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Spring is here, and that means it’s time for some spring cleaning. It can be hard to find the motivation to clean during the winter months when all you want to do is wrap up with a blanket and watch your favorite shows. If the mess has been piling up, or you just know it’s time for a good cleaning session, we’ve got some helpful tips to get you started.
First of all, you’re going to need some supplies. Cleaning items can be expensive (especially after the last few years), so try visiting your local dollar store to find some off-brand cleaner that can work just as well. Or, if you want something green you can make your own cleaner at home using vinegar and lemon juice. Here’s what you’ll need:
An all-purpose cleaner is going to be your new best friend. Some specific items you might need to purchase are a toilet-bowl cleaner and brush. Picking a cleaner that can be used on most surfaces will greatly benefit you in the long run. It saves you money and you don’t have to worry about switching between cleaners.
Not only that but mixing different cleaners can actually be super harmful to your health and well-being. If you’re using multiple cleaners, make sure to double-check the ingredient lists for anything that might have a toxic chemical reaction. Some common mistakes are mixing bleach and ammonia, bleach and vinegar, and bleach and rubbing alcohol. Mixing these will create chemical reactions that produce chlorine gases in your home leading to breathing problems and more. Always read the directions that are listed on the product before using them!
It’s important to stay safe while cleaning. If it’s warm enough, open the windows of your apartment for airflow or turn on any fans for ventilation. Breathing in any chemicals, reactions or not, can be detrimental to your health. Make sure to wear gloves while handling chemicals so you don’t irritate your skin. Safety goggles and masks are other preventive measures to protect your eyes and lungs.
If the mess has been building up, you may not know where to even start cleaning. Start by tackling some of the smaller tasks like cleaning the dishes, doing the laundry, and tidying up any miscellaneous clutter that can be lying around. Starting with these can put you in a clean mood and motivate you to keep going. If doing chores is a bore, try to make it fun by playing some upbeat music!
Make sure you pick everything up off the floor and tidy up the counters. Keep a garbage bag handy in case you come across anything you may want to throw away. Doing this now will help you later when you start spraying and scrubbing everything down.
Go through your fridge and pantry and throw away any expired food or mysterious leftovers that haven’t been touched in a while. Take everything out and wipe the inside clean. If your fridge sometimes smells, you can always put some baking soda in there! The baking soda will keep the inside of your fridge smelling fresh.
Move onto the hardest to clean areas like your bathrooms or kitchen. Working on the toughest objects to clean like your toilet, shower, oven, or microwave will make the other tasks seem not as difficult.
Take a duster or a rag and wipe all the other surfaces (like furniture and baseboards) in your space down. After you’re done dusting, take a quick break while you wait for any dust that may have gone in the air to settle on the floor. Or, if you don’t want to take a break you can mop any tile that may be in your bathroom or kitchen area.
When you’re done with your break it’s time to vacuum. Make sure the vacuum bag is empty. If the bag is full the vacuum won’t really work and will only spread the dirt around. If the vacuum has attachments, make sure to use those to get to any hard-to-reach areas like corners. You can also use the attachments to vacuum your couch or other seating that may need it. Fluff the pillows and you’re almost done!
Spray some air freshener or light a candle and relax in your newly cleaned space.
You may want to consider going through your closet and picking up clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Take them to your local church or other charity to donate them. Cleaning out your closet is a part of spring cleaning that many gloss over, but it’s important to rid yourself of things you no longer use or need so they don’t take up unnecessary space.
For the best property management experience in Middle Tennessee, look no further than MMC. With a wide range of services including an in-house maintenance team, thorough resident screening, and access to licensed real estate agents, MMC can help you grow your business while freeing you up to pursue your passions. Call today!