Spring is here and so is spring cleaning
Apr. 22—Spring is here, and while the season can come with many enjoyable activities, it also means time for some spring cleaning.
According to a 2024 study from the American Cleaning Institute, 80% of American households plan to spring clean this year, up 10% from three years ago.
But why is spring associated with cleaning? It actually dates back to the days when homes were heated by wood and lit by lanterns that left layers of soot on every surface. When spring arrived, it was time to open up the windows and doors, pull out the rugs and bedding to beat away the dust, and scrub the floors and windows until they shined.
Jodi Rollins, founder and owner of F&J Cleaning Company in Mitchell, knows a thing or two about spring cleaning as she's been bringing cleaning services to families, individuals and small business owners since 2019. She said after several long months of messy winter weather now is the time of year when most people tend to focus on cleaning projects around their homes.
"During the colder months, we like to have everything tightly shut up all winter which accumulates dust and more," Rollins said. "Once spring comes people are ready to open windows and everything else that had been tightly shut, which boosts our motivation to want to clean our spaces."
So where does one begin? For starters, Rollins suggests decluttering before cleaning. This can be the gift you got over the holidays you know you'll never use, the toys your kids don't reach for anymore or the clothes you never wear anymore. Makes piles for things to keep, donate/sell and items to simply toss. Better organization of items in a house can make a difference when it comes time to clean.
"Make a plan for the cleaning you want to tackle and completely reset each area by decluttering and cleaning top to bottom," Rollins said.
Now that you've put in the work of decluttering and sorting, it's time to get after the dust that has likely built up over the winter months and start enjoying your now mess-free zone.
Rollins suggests making sure you have your favorite cleaner (non-chemical is best), microfiber rags, vacuum, mop, scrub sponges, extended duster and step ladder. Wipe down surfaces, especially high-touch surfaces, vacuum, sweep and mop. Rollins suggests cleaning from the top down.
This time of year, Rollins said there are several things people should look at in terms of spring cleaning. Some essential things to clean are baseboards, cabinets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, walls and windows.
Rollins said many forgotten areas in homes are the window tracks, the top of the refrigerator and cabinets.
Most people don't enjoy cleaning their homes, but spring cleaning does have its benefits, Rollins said.
"Spring cleaning not only tidies up and cleans our spaces, it also benefits our mental health," Rollins said.
And while deep cleaning may feel overwhelming on top of all the other daily tasks, there's s ways to prevent burnout. Rollins suggests having an action plan. Set aside a weekend or two to three days to tackle the project. Maximize efficiency and prioritize rooms and areas, starting with the areas that have the most traffic.
"Make a plan for the cleaning you want to tackle and completely reset each area by declutterring and cleaning top to bottom," Rollins said "Declutter, clean, reset."
Most importantly is to not stress, Rollins said. Spring cleaning doesn't have to be an overwhelming chore. While some opt to hire a cleaning service to handle the task, some people tackle the chore on their own and that is doable.
"Everyone has different cleaning routines," Rollins said. "As long as you are working room by room, decluttering first and then cleaning top to bottom, there is no right or wrong way!"
