Ever wondered why we call it "spring cleaning"? According to National Geographic, spring cleaning dates back to ancient times, and the themes of purification, preparation for a new beginning and the celebration of spring's arrival are central to this worldwide tradition. Before electricity, homes were heated with coal and light was provided by the flame of a candle, both of which left soot on the walls and windows. Once spring arrived, the weather was perfect for washing away the signs of winter and welcoming the season of renewal.
What's good for our home is also good for our mental health. Spring cleaning not only gets us moving and energized, it lessens stress, improves focus and can even help with depression, according to a recent article from Cleveland Clinic.
Here's list of 10 spring cleaning basics to tackle:
Gutters
Gutters catch rain as it runs down the roof, directing it to the downspouts that carry the water away from the foundation of your home. Over time, gutters become obstructed with leaves and debris, leading to mold growth on the roof and exterior walls. Pooling water near the foundation can damage concrete and provides a breeding ground for insects. Clear gutters by scooping out debris and making sure water flows through the downspouts and away from the home.
Air conditioner
The air conditioner unit inside your home has an air filter that needs to be changed seasonally, or monthly in times of high use. A dirty filter slows airflow, which causes the unit's motor to work harder to cool incoming air. The condenser is the unit outside the home, and it can be cleaned with water from a garden hose. However, don't use a power washer, thinking that more pressure is better – it's easy to damage the soft metal fins inside the unit, and they're expensive to replace. And make sure the condenser isn't crowded; it needs to be free of shrubs and patio furniture by two feet on each side. Anything that impedes the flow of air into the unit forces it to work harder and increases your power bill.
Power washing
There are plenty of appropriate ways to put a power washer to good use around your house, and you can even check one out from Lincoln Library. The Library of Things offers loans for just about any tool you might need. The siding of your home, especially north-facing walls where mold develops from lack of direct sunlight, can be cleaned with a power washer. You can also clean decking and concrete areas such as the patio, sidewalk, garage floor and driveway.
Smoke detector
Dust can cause a smoke detector to chirp, which you can avoid by using a vacuum attachment to clean it regularly. When you change the clocks twice a year, let that be a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, or make the switch to the 10-year battery smoke detector.
Dryer vent and duct
The dryer's lint trap should be cleaned after each load. The dryer duct, which runs under the floor from the dryer to the vent outside the house, should be cleaned every one to three years. It fills with lint over time, reducing dryer efficiency and increasing the chances of causing a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there are about 3,000 dryer-related fires every year. This can be a DIY job, or you can hire a local company that cleans dryer ducts and all air ducts in the home.
Windows and screens
Cleaning windows is easily accomplished with a bucket, hot water, mild dish soap and a little bit of vinegar. Wash the window with a microfiber cloth, follow with a squeegee (game changer) to remove excess water and dry completely with a clean microfiber towel. Wash screens with soap and water, rinse and dry before replacing. You'll be amazed at what you don't see.
Sliding glass door
Bugs, dirt and debris settle into the track of a sliding door and slow it down. First, loosen the yuck with a toothbrush, vacuum the yuck and finish with a wet sponge. The screen and sliding glass door should both close easily now.
Ceiling fans
Clean ceiling fan blades with an extendable duster and use a vacuum to clean the housing. Remove light bulbs in order to remove glass globes. Soak globes in warm water and dish soap. Once dry, replace globes and light bulbs.
Baseboards and door frames
Wash away accumulated dust on baseboards and door frames with a sponge, water and a squirt of mild dish soap. Dry completely.
Carpet, rugs and furniture
Spring air has low humidity, which makes this a perfect time to deep clean carpets, area rugs and furniture. Open windows and keep air moving with fans to make sure everything dries thoroughly.
Holly Whisler is a freelance writer from Springfield who freely admits to enjoying the process of spring cleaning, and the boost she gets from a clean home.
