Let's get Spring Cleaning!
In southern Ontario’s variable climate, our moods and activities are deeply tied to the seasons—summer’s ease of picnics and patio time contrasts with the cozy, layered, indoor moments of winter. As we ease into April’s longer days, the birds are calling, the first buds are unfurling and we're emerging from winter's cocoon, ready to embrace renewal and rebirth. It’s the perfect time to shake off the stale, grey of winter and welcome the bright, beautiful energy of spring. Whether preparing to host loved ones for Easter or Passover, celebrating a fresh start, or simply airing out a stuffy winter home, bringing a shine to our spaces feels cathartic. After months spent indoors, it’s no wonder we long to open our doors and windows, letting the sun reflect on sparkling, refreshed surfaces!
Inspired by Martha Stewart, here are some tips and tasks to clear the winter blahs and welcome spring! Set the mood with your favourite upbeat playlist, we love Housework Hits on Spotify. It’s a fun mix of songs from the last 50 years including one-hit-wonders as well as icons like Whitney Houston and David Bowie. To deal with airborne dust, dander and allergens spark up your Lampe Berger! Try Under the Magnolias or Fresh Linen to bring that spring feeling inside.
Got kids? Get them involved. Give them a spray bottle of diluted all purpose cleaner and a wash cloth, with a mission to get all the spots! Or give them a duster, they're closer to the ground, it's like they're made to clean baseboards. Keep it short and sweet so they don't revolt and you just might have an at-home cleaning crew!
Now for the nitty gritty. For every room in the house:
- Wash and open the windows!
- Dust light fixtures, corners and baseboards
- Sweep, vacuum and mop floors
- Clean doors, door knobs, light switch plates
- Dust light fixtures, corners and baseboards
- If you didn’t do it at Spring Forward, change batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and check your fire extinguisher.
Different rooms in the house need special treatment.
Entryway
- Organize and declutter hooks or closets
- Consider a new entryway mat if it’s time for a refresh!
Martha Stewart teamed up with Chilewich to bring a collection of shag mats in coastal-inspired tones.
Living Room
- Vacuum upholstered furniture, spot clean cushions as needed.
- Wash throw pillows and blankets
- Organize and declutter books, electronics, cords etc.
- Show your plants some love, prune, fertilize and dust off the bigger leaves
Kikkerland does these handy leaf cleaning tongs for your large-leaf plants.
Kitchen
- Clear out and deep clean the pantry and fridge
- Defrost freezer
- Clean oven and stove top
- Wash and treat stains on kitchen linens, pop in to Ziggy's for new kitchen towels from Coucke France if it's time for a refresh!
Bedroom
- Wash all bedding, including pillows
- Clean mattress - use a sifter to sprinkle baking soda on your mattress. Let sit for minimum 2 hours then vacuum
- Organize and declutter dressers and closets.
- Don’t forget to clean under the bed!
Bathroom
- Deep clean sink, tub, shower and toilet
- Wash bathmats and towels
- Clean or replace shower curtain liner
- Organize and discard exprired cosmetics and toiletries
Donna Wilson's gorgeously striped bath towels are the perfect way to liven up your bathroom!
Utility area
- Clean washing machine and dryer vent
- Organize cleaning and laundry supplies
- Donate or discard unwanted items
You made it! Put your feet up and revel in your refreshed and revived home!