Spring Cleaning Tips

As the winter chill fades to a distant memory and the sun begins to warm our days, there's no denying now is the perfect time for a fresh start. Spring is the season for throwing open the windows, letting in the fresh air, and setting off on the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. Whether your house is mostly in order or needs a full deep clean, these simple tips will help you tidy up your home and have a fresh start for the spring and summer seasons.

Make a plan:

Spring cleaning may feel overwhelming at first with so many different rooms and areas that need tidying. Splitting up your home into different sections and planning out which areas you will tackle first makes the task much less daunting. Do a quick walk-through of your house and assess which areas of your home need the most attention. Then, make a checklist to help you stay organized and ensure every room gets what it needs. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a spotless home!

Declutter and Donate:

Decluttering your spaces before you get gloves deep into cleaning will make the whole task much more manageable. Rid your home of any unnecessary items that have accumulated over the colder months. Donate or recycle items that are no longer needed, and don’t be afraid to be ruthless when deciding what to keep or donate. Here are a few local donation centers that would gladly accept your no-longer-needed clothing and items:

• Saver’s Community Donation Center. Located at 10475 W Fairview Ave and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
• Saint Vincent de Paul. You can drop off donations at any of the five locations in Boise, Caldwell, and Meridian. Hours vary based on the location, so make sure you check before you go.

Work from top to bottom:

When cleaning a room, starting from the top and moving down will eliminate the need to go back and reclean. Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving on to surfaces and furniture. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls while cleaning is captured and removed as you work your way down. Don't forget to pay special attention to often-overlooked areas such as baseboards, door frames, and behind appliances. Vacuuming the floor should always be your last step.

Don't forget the windows:

Clean windows can truly brighten up your house and give it a fresh, airy feeling. The insides of windows can build up dust and dirt over the months. Removing this gunk and brightening up a room is as easy as grabbing your window cleaner, a squeegee, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. Don’t forget about the exterior too, as winter can lead to a build-up of dirt and streaks on the outside of your windows. Just as with the interiors, clean exterior windows are essential for enhancing the outward appearance of your home. Consider hiring a professional for second and third-story windows, or tackle them yourself with a ladder!