Although it may not always feel like it here in Chicago, the spring season is right around the corner. Thanks to lingering flu and cold viruses, slushy roads, salty sidewalks, and dry central heating, many condo owners and apartment dwellers are itching (literally) to clear out the clutter and grime. While spring cleaning helps to rid your home of those pesky microorganisms and debris, getting started on such an endeavor can be tricky.

You don’t need a heavy-duty carpet steamer or power washer to get the job done. Go ahead and pave the way for a happier, healthier spring season with the following simple spring cleaning tips.

  1. Clean out the refrigerator

Now’s the time to sanitize areas of your home that you don’t normally tidy up during your regular house cleaning routine. Start with the refrigerator, where stale foods can contaminate even your freshest produce. Spilled liquids and crusted caps only aid in the spread of microbes. Use salt and soda water to create an all-natural scrubbing solution. You can also use a vinegar-water solution for a less abrasive clean. Don’t forget to vacuum the dust underneath your refrigerator and around the motor to keep your appliance running efficiently. The primary role of the refrigerator is to slow bacteria growth, but when you fail to store perishable items properly, an appliance can only do so much. Moving forward, never store meat on the upper shelf as the juices can seep and drip onto the other items below. Leave some space so cold air can circulate and properly chill all your food – the temperature should always hover between 32° and 40°F in your fridge and 0° in your freezer.

  1. Check out your (non-digital) screens

Who doesn’t love opening up their windows to let the warm Chicago breeze aerate indoors? In preparation for the open-air lifestyle ahead, take a few minutes to de-dust your screens with an old scrap of carpet in lieu of a brush. You can also use the brush attachment on your vacuum. To clean off built-up dirt, mix up one tablespoon of dish soap or vinegar with a half-gallon of lukewarm water and scrub clean. Use the same solution on your glass windows and opt for a squeegee instead of a rag if you truly want a streak-free shine. Non-removable window treatments can be dusted while fabric drapes can be put through the air-fluff cycle with a wet towel to draw off dust easily. These steps are particularly beneficial for alleviating any impending allergy symptoms. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), eliminating allergens from the home can make you feel healthier, minimizing watery eyes and sneezy symptoms come spring. If you live in an apartment or condo with a Homeowners Association, you probably won’t have to worry about washing the exterior-side of windows (luckily).

  1. Don’t be short-sighted

Your normal cleaning routine probably consists of everything at eye level or below with most of your focus and energy put toward the floors. At least once a year, pull out the step ladder to deep clean the nooks and crannies up above. Tackle ceiling blade fans with furniture polish and use a stain-safe wood cleaner to de-grease all upper cabinets in the kitchen. Pay close attention to the cabinets surrounding your range as cooking oils tend to splatter up and settle on nearby surfaces over time. If you have high ceilings, don’t forget about the vacant space above your upper kitchen cabinets, which are easiest to clean with a handheld vacuum. Similarly, all upper moldings and curtain rods should be brushed off to remove spider webs and dust.

  1. Sanitize your cleaning appliances

Although their job is to keep your things germ-free, your dishwasher and washer/dryer need some TLC once or twice per year to run properly. For the dishwasher, scrape off food particles that have settled on the bottom beneath the lower rack. To remove odors and grease, run the dishwasher on the hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar (in a dishwasher-safe container) on the upper rack. To improve draining and effectiveness, clear the drain located beneath the bottom dish rack of any gunk. For the laundry, avoid musty-smelling clothes with distilled white vinegar and baking soda in your washing machine. Simply run the hot water cycle, add your cleaning agents and let sit for an hour before restarting the machine to drain the water. Finish by wiping dry before adding your next load. Depending on your washer model, your machine may also have a sanitization or self-cleaning cycle that you can use for regular upkeep every few months, depending on usage.

  1. Deep clean the bathrooms

Any tiled surfaces and grout should be wiped down with a neutral pH cleaner or a homemade mixture of a half-cup of baking soda to two gallons of water. Your painted bathroom walls should also be wiped down with a sponge and water (or dishwashing liquid for tough spots) since the steam from your shower can leave streaks and greasy residue. If you do opt to use soap, make sure to rinse the walls with plain water to eliminate buildup. Any areas that you don’t normally tackle – including behind the toilet, inside the bathroom cabinets and around the light fixtures – should be wiped down and disinfected with anti-bacterial or dust-fighting agents.

  1. Reorganize your storage

Aside from being cleanly, spring is prime time for getting organized. Studies show that de-cluttering your home leads to heightened productivity and a general sense of emotional well-being. Start with your closet by donating clothes that you haven’t worn in the past year – there’s truly no point in harboring items that don’t suit your style, fit properly or receive regular wear unless they hold deep sentimental value (i.e. your wedding gown). Although it might seem a bit overboard, organizing your clothes by color or season can help you save time while coordinating outfits in the morning before work. It might even be a good idea to have your heavy coats dry cleaned and stored in garment bags so you’ll be ready to go come November – just wait until March is over in case of a sporadic spring snowfall. When it comes to decorative knickknacks like picture frames and books, particularly those stored on shelves, dust any small items and wipe down the surfaces beneath them. This might be a good time to re-decorate a bit to change up your surroundings and inspire more creativity.

 

Spring cleaning is a popular pastime, rooted in functional reasoning but not lacking enticing emotional benefits on the side. Whether you rent an apartment in Chicago or own your current place, feeling comfortable and healthy at home is imperative – no matter the time of year.