Spring-cleaning is an opportunity to freshen up your space. With some planning and realistic goal settings, residents can spread out their spring cleaning and have it finished in a flash. To help residents plan ahead and avoid the stress of spring cleaning, Williams and McDaniel Property Management has put together a month-by-month guide to help you tackle cleaning in a fast, effective and manageable manner.
March – Tackle the Kitchen and Bathroom First
Kitchen
Start your spring cleaning off by tackling the kitchen area first and bathroom first. These are normally left until last, but skip the procrastination and get the harder jobs out of the way first. Deep clean the refrigerator, freezer and microwave by unplugging them and washing the insides with warm, soapy water. While you’re doing this, take the opportunity to empty out your freezer and throw away any spoiled or freezer-burned foods. Also, be sure to check the expiration dates on items in your pantry. Next, remove all the dust and dirt buildup on the ceilings, light fixtures, walls, corners, window, baseboards, cabinets, stovetops and other appliances with a wet, sudsy cloth. Use a vacuum for those pesky pieces of dirt on the floors as well as stove vents, refrigerator coils and the spaces behind appliances known to collect dirt. Make sure to disinfect the sink, countertops, backsplashes and the surfaces of appliances and finish off by mopping the floor.
Bathroom
Keep the cleaning momentum going by moving onto the bathroom area next. Grab a rag or a duster and remove the dust from the walls, ceilings, overhead lights, windows, baseboards, windowsills and blinds. Follow up by vacuuming and washing out vents and cleaning all windows, glass, mirrors or decorative items that collect dust. It’s then time to throw on your rubber gloves and get to work cleaning and disinfecting the tub, shower, sink and toilet, making sure to also wash the shower curtain and liner and bathmats.
April
Bedroom
After your hard work with the kitchen and bathroom, you deserve a break in April. Take this month to clean out your bedroom and your closets. Start by vacuuming and flipping your mattress and machine washing all pillows, bedding, blankets, mattress pads, covers and comforters. As with every other room in your apartment, be sure to dust and wash out vents, ceilings and baseboards. Once you’ve conquered the bedroom, it’s time to address your closet and drawers. Be realistic and remove any garments that you haven’t worn in the last year and donate them to your local thrift store.
May
Finish up spring cleaning in your apartment’s living room. Vacuum all furniture, lampshades, carpets, baseboards and areas behind furniture, which are known to collect a lot of dust. Wipe down coffee tables, stands, electronics, mirrors, art and other decorative items in the room. Replace all burnt light bulbs, remote batteries and load up the laundry with all the throws and pillows that are used. As you’re finishing up your spring cleaning don’t forget to vacuum and change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the apartment and to check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers.
Breaking spring cleaning down into a month-by-month process will save you from feeling overwhelmed and will trick you into getting your chores done quicker. Williams and McDaniel Property Management is here to help residents in any way we can and wish current and prospective residents a Happy Spring!
tags: apartment living, cleaning