Spring Cleaning Battle Plan: Where to start and what you’ll forget

The fresh, sweet-smelling air of spring is finally here and that means it’s time to open the windows, grab the cleaning supplies and start scrubbing away! But where to start? The rugs, the windows, the closets?

To help you out, RiverheadLOCAL sat down with Teresa Ward, owner of Teresa’s Family Cleaning, for some spring cleaning tips. Ward, who only cleans using green cleaners, laid out an essential list of places and things in your home that should be cleaned every spring, as well as tips on how to get the job done quickly and effectively.

Rid Clutter from Closets/Cabinets

One of the first places to start your spring-cleaning project, says Ward, is with the closets. Before pulling out your spring and summer attire, she recommends first going through your winter wardrobe and separating out anything that you know you won’t wear next season. Box it up and donate it.

Next, she says to move on to the attic and basement, where things tend to build up. Her general rule is that if you haven’t seen it in a year, you probably won’t use it and it’s time to get rid of it.

Ward also recommends cleaning out the medicine cabinet and getting rid of anything that is expired.

“Go through everything from soup to nuts,” she said. “Then, instead of clutter, you will just have to maintain your closets and cabinets.”

Clean up the Entrances

With such a harsh winter, Ward said it is a good idea to take some time cleaning the front and back entrances to your house. This means sweeping and then power washing the stoop and steps.

Next, turn to the windows. She recommends using a half-vinegar, half-water mixture with newspaper to shine up all your windows, inside and out. While you’re working on those windows, make sure you take down the storm windows and clean off the screens, too.

The Beds

Taking care of your bed isn’t just about changing your sheets on a weekly basis, said Ward. It’s also important to clean the actual mattress once a year. This is easier than it sounds. Simply vacuum down the mattress and then, depending on the type of mattress you have, flip it or rotate it. You should also take this time to replace your winter bedding with lighter, cooler bedding, since the nights will be getting warmer soon.

Don’t forget to clean underneath your bed thoroughly and get rid of all those dust bunnies!

The Man Cave

If you ask most women, Ward said, they don’t usually attempt to clean their husband’s man cave – but springtime should be an exception, especially if your husband uses this space to smoke cigars and play cards with his buddies.

To clean the man cave, Ward recommends first airing it out to get that manly stench out of room, and then using a vinegar and water mixture to spray clean off everything from the walls to the tables.

The Check List

With so much to do, Ward gave us a quick checklist of essential things to clean:

{jb_redbox}• Vacuum under the refrigerator.
• Rotate and clean all area rugs and throws.
• Clean out all of the lint from your dryer vent, both inside and outside the house.
• Vacuum all the walls and ceilings to remove cobwebs.
• Give all your carpets and upholstery a shampoo.
• Dust all your radiators.
• Remove dust from forced air ducts and air conditioning units.
• Take the time to re-grout in the bathroom.
• Wipe down your blinds, using your water and vinegar mixture.{/jb_redbox}