The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist for Southern Homeowners
Warmer weather brings everyone's favorite things: BBQs late into the night, fun-filled days at the lake, and more time to spend with family and friends. As the days get longer and the sun starts to shine, it's also time to give your home a much-needed spring cleaning! Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for those summer dinner parties:
Start Spring Cleaning with the Spare Rooms
These spaces tend to be the gathering place for all the things you can't find a spot for, so make sure to start by sorting and organizing.
Spring cleaning is also a great time to take care of small maintenance issues, like changing your HVAC filters, pouring boiling water down your drains to break up clogs, and spraying your doors with WD-40 to fix squeaks. Make an inventory of little projects and set a weekend aside to check them off.
Tackle Your Garage
Nobody likes to dig through a cluttered garage, especially when you're late for the soccer game and can't find the cleats anywhere. Start by getting rid of items that you no longer need, then organize the space so it's easier to find what you're looking for. You'll be surprised at how much seems to accumulate here over the winter.
Since the garage is an easy entry point for critters, make sure to clean out any cobwebs, and check for signs of rodent activity.
Clean Out Your Attic
We love our attics in the south—they're our favorite catch-all. But because they can get so hot in summer, it's the perfect place for dust and pests to gather. So, make sure to give your attic a thorough cleaning, and check for any moisture or mold that may have settled in during the cooler months.
Also, be aware of what you're storing in the attic. If antiques, memorabilia, or other sensitive items have found their way there, they might get damaged by the heat and humidity. Consider moving them to a new room or using a climate-controlled self-storage unit.
Deep Clean the Kitchen
While the kitchen may be getting regularly wiped down, it's time to go the extra mile during spring cleaning. Take a look at cabinets, walls, and baseboards for any dirt or grime that can easily accumulate in hard-to-reach places.
Clean and Organize the Cupboards
Take everything out of the cupboards, sweep and wipe them down, then reorganize. Crumbs, moisture, and pests can accumulate in any corner, especially under sinks, so make sure to give the entire space a thorough sweep and scrub.
Deep Clean Your Kitchen Appliances
When was the last time your oven got a really good scrub? It needs to be in prime condition for those summer cookouts! Deep-clean all kitchen appliances—including the fridge, oven, dishwasher, and microwave—to ensure they're running at their best.
Organize the Fridge and Pantry
The pantry and fridge easily become the dumping ground for all those random snacks and leftovers. Take the time to organize these spaces and dispose of anything expired or stale.
Clean the Garbage Cans
Often forgotten unless they start stinking in that humid summer air, our indoor and outdoor trash cans always need a good clean. Wipe them down with a bleach solution and air out the inside so they're ready to use all summer long.
Dedicate Time to Cleaning Bedrooms & Living Areas
Dust and mites tend to settle in the nooks and crannies of our bedrooms and living areas. Make sure to give these spaces a thorough dusting, even if that includes taking apart furniture for a deep clean.
Dust Fans and Light Fixtures
We often ignore these areas, especially ones with high ceilings. Make sure to dust these fixtures and also change the bulbs if needed.
Clean Your Carpets and Baseboards
Some estimates claim that carpets are 4,000 times dirtier than toilet bowls. Heading to the store for a carpet-cleaning machine yet? Go beyond the vacuuming and make an all-natural cleaning solution for a deep clean:
equal parts water and vinegar
a few drops of dish soap
several drops of an essential oil
Put this mix into a spray bottle and spritz your carpet with it. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then pull out your vacuum and thoroughly clean the area.
The same goes for baseboards—a quick wash will do wonders for air quality in your home. Instead of getting down on your hands and knees, use a Swiffer mop or something like it and run it along the baseboards.
Wash Comforters, Quilts, and Drapes
During the winter, these items tend to accumulate dust and bacteria. Put them through a good wash with your favorite detergent and hang them out to dry on a sunny day.
Steam Your Pillows and Mattresses
Bacteria and dust mites might be living in pillows, mattresses, and even couches. To get rid of these pests, use a hand steamer or even an iron to kill germs. Be very careful with the iron—you don't want to burn any holes in your mattress!
Wash Windows
During the winter, you may have left your windows closed to keep out the cold. Now that it's warming up, open them and let in some sunshine! Give all of your windows a good wash and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time.
Vacuum Your Upholstery
It's easy to forget about the furniture in your home, especially if it has a fabric covering. Make sure all of your upholstery gets a good vacuum and cleaning with an appropriate solution depending on the material.
Donate Unused Items
Take a look around your house and see what you can get rid of. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to donate any unused items or clothes that no longer fit. It's great for decluttering and helping out those in need.
Store Your Winter or Seasonal Items
Now that you've packed all that Christmas decor and you're not using winter coats anymore, they need someplace to go that's not your closet. Take advantage of your local self-storage unit so you can free up space and decrease the clutter.
Storage units are especially helpful for items that can't go in your garage or attic because of the humidity. A climate-controlled unit will keep your belongings safe and in perfect condition.
Finally, as you give each part of your home that extra attention, don't forget to add some fun touches to make spring cleaning feel less like a chore! Put on some music, enlist some help from friends, and celebrate with the first BBQ of summer.
Simplify Spring Cleaning With Midgard Self Storage
Every time you do a deep spring cleaning, you're sure to find things you don't need at home all the time but can't part with. Instead of pushing them to the back of a closet or risking damage by putting them in the attic, store them safely at Midgard Self Storage. We offer a variety of climate-controlled storage solutions that make your life easier and help you keep your home clutter-free.
Find a location near you and contact us today to get started!