If you have a yearly spring cleaning ritual, you might be gearing up to clean and tidy your home and yard. The big thaw across the northern states and the warmer weather in the south provide the perfect climate to get those windows open, dust away the cobwebs, and give your home a deep clean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also use this time to focus on clearing out the clutter in your life! Whether you use the opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need, make time to check in with yourself daily, or tidy up your finances, this is a great time to \u201ccleanse\u201d your home and habits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grab your cleaning supplies and read on! \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See how Quicken helps you declutter your life. Once you\u2019re armed with microfiber towels, multipurpose cleaner, and Windex, you\u2019ll be ready to get started! Getting a good spring clean in after a long winter can help your home feel rejuvenated while removing pesky allergens. Let\u2019s get started with some spring cleaning tips!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn’t matter if you\u2019re Carmy Berzatto or a humble instant ramen chef \u2014 stovetops get dirty. For both gas and electric ranges, accumulations of grease and cooking oils, carbon build-up, and food scraps can make cooking surfaces unpleasant, to say the least. Grab some hot water or cleaning products like stainless steel polish (Bar Keeper\u2019s Friend works great) or degreaser, and get to work. Just read carefully to make sure your products won\u2019t scratch the finish! This can also be a great time to clean ovens or microwaves and decarbonize the bottoms of your cookware<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mildew and grout are like peanut butter and jelly \u2014 you don\u2019t often see one without the other. Take the time this spring to inspect your grout and get it scrubbed. For spot treatments, you can get rid of mildew and other stains with a toothbrush \u2014 just use a mixture of distilled white vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, and water. If your grout is blackened beyond repair, hey \u2013 don\u2019t despair! You can hit it with another layer of grout \u2014 just make sure you chip away anything that\u2019s crumbling. And don\u2019t forget to replace your shower curtain and clean (or replace)<\/a> the shower head!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We walk on them, we spill on them, bugs crawl on them \u2014 floors get filthy<\/em>. Make it a habit to sanitize your floors regularly, and give them a serious scrub during your spring cleaning. While you\u2019re at it, show those baseboards some love, too. Whether you have laminate, tile, wood, or carpeted floors, give them the attention they deserve \u2014 there\u2019s nothing better than walking barefoot on freshly cleaned flooring! First things first, hit them with a good dusting or vacuuming. If your floors are carpeted, consider steam cleaning them<\/a>. If you have tile, you\u2019ll want to mop the floors, and that\u2019s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As our ceiling fans rotate to keep us cool, they collect tons of dust. If you don\u2019t regularly dust the blades on your ceiling fan, they might look like they\u2019re wearing a black fur coat! Use a feather duster (or a Shop-Vac) and get rid of that dust accumulation. You can also take the time to dust your light coverings, lampshades, and light switches, and maybe change some light bulbs (or install cool Smart LEDs<\/a>) while you\u2019re up there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, we\u2019ll wash windows. Inside, take a microfiber cloth or paper towel, give your windows a good spritz with Windex or another glass cleaner, and scrub them top to bottom. This will get rid of any debris or gunk accumulated on your windows, and you can also clean the windowsills and the grout. Outside, you can do the same process \u2014 just expect it to be substantially dirtier. Avoid using pressure washers on your windows \u2014 you run the risk of cracking the panes and loosening the putty. Once you\u2019re done, enjoy \u2014 there\u2019s nothing like a clean window!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every HVAC system uses air filters to keep your indoor air quality clean and to protect the mechanisms in your furnace or air conditioner from particulate matter damage. To keep your unit running tip top and your air quality favorable, you\u2019ll need to replace your air filters regularly. This is a great time to check how yours are holding up \u2014 you\u2019ll know they\u2019re ready for replacement if they\u2019re dirty, if your vents are dusty and covered in lint, or if your electric bill is higher than usual. Also, if you or anyone you live with has allergies, this will be a best practice all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The top of your refrigerator, behind small appliances, underneath your oven, behind your toilet, inside your coffee maker \u2014 hard-to-reach spots like these are often overlooked during routine cleaning. During your spring clean, resolve to visit these out-of-the-way spots with a thorough scrub. Take a look around the house and see what you can find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t regularly wash your curtains, they can accumulate tons of dust, pet dander, and pollen \u2014 especially if you keep your windows open. First, read the label on your curtains to see if they\u2019re okay to go in the washing machine. If not, you can hand-wash them and line dry. This is also a great time to clean any window treatments, like blinds or shades. Be mindful of the material that your window treatments are made of and use the appropriate cleaner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your bathroom cabinet have expired medication from your wisdom tooth extraction in 2014? Are there vintage cans of tuna buried in your kitchen cabinets? Take this time to get organized in your cabinets throughout the house. The rule of thumb is to responsibly dispose of things that aren\u2019t serviceable anymore and donate anything that\u2019s still usable. If you\u2019re on the fence about something, non-perishable goods often last longer than the date suggests. Take a moment to look things up<\/a> before you throw them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See how Quicken helps you organize and manage your essential information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your home is fully carpeted or you have a few area rugs around the house, take the time to clean them thoroughly<\/a>. You can rent a carpet steamer, use a vacuum, or clean them by hand \u2014 the goal is to loosen dirt and grime, scrub the textiles, and let the area dry. If you\u2019re uncertain about cleaning a vintage rug or your carpet is exceptionally dirty, consult a professional. Don\u2019t forget your bath mats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Couches, sofas, armchairs, and other upholstered furniture need a good scrub, too! Take a look at the cleaning care instructions that are attached to the furniture, and use care when working with older or fragile materials \u2014 you\u2019ll need to make sure you use the correct cleanser. Start by cleaning a discreet test patch on your fabric or leather to make sure your cleaning solution (or soapy water) won\u2019t stain the upholstery. Then, continue with the rest of the material until your upholstery is clean and looking brand new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that smoke detectors expire? While you\u2019re doing your deep clean, you can make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms (if your home uses natural gas) are in proper working order. To check, remove the alarm from its chassis \u2014 there is a test button to make sure the batteries are operational. If they\u2019re not, replace them immediately. There should also be an expiration date stamped on the bottom of the unit, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether the snow has just melted on your deck in Kenosha, WI, or the grass is speedily growing in your backyard in Killeen, TX, the spring season is a great time to get on top of your yard maintenance. Take a walk around your lawn and pick up any debris, like broken branches, dog droppings, and other detritus. Look for weeds and any other invasive plants, and work on pulling them. You\u2019ll also want to clean any outdoor furniture, and check for any seams or suspect areas around your foundation to keep critters out! This can also be a great time to service your mower \u2014 especially if it\u2019s been sitting for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While finding authentic cherry hardwood comes with a hefty price tag these days, chances are you\u2019ve got a few things around the house made of natural wood. Porous and prone to excessive drying, wood furniture needs special attention. Use Pledge or lemon oil to keep your wooden chairs, dressers, and desks hydrated and polished. For wood cutting boards, use mineral oil to replenish their hydration, prevent cracking, and keep them functional for years to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave the science experiments for the lab and deep clean that fridge! Start by tossing everything expired, making sure the packaging is disposed of properly (be sure to recycle). Then, pull everything out and scrub \u2014 you\u2019ll want to hit every single surface with warm water or cleaning products. This is also a good time to scrub the gaskets on the door, as they can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other bacteria. And remember to replace your water filter if your refrigerator has a dispenser. If you\u2019re interested in sustainability and minimizing food waste, this could be a great time to start composting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have a closet you haven\u2019t properly dug through in years? Out of sight, out of mind, right? Take the time during your spring cleaning this year to free up those closets of things you no longer need \u2014 and organize them afterward. Whether it\u2019s your bedroom closet, a little cubby under the stairs, or linen cabinets in the hall, make sure you go through them, organize their contents, and get rid of what you no longer need. You can donate these to a local charity, or sell them online or to a consignment store to make a few extra bucks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might be enticing to embrace the DIY mentality and save money by fixing any problems around the house yourself, but it\u2019s extremely important to know when to call a professional. Google and YouTube are amazing resources, but no amount of information beats professional experience \u2014 especially when it comes to electrical, plumbing, roofing, and other hazardous home repairs or jobs where mishaps can be costly. Don\u2019t electrocute yourself or flood your basement \u2014 call a pro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have gently-used clothing that you no longer wear or that no longer fits; any unwanted appliances that still function; books, dishware, or other home goods that are in good shape, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and many others will gladly take your unused and unwanted home goods and clothing \u2014 you can declutter and give the things you no longer need a new chapter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spring cleaning doesn\u2019t have to end with work around the house \u2014 you can also check in with yourself! Take a look at your routine. What do you want to cut out? Whether you want to replace 30 minutes of Netflix with reading, swap your morning Starbucks run with an actual run, or just make time to journal and meditate daily, the ritual of spring cleaning affords you a great chance to re-evaluate your lifestyle and daily routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, give your finances a good cleaning! Start by taking a look at your current budget to see how it\u2019s working month over month, and make any tweaks as needed. Get rid of any unused subscriptions, give your investment portfolio a careful gander, and consider switching over to a personal finance app<\/a> if you\u2019re not currently using one! A financial spring cleaning can help you spot any trouble areas and commit to improving your fiscal habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to the top<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See how Quicken helps you organize, protect, and share life’s essential information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Need help determining where to start? You can break it down room by room \u2014 find a starting point and keep cruising along until you find your home decluttered, spotless, and feeling fresh! Use this as a baseline and get as involved with the cleaning process as you wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grab that duster and let\u2019s get to it! Spring cleaning is a great way to declutter and cleanse after a long winter \u2014 here\u2019s our guide so you won\u2019t miss a spot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":6259,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"69","_seopress_titles_title":"The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist | Quicken","_seopress_titles_desc":"Grab that duster and let\u2019s get to it! 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\n Continue \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nSpring cleaning checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Scrub the stovetop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Get in the grout<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Don\u2019t forget the floors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Dust your ceiling fans and light fixtures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Windex your windows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Replace your air filters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Show the hard-to-reach spots some love<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Launder your curtains<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Organize your cabinets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n Continue \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n10. Shampoo your rugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Clean the upholstery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Check your smoke detectors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13. Get your yard in check<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Polish wood furniture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. Deep clean your fridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Clean out your closet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. Know when to call a professional<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. Donate what you don\u2019t need<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
19. Revisit your routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. Tidy up your finances<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n Continue \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRoom-by-room cleaning list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kitchen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Living room<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Bathroom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Bedroom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Outdoor spaces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n