Spring invites longer, warmer days and of course, spring cleaning—otherwise known as the deep cleaning of your house around springtime. The Spring custom started in North America because the weather warmed enough to open the windows to let out the fumes of cleaning chemicals, yet cold enough to avoid getting insects inside. Whether you dedicate 10 minutes to spot clean or 10 days to deep clean, it’s a step in the right direction. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you along your cleaning journey. 

Make it fun! Cleaning isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Include your family to divide and conquer. It keeps things moving and lets everyone work on what they would rather do. Cleaning is also a wonderful opportunity to finally listen to that podcast, audiobook, or new album you haven’t had the time for—check out a cleaning playlist for some added fun. 

Start with a game plan. Before you bring out the cleaning products, broom, vacuum cleaner, and mop, make a list of each room in your house, then write down all the tasks for each room. Consider other things that you haven’t cleaned lately, like the inside of your refrigerator, your shower curtain, the floor around your washing machine, or the tops of cupboards and bookshelves. You’ll organize your day and manage time better when you can visualize what needs to get done and feel immense satisfaction as you check off the items on your list. 

Out with the old... Check spaces that accumulate clutter like junk drawers, kitchen pantries, and closets. Focus on removing items from each room. Throw away expired items like food and toiletries, and broken items like toys, electronics, and furniture. Next, sort items that you want to keep or donate. Donation centers usually accept clothing, jewelry, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and paintings. Have a garage sale to make some extra money and give your unwanted items a new home. It will start making your home feel spring ready.  

... In with the new. Studies show that having too much stuff can create stress as well as make it take longer to find what you are looking for. You don’t have to adopt a minimalist lifestyle in the process though. After you have cleared out the broken and unused stuff, it may be time to replace it with new stuff. But do ask yourself before you buy new:  

• Do I need this or just want this? 
• Do I already have something like this?  
• Can I borrow this item or buy it gently used?  
• Am I only buying this because it’s on sale?  
• How many hours of my life am I trading to afford this? 

A clean home is a healthy home. Tidying and cleaning your home can improve your mental and physical health. Cleaning your space gives you a sense of accomplishment while boosting your mood and self-esteem. Cleaning is also physical. It requires you to be on your feet, walk, bend over, lift, and reach. In other words, the benefit is taking care of yourself while taking care of your home. A cleaner living environment encourages productivity and sets you up for healthy habits. 

Fun Fact. People who keep their bedrooms tidy report having higher quality sleep than those who don’t. 

Close the circle and get back to basics. While there are many different household cleaners on the market, an all-purpose cleaner is going to be the most useful since it can be used on many different surfaces. Consider making your own safe and natural cleaner.  

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup hot water 
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar 
• 1-2 tsp. of lemon juice  
• 6-8 drops of essential oils for scent  

• Spray bottle 
• Funnel (optional) 

Directions  

1. Pour the hot water, vinegar, and lemon juice into the spray bottle using a funnel if you have one. Shake to combine.  

1. Add 6 to 8 drops of essential oil.  

1. Use as needed on glass, countertops, faucets, showers, tubs, toilets, floors, and dishwashers.  

Helpful Hints 

• White distilled vinegar contains acetic acid which acts as a disinfectant. Use white vinegar because it is colorless and won’t stain surfaces.  
• Use tea tree and lemon essential oils to provide added antibacterial properties. 
• Start with a small amount of essential oils. Spray a spot and allow the liquid to dry and smell. Then add more if it’s not enough.  
• Do NOT use this cleaner on granite, marble, or hardwood floors. 

Spring cleaning, or cleaning in general, may seem like a tedious chore. Tackle things one at a time. It will feel rewarding when you see the sunshine come through your freshly washed windows and onto your dust-free countertops. Step into a cleaner, healthier home this spring and start the season off right.  

Mimi Thompson 

Health Education Preceptee 

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com