Spring is just around the corner and if you're like me, you can't wait to start spring cleaning.
The birds are singing, the sun is shining...and wow, do those floors need mopping. How sticky is that fridge door again? And whew--what happened in the bathroom?
If you've been stuck inside all winter (I mean these days, who hasn't?), it may be time to roll up your sleeves and clean house.
But where to begin? It's hard to know where to start.
Luckily, I've broken it down into an easy-to-read list of simple jobs.
Just take one task at a time and before you know it, you'll be headed into April with a clean house.
Print this list out and get to work!
Spring Cleaning Checklist
On the Outside
Clean out the garage. Get rid of tools you don't use or that are rusted or beyond repair.
Inspect the roof and gutter. Clean as necessary.
Examine the exterior and touch up if needed. Power wash the outside of the house, including windows.
Your hot water heater needs a little love. Be sure to drain all sediment so that it lasts longer.
Schedule maintenance on home cooling systems (Arctic Heating & Cooling does a fantastic job!).
On the Inside
Donate clothing that hasn't been worn for more than two years.
Using a telescoping vacuum extension, sweep away all cobwebs and dust near the ceilings.
Dirty walls? Wash them by using 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 gallon of warm water.
Wash all inside windows. Vacuum out the tracks.
Vacuum/wash/dry clean all window coverings.
Dust and wash light fixtures and chandeliers.
Wash all knickknacks.
Vacuum lampshades. Replace lightbulbs.
Clean out and reorganize the linen closet.
With a vacuum brush, remove hair stuck to walls and ceiling by hair dryers and hair spray.
In the Bathrooms
Deep clean shower, toilet, floor and sink.
Inventory the medicine cabinet and toss/flush expired medicines.
In the Kitchen
Defrost freezer and wash out the refrigerator. Toss out expired foods.
Remove screen on stove fan and wash.
Clean oven and soak stove rings and drip pans.
Go through your kitchen appliances, clean thoroughly and get rid of ones you no longer use regularly.
Use your vacuum on the front of the coils and motor to remove dust and dirt.
In the Living Room
Vacuum books and bookshelves.
Launder all quilts, blankets, comforters and bedspreads. Turn mattresses.
Move all furniture to the center of each room and vacuum thoroughly.
Rent a carpet cleaner or better yet, hire a company to clean your carpets (Mannings Carpet Care does an excellent job!).
Inventory the contents of each room; think carefully about the things you don't need, and let them go.
Have a garage sale. Think about making signs out of old boxes or get a garage sale kit.
Put the proceeds toward a family vacation, or visit a local amusement park or favorite restaurant to celebrate the beginning of summer.
And remember, if it's all too much, let me know. There's no shame in asking for a referral to a cleaning service.
I mean, you don't think I'm doing all of this myself, do you? ;)
Happy Cleaning,
Miriam
Miriam Odegard
Real Estate Broker/Owner, Odegard Real Estate Group
United Realty Indianapolis
1425 East 82nd Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46240
text/mobile: (317) 220-5397
email: miriam@miriamodegardhomes.com