Many of us remember our families turning the house inside out on a random weekend for an annual spring cleaning.
Spring cleaning is a fresh start and renewal that comes with the arrival of the season and offers several benefits to our overall well-being, including:
- Fresh air
- Clutter-free mind
- Prolonged longevity of your home
- Physical activity
All About Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is about resetting your space and mind by deep cleaning your house as winter transitions into spring.
After months of being cooped up indoors during harsh winter weather, it can be refreshing to declutter, reorganize, and eliminate dirt and dust.
The origins of spring cleaning aren’t just practical, they’re steeped in tradition. In many cultures, this tradition was a symbolic way to sweep away the old and welcome the new.
In Persia, “khooneh tekouni,” or “shaking the house,” is a tradition practiced before the Persian New Year (Nowruz) to prepare homes for good fortune. Similarly, in Jewish culture, the thorough cleaning process before Passover verifies no crumbs of leavened bread (or “chametz”) remain in the home.
Over time, these traditions gained popularity, evolving into the modern spring-cleaning ritual we know today.
Unlike these traditions, there’s no hard-and-fast rule about the exact day for spring cleaning. Most households begin when signs of warmer weather emerge, typically from late March through April. Calgarians familiar with our city’s ever-changing and unpredictable weather know this timeline can be very up in the air!
Choose a time that fits your schedule and energy levels. Some people prefer completing everything in a single weekend, while others break it into manageable tasks over a week or two.
The Benefits of Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning isn’t just about freshening up your home. To some surprise, there are several benefits for your overall health and wellness:
- Fresh air: Over winter, we preserve heat by shutting our houses tight against the cold. This traps dust, allergens, and pollutants indoors. A thorough cleaning removes these particles, improving the air quality in your home. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
- A clutter-free mind: Spring cleaning encourages you to sort through, organize, and declutter your belongings. When your physical space is organized, it creates room for clearer thinking and improved focus.
- Prolonged longevity for your home: Deep cleaning areas like carpets, furniture, and windows doesn’t just make your home look great, it extends their lifespan.
Step into Spring: Tips for Cleaning
It may seem overwhelming initially, but with the right strategy, you can make the process more seamless and enjoyable!
Prep Like a Pro
- Set a date: Block out a time when you know you’ll be undisturbed and ready to focus.
- Make a list: Create a checklist of every room and area to clean. This verifies you won’t miss out on smaller, easily overlooked spaces.
Declutter Before Cleaning
- Sort and donate: Go through items room by room and separate things you no longer use. Donate items in good condition to local charities or thrift stores.
- Use the “one-year rule”: If you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, it’s likely time to part ways with it.
- Create zones: Tackle clutter in small zones or sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Clean Top to Bottom
- Start high: Begin with ceilings, light fixtures, and fans before moving to lower surfaces. This confirms any dust or dirt falls to the floors, which can be cleaned last.
- Windows and walls: Don’t forget areas like windows, baseboards, and walls, as they often collect dust and grime over time.
- Vacuum and mop: Finish by cleaning the floors thoroughly to complete each room.
Freshen Up Your Home
- Clean air filters: Replace air filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to confirm cleaner indoor air.
- Add greenery: Houseplants can improve air quality, give your space a fresh and vibrant feel, and add a pop of colour!
- Swap fabrics: Wash curtains, bedding, and other textiles that aren’t regularly washed to eliminate accumulated dust and allergens.
- Mattresses: Vacuum your mattress thoroughly and deodorize it by sprinkling baking soda, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming it off. Rotating your mattress can also help extend its lifespan and maintain comfort.
Tackle Forgotten Areas
While you likely focus on bedrooms and living spaces, don’t forget these important areas during spring cleaning:
- Behind appliances (like your refrigerator and oven): Dust and debris can accumulate here, posing fire risks and reducing efficiency.
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans: These often-overlooked spots can harbor allergens over time. Remember to start top to bottom to make it easier for yourself!
- Under furniture: Move large pieces of furniture and give your floors the TLC they need.
Enlist Professional Help
If time feels limited or tasks feel overwhelming, hiring professional cleaners is a game changer. They bring expertise, efficiency, and quality cleaning tools to get the job done faster and more thoroughly.
- Focus on priorities: Professional cleaners allow you to focus on other important tasks or take a well-deserved break while your home becomes spotless.
- Specialized services: Our team offers specialized services that can be challenging to tackle on your own, such as carpet deep-cleaning or window washing.
- Reduce stress: Knowing the cleaning is in capable hands can significantly reduce stress, making the entire process more manageable and enjoyable.
Connect with Our Team
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about refreshing your space and mindset, benefiting your home and overall wellness!
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Enlisting the help of professionals can make the process more efficient and less overwhelming.
Connect with us at Calgary Trusted Cleaners to learn how our team can support you with your spring cleaning.
