Simple steps to tackle spring cleaning
What’s not to love about springtime? It’s a season rich with ancient symbolism, rituals, and traditions — including spring cleaning. The practice holds long-standing significance for societies across the world, from the practical need to clean soot and ash from winter fires to the symbolic idea of clearing out the past year’s bad luck to welcome a new season of life and prosperity.
A deep spring cleaning, as opposed to regular surface cleaning, involves tackling the corners, nooks, and crannies where dust and grime have accumulated all winter. While there are many ways to approach it, postwinter decluttering is a natural first step to clear the way for deeper cleaning.
Meghan Jackson, a professional organizer and owner of Colorado Springs-based Joyful Spaces, advises focusing on progress not perfection. She says it can be overwhelming to feel the need to organize every corner of your house and recommends breaking tasks down into achievable goals — which are different for everyone.
“Set a timer for 15 minutes to tackle one thing — it’s a great start. If you want to level up, you could do one specific space like a drawer or closet,” she says.
After decluttering, make a spring cleaning plan that works for you. The American Cleaning Institute recommends first taking an inventory of your cleaning supplies, then coming up with a strategy. For example, clean one room at a time or tackle one task at a time, such as washing all the windows. Remember it’s okay to delegate tasks and enlist help from friends, family, or cleaning pros as needed.
The results can be surprisingly impactful. Spring cleaning has been found to boost your mood, reduce stress, benefit physical health, and even increase focus and productivity.
“One of the biggest hidden benefits is emotional clarity,” Jackson says. “Managing space and being organized is a skill that can be learned, and if you start with something small and do it well, you can do that again.”
Here’s to the welcome sense of optimism and possibility that springtime delivers every year. Happy cleaning, and happy spring!
SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
• Clean baseboards, door trim, and window sills
• Dust cobwebs from walls, ceiling, and plants
• Vacuum and wash vents
• Shampoo carpets and mop floors
• Wash windows, curtains, and blinds
• Clean light fixtures and lamp shades
• Vacuum upholstered furniture and pillows
• Deep clean kitchen appliances
• Wash all bedding
• Clean bathroom tub, shower, and accessories
• Sweep front and back porch or deck
• Clean and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
The author, Mary Peck connects Coloradans with practical tips, ideas, and information to help them prosper.
