonely mitten without a mate, the scarf that your kids will never wear, the snow pants that don't fit. Don't pack away stuff that won't get used next year. While it is still in sight, deal with it. Toss it or give it away. Time commitment - 10 minutes
6. Attack the kitchen - Clean all surfaces with a baking soda and water or a vinegar and water solution. Wipe away fingerprints from cabinets, stubborn spills from appliances and scuff marks from base boards. You spend a great deal of time in the kitchen even if you don't like to cook. In many houses the kitchen is the heart of the house. Focusing time here will pay off more than in lesser used rooms. Time commitment - 60 minutes (upbeat music is mandatory for this one)
7. Change the curtains - Remove heavy winter drapes for lighter sheers or go "naked." More daylight will brighten your spirits and liven up your entire home. Time commitment - 60 minutes (if you have a lot of windows like I do)
8. Clear out the vanity or bathroom drawers - At least twice a year you should review your toiletries and toss expired cosmetics and personal care items that have just been there too long. This is an area where clutter can build up quickly since you are typically rushed in the morning. Time commitment - 30 minutes (if you have to think how long its been there - toss it)
9. Get a few house plants - Green house plants can brighten up spaces or make them feel more serene. As an added benefit, plants clean the air. If you already have house plants, give them fresh soil and fertilizer. Trim off dead leaves and branches. You will just feel better with healthy foliage around you. Time commitment - 60 minutes (to go to the store or repot existing plants)
10. Refresh your personal area - Everyone has a favorite spot in the house. Chances are this is the place where clutter reigns - magazines that need to be tossed, piles of paper that need to be dealt with, etc. Since this is your personal refuge, cleaning this area will greatly impact your mood and leave you feeling refreshed. Time commitment - 60 minutes (I am assuming you are a bit of a pack rat or indecisive here; motivational music is needed)
Six hours and you are done. You can accomplish this easily over the course of the weekend. Come Monday you are fresh and ready for a terrific spring and summer season ahead!!