Decorating & Design
April 1, 2021
Bored At Home? Your Spring Cleaning Checklist Is Here!
‘Tis the season of sweeping floors, laundering linens and finally cleaning those neglected nooks! Whether your spring cleaning checklist is intricate (read: getting rid of bathroom grime with a toothbrush) or as simple as sanitizing all surfaces, we’ve rounded up expert-approved tasks you can do right now. With the help of a squeegee and some cleaning solution, it’s time to say goodbye to dusty digs and hello to a spring-fresh sanctuary!
Dry-Clean Your Beloved Blankets
Even if your throws are purely decorative, don’t forget to include them in your spring refresh. According to Shermin Zarif, the founder of Flair Cleaners in Toronto, throws need to be dry cleaned up to four times a year.
Clean Your Front Door
Why not give the entrance of your home the squeaky-clean treatment it deserves? Pro organizer Lois Kaplan of Montreal’s Organized Success suggests washing and drying the entire door all the way down to the sill to make a good first impression. Scrubbing the surface with a gentle mix of dish soap and water does the trick.
Toss Old Makeup & Skincare
From dirty brushes to bygone beauty products, there’s a good chance that bacteria has snuck its way into your makeup bag. Fun fact: the number six, 12 or 24, followed by the letter “M” printed in fine text on makeup and skincare is actually the maximum shelf life of a product after it’s been opened. To keep expired products out of your rotation, Victoria, British Columbia–based organizer Rachel Freeman of Space In Your Place Organizing Solutions recommends that you “take a sharpie and write the expiry date on the bottom so you know when to toss!”
Rethink Your Linen Closet
To avoid overcrowding, Rachel says the general rule of thumb is to have two to three towels per person in your home and one extra set of sheets per bed. “If you are well over those numbers, consider cutting up the linens to use as cloths or rags, or donate them to your local animal shelter.”
Wash Your Outdoor Cushions
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make sure your backyard or patio is in tip-top shape. “To avoid shrinking, fading or damaging the zippers of your valuable outdoor cushion cover collection, have them professionally dry cleaned at least once a season,” says Shermin.
Replace Seasonal Gear
It’s finally time to switch out clunky skates and oversized scarves for sun hats and sneakers. Start by wiping down built-ins and shoe racks, then mop the last traces of winter away before stashing spring favorites in tidy baskets. “For those with limited space, place winter hats on the bottom of a basket, layer with a towel and place summer hats on top,” says Lois.
Clean Under Your Laundry Machines
“The laundry room is an area people often neglect even though it’s the room where we clean our clothing,” says Lois. Aside from wiping shelves and disposing of unnecessary items from laundry room cabinets, consider doing a deeper clean by moving machines aside to sanitize the hard-to-reach space underneath. “Be sure to wipe behind the machines where dust accumulates,” she says.
Be Extra Careful With Your Throw Pillows
“Accent cushions should not be washed in water as this can lead to shrinkage, fading and destruction of fine details,” says Shermin. Get them professionally cleaned once a year (especially if your pillow covers can’t be removed).
Edit Your Wardrobe
We’re quick to put away sweaters and jackets when we spot the first signs of spring, but when was the last time you KonMari-ed your closet? Not only does this method edit out pieces you don’t wear, it instantly transforms cluttered wardrobes into tidy, streamlined sanctuaries. “If there’s a sweater in there that hasn’t been off the hanger in six months, consider donating it or passing it along to someone who will use it,” says Rachel. The best time to do this is right before you store your winter clothes away for the milder months ahead.
Purge Your Pantry
Organizing your pantry once in a while can avoid the build up of old cans, dusty cartons and stale food you forgot you had. Before stocking your pantry with spring staples (hello, sparkling water!), “take inventory of what you currently have, what’s expired and what should be eaten sooner than later,” suggests Rachel. As for anything that is past its prime, consider this compost for your garden!
Edit Your Files
A labelled filing cabinet is a stress-saver come tax season, when we dig around to compile various records and receipts. Get a head start for next year by revisiting and de-cluttering this stockpile to get rid of any dated documents. “Ensure you are only keeping seven years’ worth of paperwork,” says Rachel. Anything prior can be safely discarded by shredding and recycling.
Dust Off Your Dog Bed
Your pooch’s dirty paws aren’t the only thing to clean on the regular. “Dander, mud and all the unseen bacteria they bring home from the dog park is accumulating in their bed daily,” says Shermin. “A professional dog bed cleaning should entail multiple steps including an odor removal process, steaming and finally, cleaning.” Shermin recommends doing this at least four times a year.
Clean Out-Of-Sight Storage Areas
The lack of foot traffic — and often light — in hidden areas like utility closets, attics and nooks under the stairs make them perfect targets for unwanted pests and cob webs. Fortunately, getting rid of webs is as easy as removing them with a vacuum or, alternatively, using a broom covered in a rag, says Lois.
Unsoil Your Outdoor Space
Carving out a quiet space in your backyard to get a breather from being inside all the time can instantly boost your mood, especially if it’s free of grime. “Hose down your patio or deck so it’s ready for your outdoor furniture,” says Lois. While a pressure washer can lift deeper stains, an ordinary hose will do away with most dust and debris.
Don’t Forget About Your Drapes
“Curtains are like air filters – gathering dust, pollen and mold spores from the air that flows between windows and the interior of a home,” says Shermin. “They also absorb moisture, harbor odors, attract pet fur, dander, germs and even insects.” Make sure they’re taken down and cleaned at least once a year.