Spring Cleaning: defined

Perhaps a little touch of warm weather, or even just sunshine, suddenly has you thinking "cleaning".  Yes, it's that's time again, time for some spring cleaning.  Normally applied to areas where the climate is cold in the winter, Spring Cleaning is that yearly act of cleaning your house from top to bottom during the first warm days of the year, typically spring. Hence the name.  It has been suggested that it's origins trace back to the ancient Jewish practice of cleansing the home in preparation for Passover. Iranians still "shake the house" just before their Persian "new year" which falls on the first day of spring.

eco friendly cleaning tips at wish.ca

So what is good spring cleaning?  If you're going to do it, better do it right, I always say, so I did some research to get you started.

First: Plan on setting aside an entire week to devote to spring cleaning. You will not only clean the inside of your home, but you should also make your way outside to the garage, and also to attic/storage spaces and the basement.

Second:  Stock up your cleaning arsenal.  You will need lots of products, some you may not usually have on hand. (Don't want to loose your momentum with a trip to the store.)  More attention is being paid to buying eco-friendly "Green" cleaning products, so maybe do some research on this too.

Third:  Enlist your whole family to take part.  It is a big job if done thoroughly, and just not fair if Mom has to do all of it!


I found some great checklists that will get you going that can give you a day by day schedule, or a room by room schedule.  Martha Stewart has a very in-depth pdf printable version that I like as it doesn't miss a thing. Another of my favorite blog sites, abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com  has a great day by day schedule that is the best of the basics cleaning list.  (Check her out for her tips on how to organize and clean anything!) 

Besides dusting and scrubbing, this is also a great time of year to clean out those closets and go through any clothing that you haven't worn all season, or are tired of, outgrown, etc.  Get it to your favorite donation site, or make some money doing consignment/resale.  (Read my tips for consigning here.)

Have fun, and don't stress yourself out! Just think, summer is around the corner, and that will be your time to sit back and enjoy all your labors.  Happy Spring!