Beech Tree News Network

I’ve been stocking up on cleaning supplies. My subconscious is telling me that I have to do some spring cleaning. My mind is planning the work, but my body is procrastinating.

I like Casey Slide’s definition of spring cleaning: “Essentially, spring cleaning is about clearing out the things you no longer use, while at the same time doing a deep cleaning of the entire house. It is a time to downsize your home and take on tasks that only need to be tackled once or twice a year” (http://www.moneycrashers.com/house-spring-cleaning-tips-checklist-printa...). Her article included planning advice and a task list – very helpful information.

Some good deep-cleaning suggestions from the Internet include:
•    Clean garbage disposal – You can freshen your drain by pouring down baking soda and a lemon peel with warm water (http://www.moneycrashers.com/house-spring-cleaning-tips-checklist-printa...). Since I don’t have a garbage disposal, I didn’t know this.
•    Update first-aid kit – This needs to be done periodically, so spring cleaning is a good reminder to do so (http://www.moneycrashers.com/house-spring-cleaning-tips-checklist-printa...).
•    Clean showerhead – Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it to the showerhead with a rubber band so the head is submerged. Remove after soaking overnight, and run the shower to flush (http://www.greenideareviews.com/2012/09/19/cleaning-the-showerhead-with-...).
•    Wood floors - Move furniture and rugs aside, then apply a wood cleaner and either liquid or paste polish to clean and add a new wax coating (http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/spring-cleaning-tips/).
•    Mattress – Press firmly with your vacuum's upholstery and crevice tools to clean the sides. Then, spot-clean stains with upholstery cleaner or mild suds. After spraying, let dry, then sanitize with a disinfectant spray, like Lysol (http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3345/spring-cleaning-tips...).
•    Purse – While cleaning, de-clutter your purse and wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe (http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3345/spring-cleaning-tips...). We all know our purses encounter the world.
•    Outdoor grill – Videoed directions for cleaning an outdoor grill are provided at http://housekeeping.about.com/video/Clean-a-Grill.htm. This looks like a grungy chore.

People do their deep cleaning at different times of the year. I asked friends and family how often they deep clean in their homes. Their responses are listed below:
•    Once a year, generally. But, I have been told that I should clean one room a month.
•    Deep clean. What’s that?
•    Twice a year.
•    Quarterly.
•    Spring only.
•    Twice a year for windows, curtains, closets and things like that. I power wash the outside of the house then, too.
•    Not very often any more, unfortunately. I used to deep clean at least once a year. It needs it badly!
•    Embarrassed to admit – seldom do I clean.
•    I only deep clean twice a year, but try to pick up every night and clean every weekend.
•    I deep clean once in a while: for occasions, when I paint. I really cleaned for my daughter-in-law’s shower. But, I clean often and keep my bed made.

Spring cleaning is a ritual for me. I deep clean my house in late spring and do some deep cleaning at the end of the year. But, spring is when I take on the tough jobs. And, it’s time to get busy even though my body dreads the process.