Cross Creek Ranch - Check Spring Cleaning Off Your List

At Cross Creek Ranch, we love the idea of spring cleaning. When it comes to actual practice, we can get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips for getting the job done. From a list of must-have supplies to directions on how to clean in those hard-to-reach places, we can help you easily check spring cleaning off your to-do list.

Gather Your Supplies

Are your cleaning supplies the right ones? That depends on you. Everyone has a favorite brand. Make sure they haven’t expired. If you tried a brand and didn’t like it, throw it out and buy something you love. Your tools need a once-over, as well. Make sure you have clean sponges, dust rags, brooms and mops. Martha Stewart has a great article about putting together a cleaning kit.

Checklists Make It Easier

When it comes to spring cleaning, where should you start? The easy answer is wherever you want. To ensure you don’t miss anything, you need a comprehensive checklist. Divide your list by location and then tasks. Be sure to include those tasks you’ve been meaning to get to but keep putting off.

Work Up to Bigger Tasks

Giving your house a deep clean takes time. So much time you might be tempted to put it off. Starting and finishing small tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and spur you on to complete those big tasks like washing the windows or cleaning the garage.

Tackle the Kitchen

Your kitchen is pretty clean, but when was the last time you vacuumed the refrigerator coils? Spring is a great time to do that as well as clearing out expired goods in the pantry and refrigerator. Defrost the refrigerator, deep clean the oven, wash your cabinets, lay down new shelf paper and take care of those small appliances. If you have a tile backsplash or island, now is the time to reseal grout lines.

Beautiful Baths

Your bathrooms probably get a weekly clean. Now it’s time to go in deep. Take a breath then open the door to the black hole that is your vanity cabinet. Clear out expired cleansers, cosmetics and that shampoo you tried and hated. Deep clean the shower and tub. While you’re at it, change the shower curtain liner. Troll through the medicine cabinet and toss expired medications. You’ll have to seal the grout here as well.

What’s in the Bedroom?

Your bedroom closet is another catch-all. Go through your wardrobe and get rid of any clothes you haven’t worn in the past year (you can reward your spring-cleaning efforts with a shopping trip). Deep clean the mattress and refresh the pillows. Sweep up the dust bunnies under the bed. Check the linen cupboard and get rid of torn and stained sheets.

Declutter the Home Office

If you can’t find anything in your office, now is the time to organize. Go through the filing cabinet, throw out the sandwich you forgot to eat and start shredding. Clean your computer keyboard so the keys don’t stick. Check your office supplies. Make sure you have plenty of printer paper and ink.

Let’s Go Outside

If it’s a nice day, it’s time to clean up outdoors. Rinse off your patio. If you have a deck, scrub it clean. Check your patio furniture for mildew. If you see it, treat it. Wash your window screens with warm water and a mild dish soap. A little scrubbing won’t go amiss. While those are soaking, clean your windows. Clean your patio furniture, spruce up your landscaping, check the lighting for loose wires and clean and repair your driveway.

Clean the Garage

You may not want to do it, but it’s time. Plan to spend a weekend just cleaning out the garage. Lay out tarps, pull everything out and start sorting. See how big a donation box you can fill. Wash the garage floor. If you don’t have a finished garage, look into getting that done. Also check for and get rid of spiders and vermin.

Wash the Baseboards

You know you’ve been ignoring them. It’s not hard. When you are vacuuming a room, put on the brush attachment and suck off the dust. Then wipe with a damp cloth.

Shampoo Carpet and Rugs

Want to brighten up your house? Clean the carpet and rugs. They get dingy after a while, so a deep clean will make your home look and smell fresh and new.

Wipe Walls and Ceilings

Time to get rid of Junior’s latest masterpiece. In all seriousness, walls and ceilings attract dust, marks and cobwebs. Vacuum what you can and finish with a damp cloth.

Clean Soft Surfaces

Want to get out some aggression? Take couch cushions and pillows outside and beat the dust off them. You can also vacuum them or use an upholstery cleaner. Take down the curtains and shake out the dust. Throw washing machine-safe fabrics in the washer and dry clean everything else.

Dust Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans

Light a little dim at night? It might not be your lightbulbs. Your lampshades may need a good wipe-down. Use glass cleaner on glass fixtures. Cloth shades should be vacuumed.

Check the Smoke Alarm

Any safety devices you have such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked to see if they are in good working order. If not, replace them. Fire extinguishers need to be replaced every few years so check those, too.

Get Help

Don’t try to spring clean on your own. Give every family member a job to do. Make a game out of it with awards for the most creative cleaning method and the most thorough job. You could make it even easier on yourself by engaging a cleaning surface for jobs you really don’t want to tackle.

See Our Clean Model Homes

We’re not saying the easiest way to spring clean is buying a new home in Cross Creek Ranch, but if you are in the market for one, tour our model homes today.

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