Spring Cleaning

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Spring has arrived and what better time of the year to clean the clutter out than now? It's a tradition for most people to take this time of year and do an annual spring cleaning. Green means clean to our SERVPRO crew. So begin fresh this season. Clear out old items that may be taking up too much space in your home by selling or even donating these (un)used items. Below are some resources to help you start your spring cleaning to get you back on track to the lifestyle you want.

• Make your own checklist:

Create a plan of action. Take an area and break it down into sections. Create different tasks that need to be done around the house or office. Once the list has been made considering the time each task may take. By doing so, this may help organize the time it takes, which you can adjust your schedule accordingly throughout the rooms. [Using this checklist, you can divide the tasks by estimated times and create a flexible schedule giving yourself some spare time]

• Organize and pace yourself:

A really good deep spring cleaning should take more than a day. Set aside a weekend to steadily get the major chores done. An average amount of time to clean an area can take about 2-6 hours. As you start your spring cleaning, organize your time and tackle the big chores first. Declutter the room by sorting out and organize items into different piles. Once these tasks have been attacked then clean the surfaces with the tough grime and wiping down counter tops and polishing it. Don't overlook the items in plain sight such as kitchen appliances. Also, address the little small hidden crevasses. Don't rush - This will not happen in one afternoon, organize your time and pace yourself as you work on these chores.

• Work from the top down:

Like cleaning a car, you start from the top and work your way down. When you begin dusting a room, it would only make sense to start at the top and work your way down. By starting from the top, you will be able to save more time and energy instead of having to repeat the task at hand.

Helpful hint: there is always an exception to the rules and cleaning walls can be considered one of those exceptions. When cleaning the walls it may be better to start from the bottom up, then back down again. Dirty soap streaks may be left behind and harder to clear off clean walls rather than dirty walls. Work your way back up to remove any drips.

• Dry clean before adding water to the mix:

Start with dusting before mopping. By adding water, the debris can be created into a big mess of muddy gunk. Helpful hints: sweep before mopping. Dust fan blades before washing them (with water) and vacuums or wipe windows before washing them as well.

• Keep up rather than catch up:

We as humans are always busy whether it's taking care of our family, working or getting distracted with whatever life throws at you. So it's natural to put off these chores. To make your future spring cleaning easier on you, create a monthly checklist of a task to do. Break it up by room or sections followed by a flexible schedule to get these chores accomplished.