It’s safe to say that springtime in Canada is finally upon us and even though things are a bit different this year, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to do around the house. As we look forward to the chance to get out and go on an adventure in the coming summer months, now is the perfect time to jump on that spring cleaning checklist.
1. Get Inventive with Cleaning Supplies
While many of the self-quarantined don’t have access to their favourite cleaning products due to high demand, you may be able to find plenty of super effective and natural cleaning alternatives around your house. For a natural all-purpose cleaner, simply combine borax, washing soda, liquid castile soap and a few essential oils of your choice in a spray bottle. White vinegar can also be combined with baking soda, dish soap, and water to clean bathroom or kitchen surfaces in a flash. However, if you have access to reliable store brands, feel free to use them as well.
2. Kitchen Cleaning
Start your work in the kitchen, to tackle any baked-on dirt and grime. It’s best to get the kitchen and bathroom out of the way first, as they are high-traffic areas.
- Clean the oven and stovetop.
- Clean out microwave and dishwasher.
- Clear out the refrigerator, tossing expired food. Then, wipe down all of the drawers and shelves. It can be helpful to use individual baskets to store food items as you replace them in the clean refrigerator. Also, take this time to clean out and toss expired food in the pantry or cabinets.
- Clean out the freezer and defrost.
- Clear countertops and degrease all cabinet doors and countertops.
- Take that old burnt pan out from the back of the cupboard. Give it an acid (vinegar) boil, then scrub it until it looks as good as new.
- Dust the top of all hard to reach surfaces including the top to the refrigerator, range hood, and cabinets.
- Clean and deodorize the kitchen sink/drains.
- Wipe down walls and baseboards.
- Shake out dust from rugs, sweep, and mop.
3. Bathrooms
Bathrooms are notorious spots for collecting odd items and becoming home to long-forgotten products. So, a spring cleanout is a must for any bathroom space in your home. Start by:
- Discarding all expired personal care items and makeup. If you have expired medications, keep them in a safe space and take them to an approved drop-off site at a later date.
- Cleaning your shower head, tub, and shower. If possible, replace the old shower liner for a new one. Scrub the tile grout and clean all other hardware.
- Cleaning the vanity, wipe down the mirror, and clean any makeup brushes.
- Cleaning the toilet.
- Sweeping and mopping the floors.
- Wiping down walls and baseboards.
4. Bedrooms
Like most people right now, you’re probably spending a great deal of time lounging in bed and watching Netflix. This means that your bedroom could do with a little extra TLC!
- Remove all bedding including sheets. Pillows, duvets, and bed skirts. Wash the bedding and flip your mattress as needed.
- Organize your closet, storing winter clothes and bringing out all of your spring and summer outfits. Separate any items that can be donated and put them aside to deliver or have them picked up by your favourite charity at a later date.
- Dust and polish your bedroom furniture and blinds.
- Clean or vacuum curtains and wipe down window sills. Then wash the windows.
- Wipe down walls and baseboards.
- Mop or vacuum floors and shampoo any rugs or carpet.
5. Living Room
Similar to the bedrooms in your home, it’s likely that your living room is seeing much more traffic than before. While many of these steps should already be part of your daily or weekly cleaning routine, pay extra attention to areas of clutter in this room and handle them accordingly.
- Clean, dust, and polish all furniture, decor items, and the ceiling fan as well.
- Wash slipcovers, blankets, and pillows.
- Vacuum and shampoo sofa and chairs.
- Dust blinds and curtain rods. Then, wipe down windowsills and wash windows. And don’t forget to clean or vacuum the curtains!
- Dust and clean electronics, lampshades, and remotes. Anything you regularly touch right now should be sanitized often.
- Mop or vacuum floors, then shampoo all rugs and carpet.
- Organize reading baskets, toy chests, DVD collections, etc. Pull out items to donate and set aside for a later time.
Once you’ve gone through and completed the first few rooms in your home, you should be able to continue through with a similar list for the remaining spaces in your home. Just keep in mind that donation pickups and drop-offs should be postponed until the government and local health authorities have given us the all-clear.
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