If you are like a lot of us you want to spring clean, but how and where do you start? Last month, we asked Synergy readers’ who are ace spring cleaners for help – and they sent in a host of tried-and-true tips for efficiently cleaning, decluttering and sprucing up living spaces from top to bottom.
If you feel overwhelmed by even the thought of spring cleaning, a survey participant has this practical advice: start by focusing on one small area at a time such as a closet, a single drawer, or one room. Successful spring cleaners also told us it makes sense to start from the bottom up -- and make sure to gather together the right organizational tools and cleaning supplies before you start. Place items you don’t need any more in boxes as you clean and declutter and you’ll be ready to donate them to a charity or thrift store at the end of the day.
Several readers suggested psyching yourself up for spring cleaning chores by making a list of priorities. If you can, devote a day to the tasks and, instead of making it a day of drudgery, find a way to make it rewarding. For example, start your designated spring cleaning day with a healthy, filling breakfast to boost energy, one survey participant wrote.
“I start from the top down, including ceiling fans, vents and vaulted ceilings, then I reward myself with a new hair color and haircut at the spa,” another reader told us. “Next I tackle the center area of the rooms and reward myself with a manicure. After I’ve finished cleaning all the floors, I go get a pedicure!”
Too busy with work, children and other activities to devote an entire day to spring cleaning? In that case, a survey participant suggests, tackle one room (or project) at a time. “If you set smaller goals and clean one room at a time, you should be able to meet those goals. This way you can celebrate each success.”
More spring cleaning strategies from Synergy readers:
- Before turning on ceiling fans for the warm weather season, wipe them down with a damp cloth so they don’t spray dust into the air.
If you have ceramic tile floors in the kitchen and/or dining areas, mop with warm water and white vinegar for an all-natural way to clean and shine them. A vinegar solution will also clean windows in a flash without chemicals.
- If you absolutely don’t know where or how to start your spring cleaning, tackle the most dreaded area -- whether a basement room or a jam-packed closet – first. “If you get the worst part done first,” a survey participant advises, “and you will feel accomplished enough to finish the rest of your home with no hesitation!”
- Having carpets steam cleaned (or shampooing them yourself) for spring makes the whole house look brighter and cleaner and freshens up the air, too. If area rugs are damaged or dingy, consider replacing them.
- Turn the hangers on all your clothes backwards in the closet. When you wear an item, put it back on the hanger the right way. Any item that remains on a backward-facing hanger after a period of time is an item you have not worn in a long while – so consider donating it to a worthy cause.
The last suggestion is from Synergy reader Paul C. , whose name was selected at random from all our survey participants to receive a $ 50 Visa gift card. Thanks to everyone for the great spring cleaning tips!
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