Spring Cleaning: Clearing More Than Clutter
Spring 2024 is almost here, and I couldn't be more excited. With the arrival of spring, the trees are beginning to bloom again, and you can hear the sweet chirping of birds in the air.
It makes me wonder if I should start thinking about spring cleaning, but what exactly is spring cleaning, and why is it important? 🤔
Spring cleaning is a long-standing tradition observed around the world, and its origins trace back across different religions and cultures from long ago. Before Passover, it was customary in the Judeo-Christian religions to engage in spring cleaning. In Buddhism, purification rituals can be linked to spring cleaning. Spring cleaning has been practiced in Persian and Chinese cultures for thousands of years to prepare for the upcoming year.
In the more recent past, people used to clean their homes during spring to get rid of the soot and dust produced by the fires used to heat their homes. During the early 1900s, Johnson & Johnson sponsored campaigns to promote spring cleaning in America because back then, when people got sick, there were no medicines to help them. So, people were advised to clean their houses really well to avoid getting sick. This was especially important as the country was entering World War I.
As I learned about the history of spring cleaning, I started to question why I should continue this tradition.🤨 I don't belong to any culture where spring cleaning is crucial. I don't rely on fire to heat my home and have already been vaccinated. Besides, as you already know, I hate cleaning.
It all comes down to this – there is a true mental health impact that results from living in a clean environment. If you're interested in how your living space affects your mental well-being, check out my upcoming blog post next week. It will provide more information on this topic.
The verdict is in - here's my now-informed opinion on spring cleaning. If you feel like you are not in the right mental state to clean, then it's best to avoid it. You can always do it later when you feel better. However, if you are up for it, give it a try. I know it may sound surprising, but hear me out.
Here's the thing - you only have to clean the entire house from top to bottom if you enjoy doing so. But some areas of the house could really use a deep cleaning after the long winter. Here are some suggestions for those areas.
Essential Spring Cleaning Checklist
Patio Furniture: Your outdoor furniture needs attention after being stored or left out during the cold months. Start by wiping down surfaces to remove any dirt or grime. Use a mild soap solution for metal, wood, or plastic pieces; for cushions and fabrics, check cleaning instructions to prevent damage.
Windows: Clear windows can transform a room by letting in more light and offering a better view of the springtime blooms. Clean both the inside and outside of your windows, if you can.
Dusting Surfaces: Dust and allergens build up over the winter, especially in areas not regularly cleaned. Take the time to dust shelves, baseboards, light fixtures, and other hard-to-reach areas. Microfiber cloths are excellent for trapping dust and reducing allergens in your home.
Bedding and Blankets: It's time to wash all your bedding, including blankets, comforters, and pillows that were used during the winter. This not only freshens up your sleeping area but also helps reduce allergens. Consider swapping heavy winter bedding for lighter spring alternatives. And of course, our LuxeFold Linen Cubes are perfect for storing your seasonal bedding 😉.
Closet Refresh: Organizing your closet is a must with the change in seasons. Pack away winter clothes and donate items you no longer need or wear. Before putting away your spring and summer clothing, take the opportunity to clean and organize your closet floor and shelves. This will help you keep everything in order and easily accessible.
Optional Spring Cleaning Tasks
If you get through the essential tasks and have more energy in your tank, here are some optional cleaning tasks I recommend after a long winter.
Carpets and Rugs: Deep cleaning your carpets and rugs can significantly impact your home's overall cleanliness and air quality. Winter brings in plenty of dirt and debris, which can get trapped in the fibers. Renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional can rejuvenate your carpets.
Kitchen Deep Clean: Go beyond the usual cleaning to wipe down cabinets, clean the refrigerator and freezer, and organize the pantry. This is also a good time to check expiration dates on food and spices.
Bathroom Overhaul: Give your bathroom a thorough cleaning, including grout lines, showerheads, and drains. Declutter cabinets and drawers and dispose of expired products.
Updating Home Decor: The arrival of spring may inspire you to revamp your living space with new curtains, cushions, or decorative items. However, updating home décor is a creative job that knows no season. It's driven by personal taste and the introduction of new trends or the discovery of unique items that speak to your sense of style.
Garden Prep: For those with a green thumb, early spring signals the start of the gardening season—cleaning out garden beds, planning plantings, and starting seeds indoors. While crucial for gardeners, this task's timing varies by climate and the specific needs of the plants you intend to grow.
The feeling of living in a clean home, particularly one that you cleaned yourself, is incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating. Even though this feeling is not tied to any specific time of the year, when you combine it with the natural energy that comes with spring, it can completely change the way you feel and have a big effect on your mental health. For this reason alone, I believe it is worthwhile to take on a few cleaning tasks, whether it be now, next week, or next month.
If you finish the list and need more guidance, we've got a free cleaning checklist to help you out. Get it here 👈🏻
Happy spring!