Get Started on Spring Cleaning – 8 Must-Do Items

Nature is perking up, windows and doors are opening, and we’re awakening from our winter slumber. It’s officially spring, the time of year when we shake the dust off and get our homes sparkling.

Deep cleaning your entire home can be a daunting task. We pulled from the experts to put together what we think are the most important items to tackle.

1. Make a list: A list is a great way to map out and organize your approach, make sure you don’t forget anything, and divide the labor with other family members. In addition, there is something deeply satisfying about making a list and checking things off, one by one. Nobody keeps house like Martha Stewart, who has provided this very handy list to use as an example of how to approach spring cleaning.

2. Time it right: You probably won’t be able to clean your whole house in a day, or even a weekend. Once you’ve created your list, you’ll have a better idea of how much time you’ll need. Perhaps you’ll divvy up the tasks over several days or weekends, with a target completion date. Go easy on yourself – don’t pile too much on one day, or on a weekend when you’ve got loads of other activities.

3. Wash windows: Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, spring is a great time of year to get your windows clean and sparkling. Martha dedicates a whole page of her list above to getting perfectly clean windows. You’ll be amazed at how much builds up on your windows over the winter and how much light and brightness clean windows bring to your home.

4. Clean out your closets: Whether we like it or not, closets need to be sorted and cleaned at least once a quarter. Spring is an important time to go through your winter clothes and transfer or pack away what you won’t be wearing for the next several months, and to cull through your warm weather clothes to determine what to keep, what to mend or wash, and what to donate.

5. Deep clean drawers: Bathroom, kitchen, and dresser drawers all need to be overturned, cleansed, and reorganized. While you’re at it, purge: Cleaning out your closets and drawers provides a great opportunity to purge and declutter. Throw out or donate stained, ripped, or worn dishcloths and towels. Get rid of clothes, cosmetics, and toiletries that you never use. Donate toys that children have stopped playing with.

6. Clean the fridge: Don’t you love a sparkling, organized fridge? Take everything out. Throw out the bad stuff (and make a mental note of what to purchase less of in the future). Take out the shelves and drawers and cleanse in hot soapy water. Wipe off bottles and containers. Try lining your crisper drawers with colorful dishtowels or cloths to make cleaning easier the next time around. Put everything back in an organized (and dazzling) array.

7. Clean the oven: Spring is a great time to get rid of the build-up caused by heavy winter meals and baking.

8. Add some spring beauty: Once your house is spotless, your closets and drawers cleansed and purged, and the sun is shining through your newly clean windows, spread some colorful spring beauty throughout your home. This is the fun part. Put fresh cut flowers on the kitchen table, new pillow covers on your throw pillows, and replace dated photos in the frames. Celebrate spring – and enjoy your home!

Are you in the midst of the personalizing your new KB Home? Keep in mind some of the easier-to-clean options currently available, like quartz countertops, laminate or wood floors, and integrated sinks.