Brighten and Tidy Your Home with these Useful Spring Cleaning Tips

"The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment."

- Marie Kondo

It’s hard to believe we are in the middle of the Spring season already! If you haven’t yet, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home. Spring cleaning is important for everyone, especially if you suffer from allergies. You and your family can enjoy a clean that’s more than a little dust off the top. A detailed spring cleaning can do miracles for your energy and motivation, which in turn will nourish your home and soul, and give you strength for the new beginnings that are heading your way. And truth be told, studies show that people with organized homes are less stressed.

With these helpful cleaning tips and tricks your beautiful home will spring to life! (Did you see what I did there? =P)

And guess what? You don’t have to dread spring cleaning! Everyone has their own way when it comes to spring cleaning, but if you’re like me and need a gentle nudge in the right direction, here are a few simple tips that can make it easier for you.

Tips and Tricks for Spring Cleaning

1. Getting organized is key!

Before you start with whole-house cleaning, it is important that you are prepared ahead of time. Make a list of your rooms, areas to clean, supplies needed, etc. Better yet, this Spring Cleaning Planner has 34 pages of room cleaning checklists, schedules, & more ready to go for you! With kids playing around it can be hard to stay focused and memorize everything you need (ask me how I know!) So writing things down and preparing is key!

This cute and functional planner includes 10 hand-crafted "Around the House" coloring pages - perfect if you need a little break from all your scrubbing!

2. Open your windows and let your house breath fresh spring air!

Move that stale air out and fresh air in. For additional help with stale air removal use natural candles (find out how to DIY your own beeswax candles here) I love the smell of geranium and lime floating through the air. It brings an amazing new dimension and freshness into the house and I just can't get enough of it!

Tip: If you prefer essential oils (like me), I want to share a quick & easy DIY recipe for home air refreshment. Grab an empty glass salt shaker (rinse it out and dry it first) fill ¾ will epsom salts, and add 4 drops each Geranium and Lime. Label the shaker and set this baby up on a shelf for an obscure passive diffuser! Give it a quick shake any time you need a scent boost! You can find more of my favorite DIY essential oil recipes included in the Ultimate Essential Oil Recipe Binder

3. Always clean top to bottom.

As you're planning how to spring clean your home and where to begin, just remember to start from the ceiling down. This will keep you from having to clean or dust over the same space as dirt & other debris is knocked downward. So if you've got a vacuum with extension hose or a long handled duster, use that to dust your ceilings and fans first.

Then move to your furniture and other surfaces before vacuuming everything off your floors. Trust me, it will save you time! Cleaning your floors is pretty much a no brainer, but many people forget about washing their walls and windows. Remember, not all dust settles on the floor. Cleaning the walls and windows is simple. Just use a damp towel to wipe down walls and blinds, starting from the top, of course. On the outside, remove and wipe down the window screens. Put brand-new curtains in bright spring colors. It will freshen and lighten up the whole space! 

4. Get rid of it!

Clear out toys, clothes, and other items you don’t use or wear anymore. If you haven't worn a shirt in over a half year or it doesn’t fit anymore, you should probably give it away. Pack those clothes up and donate to people who really need it. Take a look at your bookshelves and see if there is something you could give your friend as a gift or donate to your local shelter. Give the clothes your children have outgrown to someone who needs them, instead of gathering dust at the back of your closet. Go through toys and anything that hasn't been played with in a few months donate to a mom in need or consider having a yard sale.

5. Your Air Needs Help Too.

Replace your HVAC filter and consider upgrading to one with a high MERV rating. High MERV rating filters catch the teeny tiniest particles in your air (some < 0.3 microns!). Replacing filters is often overlooked but it could really impact your indoor air quality, your health and your lifestyle as you enter spring.

It’s an inexpensive way to make sure you’re breathing clean, healthy air since air conditioner ducts build up dust during the winter.

A really efficient way to ensure healthy spring air that is clear of allergens, odors, or other indoor pollutants is with an air purifier. If someone in your home suffers from allergies or wakes up stuffy during allergy season, adding an air purifier to his/her bedroom is sure to help.

Have you started the spring cleaning process? I'd love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments below!