As someone who enjoys cleaning and organizing my space, I look forward to a fresh start with spring cleaning this spring. I have a list of corners and cabinets that I want to clear out or reorganize. Although my apartment is small and doesn’t require much maintenance, I sometimes forget the little corners that need sweeping from time to time.
To make it easier for everyone reading this, regardless of the size of your apartment, let's start with the bedroom—our own precious sanctuary. In this article, I'll share a simple and effective spring cleaning list that will help you feel more at peace in your room and satisfied with your cleaning.
Remove the clutter and clean the dust
Let’s start with the most noticeable and annoying part: decluttering our space. If you have washed or unwashed clothes lying on your bed, on that chair in the room, or even on your floor, it’s time to sort them out and put them away. The same goes for anything else lying on the floor or your drawers and desk (if you have one in your bedroom). Before putting things in their place, you can also ensure your surfaces are dusted. For the sake of being thorough, you will want to make sure the surfaces are cleared so you can dust it off from top to bottom and left to right. Here are some tips on how to tackle pesky dust from Bright and Beautiful Home.
Once everything is cleaned, you can put your knickknacks and decorations back in the same way or a different system than you had before. I like to change things up, as it gives the space a new perspective.
If you're seeking more natural products to clean and disinfect your surfaces, there are household ingredients that can help promote healthier indoor air. I hadn’t realized until recently that cleaning and disinfecting are not the same; both are necessary to eliminate germs effectively. As this Aspen Clean article says, a cleaner is a solution with surfactants, which are ingredients that lift dirt off a surface. Using a cleaner will remove a large part of bacteria, viruses and germs, but it doesn’t disinfect all germs. Just the same, a disinfectant doesn’t remove stains and soil from your surfaces.
It’s also important to note that certain chemicals, like bleach and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, cannot be combined. A quick Google search will ensure that you clean safely.
Here is a quick concoction you can make for an all-purpose cleaner:
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 5 to 10 drops peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil
- 1 squirt natural dish soap
- 16-ounce spray bottle
For more recipes, check out Real Simple.
Clean your windows and mirrors
Cleaning your mirrors is a chore we often do more than once a year, but when do we take the time to clean our windows? Spring is a great time for this because the days are getting longer and the sun is out more. To clean, you can use a rag and mix 2 cups of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dish soap, for example.
Martha Stewart has an excellent method for a streak-free finish.
If you have mirrors in your room, it’s essentially the same mix, minus the dish soap. You’ll want to use equal parts vinegar and water and spray them onto mirrors. If you already have a mirror cleaner, use that.
Cleaning ceiling lights and lamps
I rarely think about my ceiling light, but seeing the spiderwebs accumulating on it reminds me that I should give it a quick vacuum. Additionally, removing the light fixtures or pendant lamps might be a good idea to ensure thorough cleanliness. If the fixture is too difficult or unsafe to remove alone, just clean around it. However, if you can safely remove it, turn off the power and wait for everything to cool down before doing so. Once removed, clear away the dust and spider webs, and clean the fixture using the ingredients mentioned earlier or any all-purpose cleaner you have on hand.
Wash Curtains, dust the shades
Neglecting our curtains and shades is easy, so here’s a reminder to take care of them. My mother told me to wash my curtains, and at first, I thought, “Why would I need to do that?”
But dust and germs accumulate everywhere, so it makes sense. You’ll want to look at your curtains' label for any specific indication on how to wash them. If you have shades, dust them off with a microfiber cloth. Ensure the curtain rods, hooks, and rings are also cleared of dust and webs.
Pillow and Mattress Care
Whatever pillow, mattress protector, or mattress you have, familiarize yourself with the labels to understand the cleaning instructions without ruining any material.
If you have Polysleep Pillows or a similar product with a removable pillow cover, you can put it in the washing machine with your sheets and mattress cover. Remember, you cannot wash the foam layers.
If you have different kinds of pillows, you can plop them in the washing machine, two at a time.
- It’s best to use natural detergent and a cup of vinegar where you’d place the fabric softener
- 1 cup of baking soda directly on the load to eliminate all impurities.
- Dry them with wool or tennis balls on low or without heat.
If you have any particular stains on latex or foam materials, you’ll want to spot-clean them with a damp towel and a bit of mild detergent.
Martha Stewart has another great article on how to wash our pillows.
As for the mattress, I stumbled upon this excellent video on Instagram about cleaning, vacuuming, and even rotating your mattress. He is known as Weekly Home Check and has videos on how to clean your home, along with tips on aspects of cleaning I never considered before.
Broom, Mop
If there is space under your bed, it's time to clean it by sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping. I know a lot of dust bunnies hide under my bed and in the little corners of my room as well. Don’t forget to clear everything out and get into every nook and cranny.
If you’re looking for natural recipes for floor cleaners, Wellness Mama has got you covered.
Declutter closet
It's a great time to declutter your wardrobe as warmer weather approaches. Consider getting rid of clothes you haven't worn in a while or that no longer fit. You can even do a try-out session to style your old pieces in new ways. I tend to do this with clothes I haven’t worn in the last two years. Donate them to family, friends, charities, or your local thrift shop.
These are some quick tips and reminders for cleaning and maintaining your bedroom. Remember that your cleaning routine may differ based on the size and items in your room. Spring cleaning can provide mental clarity, reduce stress, and elevate mood. You don’t have to tackle all this cleaning in one day; it can be spread throughout a week or so. Take your time, put on a movie, a YouTube video or some motivational music in the background and enjoy the spring cleaning.
