The warm weather does not just mean the start of baseball season and the proliferation of flowers. It also means it is time for spring cleaning.

 

Cleaning your house can help you and your family stay healthy. After all, excess pet dander and dust can affect your ability to breathe. This is particularly true for those with asthma and allergies. Even if you do not suffer from either of these conditions, you and your family will appreciate a cleaner home.

 

You could even get the whole family involved in the spring cleaning process by giving everyone specific chores to do.  Whether you tackle spring cleaning solo or with your loved ones, you should address the following parts of your house.

 

1. Exterior

 

As the leaves start to grow on the trees outside your home, you do not want your dirty house to distract from the beautiful imagery. You should thus take some time to clean the outside of your house. Use a multi position ladder to clear out the gutters and check them for damage. While you are up there, you may also want to install a gutter screen to keep out debris.

 

Be sure to also sweep away any debris and cobwebs on your porch and deck. You could also utilize a leaf blower to expedite this process.

 

Finally, see if your outdoor furniture needs some attention. While rain storms usually wash away some of the pollen and dirt, you should wipe down the tables and chairs with a mild detergent to get them looking pristine.

 

2. Windows

 

Dust does not just settle onto floors and furniture. It could end up on your windows, as well. To clean these windows, just open them and wipe the surrounding  areas with a damp cloth or towel. You may be shocked to see how much dirt has accumulated over the past year.  You should also take the window screens outside and wipe them clean. Do not forget about the glass portions of the windows. If you are wary of chemicals, use a steam cleaner to wash the panes, instead.

 

If possible, wait until an overcast day to clean the windows. Direct sunlight on the glass could cause streaks to appear. You should start with the windows on the shady side of the house for the same reason.

The curtains may require a bit of extra attention. Pet dander and dirt often accumulate at the bottom of the drapes. You can remove this debris with a lint roller. To fully clean the drapes, throw them into the dryer with a damp towel. Then run the air-fluff cycle for 15 minutes. The towel should attract the dust as it comes off the curtains.

 

3. Bed

 

You spend six to eight hours a day in bed. You do not want the dirt and grime from the comforters to end up on your skin at night. Use the start of the spring season as an excuse to wash the pillows and bedding. Just be sure to check the manufacturer's label to find out if these items are machine washable.

You should similarly clean your mattress at least once per year. First, simply vacuum the surface of it. Use the crevice and upholstery tools of your vacuum for the sides and top of the mattress. Then, combine baking soda with a few drops of lavender or another essential oil. Sprinkle this mixture onto the mattress and let it sit there for a few hours before vacuuming away the mixture. You may also want to use an iron or garment steamer to destroy dust mites on the surface of the mattress.

 

4. Kitchen Appliances

 

As you use your kitchen throughout the year, food debris builds up inside the microwave. You can remove the stubborn stains in this appliance by first loosening the materials stuck to the walls. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine a cup of water with either a few tablespoons of vinegar or a chopped up citrus fruit. Put the bowl into the microwave and run the device until the liquid starts to boil. Wait five minutes for the bowl to cool before removing it and wiping down the interior and exterior of the microwave.

 

Your oven is probably full of food gunk, as well. If the oven has a self-cleaning function, it will likely remove even caked-on debris on its own. However, if your oven does not self-clean, you will have to remove burnt spots yourself. Soften the residue with a wet, hot cloth. Then use a heavy-duty pad and a bit of baking powder to scrub the oven.

 

After you prepare all of those delicious meals in the oven and microwave, you probably store leftovers in the refrigerator. The food could leak or spill throughout the year, causing bacteria to build up inside the appliance. You should thus pop out the removable bins and shelves and wash them in soapy, warm water.

While cleaning all of these areas of your home may seem daunting, there are ways to make the process easier. Begin by making a schedule. Decide which locations in your home need the most work, and start with those places. Areas that you do not clean during routine dustings and sweepings should be at the top of your list.

 

To further organize your spring cleaning regimen, you should create checklists of what needs to be done in every room. Clean each room one at a time instead of running back and forth between the kitchen and the bedrooms.

 

When you enter a room, the first things you clean should be the ceilings and high shelves. All the dust and dirt from those places will fall to the ground. You can then sweep up the debris when you sweep or vacuum the floor, which should be your last task in each room. If you address the floors first, you will just have to re-clean them later.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Cleaning your house each spring can be time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort. By following the above steps, you should end up with a sparkling home that will make you proud.