Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, most of us have found ourselves with a bit more time to spend at home due to social distancing.
And while this is a great opportunity for picking up a new hobby or binge-watching a Netflix series – it’s also a great time to catch up on some spring cleaning.
Here are 5 simple spring cleaning tasks you can do to get the most out of being stuck at home!
1. Declutter Cabinets
Medicine cabinets, kitchen cabinets, office cabinets – we’ve all got nooks and crannies in our homes that could do with some decluttering.
Take the extra time while at home to go through and throw away anything you don’t need or use anymore.
This could include:
Expired medications, vitamins, batteries, and makeup
Outdated pantry items
Mismatched Tupperware boxes
Unnecessary kitchen gadgets
Dirty, contaminated, or damaged goods
While going through your things, you can ask yourself:
Do I really need or use this on a regular basis?
Do I have more than one of any item?
Does this item enhance my life?
2. Give Appliances a Scrub
Your appliances go through a lot over the year. Take some extra time to give them all a good scrub down (on the inside and outside). Some appliances to consider cleaning are:
Refrigerator
Microwave
Toaster
Mixer
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dryer
To clean, you can use a basic dish towel or sponge with soap, vinegar, or a disinfectant spray. After scrubbing, make sure to wipe once more with a damp towel and dry thoroughly to avoid streaking.
3. Wash the Windows
While spending extended periods of time at home, it’s crucial that we make sure to get enough sunshine. That’s why giving your windows some attention is so important.
Spend a day washing any curtains and dusting all blinds. While your window treatments are in the wash, take a moment to clean the windows on both the inside and outside of the house. Make sure to use a microfiber towel and a generous amount of window cleaner for the best results.
This chore is also a great opportunity to get outside, so save it for a day where the weather is warmer, and the sun is shining.
4. Dust and Clean Air Vents
Air vents can get extremely dirty over the year. In fact, millions of dust, pollen, dirt, and hair particles can live in your air ducts at one time.
Too many of these icky particles can start to affect the air quality in your home. They can also increase your heating and air conditioning bills if left to accumulate for too long.
To clean these air vents, begin by unscrewing the cover from the wall or ceiling. Using a standard duster or wet rag, gently clean the cover to remove all dust and dirt.
If vents are in a difficult to reach place like the ceiling, try to reach them with a vacuum hose or broom. This is also a great opportunity to clean the dust off of any ceiling fans.
5. Swap Out Winter Wardrobe
This is also a great time to swap out your winter wardrobe for your spring/summer items in your closet.
And, while you’re at it, take a moment to go through your clothes and get rid of anything you do not wear anymore. You could sort them into three piles:
Keep
Donate
Throw away
For anything you plan to keep, check it over once more for any stains or holes. If you can fix it, set it aside to assess or repair later. If not, throw it away.
For anything you plan to donate, fold it and place it in a box or bag and store in the closet. At the end of the social distancing period, you can drop it off at a Salvation Army shop, Goodwill center, or charity of your choice like Portage Resale Center..