Spring is in the air, but after an especially brutal winter spent cooped up and huddled for warmth, everyone’s houses and apartments are stiflingly musty. It’s time to celebrate the return of the warm weather by giving your home the top-to-bottom scouring it needs. But don’t get caught in the spring cleaning cycle of back-and-forth supermarket trips that happen after you realize you’ve forgotten a crucial cleaning tool (or two or three). Be prepared and stock up with these spring cleaning essentials ahead of time.
Cleansers
Many people have strong feelings about what cleansers they use on their homes – some people prefer an all-in-one cleaning solution, while other people like to use a different product for each surface. Some swear by plain old Lysol, while others only buy environmentally-friendly products free of harsh chemicals. Others will even make their own cleaning products at home. No matter what products you choose, just be sure that they’re all safe to use on the variety of surfaces in your home.
If eco-friendly DIY is your thing, calcium carbonate powder is a mild abrasive that is great on most surfaces, though you should always read the instructions before using any product. Baking soda is entirely safe as a multi-surface cleanser, and not only does it work as an abrasive, it also absorbs odor as you work. Though beach is an excellent general cleaner, vinegar is a much greener option.
Tools
In addition to your broom and mop, be sure that you also have scrub brushes, scouring pads, and a vacuum cleaner. (Don’t forget that toilet brush, either.) It’s also not a bad idea to consider picking up things like replacement vacuum bags and mop heads, just to be on the safe side. These tools do wear out, and the last thing that you want is to have them break on you.
Disposable Goods
Spring cleaning doesn’t just mean cleaning the things you have – it often means throwing away old, unused clutter. Remember to pick up plenty of trash bags, as well as other disposables like paper towels or antibacterial wipes.
Protective Gear
Remember that a true hardcore spring cleaning session is hard, messy work, and can easily leave you filthy and coughing up a storm. Be sure to wear old clothes you don’t care about, throw in some protective face masks if you are sensitive to dust, and definitely make sure that you have rubber gloves to use with your harsher cleansers. If you have sensitive eyes, safety goggles may also be a good idea.
Laundry Goods
Spring is also an excellent time to freshen up linens and other soft home goods such as drapes and bathroom rugs. Make sure that you have plenty of laundry supplies to tackle the load, including detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Giving your home a good clean reset during the spring is a great way to ensure that your home is organized and running efficiently. A well-planned cleaning strategy, a detailed shopping list and a big trip to the store for the proper supplies is the best way to ensure you won’t cut any corners when it comes to your spring cleaning routine.
Post Author: andyc.
