Spring is in the air, which denotes many things such as warmer weather, fresh air, and… allergies. It’s also a great time to
give the home an overhaul in cleaning, especially if anyone in the house has allergies or asthma. However, the traditional cleaners that have been used for so long can be hazardous for anyone in the home. Fortunately, there are ways to clean thoroughly, without the harsh chemicals that can trigger asthma attacks.
It’s also a good time to observe any maintenance problems that might be occurring, so you can take steps in fixing them before they become a larger problem. So, let’s break it down, room by room…just as you would in cleaning.
The Living Room/Family Room
I am combining these, because they are basically the same thing when it comes to spring cleaning. First thing you want to do is to tackle the upholstery and fabric items such as the sofa, window treatments and rugs or carpet. If you do these first, then you don’t have to worry about the particles getting air born and settling on items you have already dusted.
Vacuum all cushions and carpets with a Hepa Filter vacuum, which is best in removing particles such as dust mites. If you can, take your rugs outside to remove most of the debris, but use a mask if you are going to ‘beat’ the rugs. Also, make sure to move the heavier pieces of furniture for a thorough cleaning. This will also help in noticing if there are any maintenance issues that need your attention.
Throw the window treatments in the wash, or take them to the dry cleaner. This is a great time to wipe everything down with a mixture of water and a vegetable-based dish soap.
The Bedrooms
The bedrooms are very similar to the living area, in that you will want to use a cleaner with natural ingredients, and vacuum with a hepa filter system. However, you might want to take the time to go through closets to find clothing you no longer need or want. Not only will this remove clutter that attracts allergens, but it will give you an opportunity to make a little cash in a garage sale.
Another tip is to flip the mattress. By doing this, it saves on the life of the mattress. I like to do this about twice a year.
The Kitchen and Dining Room
Just like most other rooms, the kitchen and dining room are cleaned on a regular basis. However, this is a great time to move the heavy stuff out such as the refrigerator, to clean thoroughly behind it. You can also check for mold when everything is pulled out.
Go through the pantry to remove anything that has expired, and the freezer as well and wipe everything down with a mixture of warm water and vegetable-based dish soap. If you go through all your cupboards with the same procedure, you just might find additional items for that garage sale. I am always surprised to find things that I forgot I had, like specialty holiday plates, or other seasonal items.
The Bathroom
Use a damp cloth and natural cleaning product to wipe everything down thoroughly. I like to remove everything in the cabinets and drawers to wipe down, and sort through items that I can get rid of. I also check for leaking pipes at this time.
Since the bathroom is often wet, make sure to inspect for mold and mildew. You don’t have to use harsh chemicals to get rid of it all. Simply spray vinegar on it, and leave it set for a few hours. When you come back to clean it off, use a scrub brush. Vinegar might not be the ideal smell, but it’s not harmful. Just open the windows and turn the vent on.
Other options are:
- Baking Soda – use as a paste to let it set for a few minutes.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – undiluted, place in a spray bottle to attack areas, then wipe down after dry.
- Tree Tea Oil – 1 teaspoon to 2 cups water, let set until dry.
If you have a vinyl shower curtain, you might want to consider one made of cloth. These can be easily cleaned by throwing it in the wash.
The Laundry Room
This is a good time to pull out the washer and dryer to clean behind it, as well as inspect for any problems with leaking. If there is leaking, then you might have caught it before it does any major damage, or major problems with mold.
Check all the hoses and venting that goes out, and then clean it out to best prevent fires. Next, wipe everything down with the same mixture of warm water and a vegetable-based soap. If there is anything contributing to clutter, put it away as it could get wet, resulting in mildew and mold.
Toy Room
In addition to the cleaning you would do for the living room and bedrooms, wipe all toys down with a natural cleaning product. This is where I have my kids help me sort out through the items they no longer are interested in. I suggest that they can sell these items in our garage sale to earn a little extra to buy a new toy.
Utility Room
This is my least favorite room to tackle, but you can find maintenance issues in their earliest stages if you pay attention. Also, make sure to change filters on the furnace, air conditioner, humidifiers, and air purifiers. Use allergen filters which help to trap dust mites and ragweed.
In Closing
Hopefully I have given you some ideas for your next spring cleaning. Just remember, you don’t have to get it all done at once, and open the windows to get some fresh air.
A Danish proverb comes to mind here…‘Fresh air impoverishes the doctor.’
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jason Munroe is a freelance writer, living in Nevada with his lovely wife. He has written about allergies, because he suffered with them as a child and would like to help others.
