Spring cleaning may not be your favorite chore, but it is a necessity in life. It’s important to do a thorough household cleaning to keep your home looking neat. As well, it prevents the spread of dust, dirt, and bacteria.
A lot of people hear the term “spring cleaning” and think it is something that only has to be done in the spring. But as a rule, you should give your home a thorough cleaning at least once every 4 months. As well, keeping a daily and weekly list of cleaning chores will help you keep your place tidy between deep cleanings. Plus, you will not feel that overwhelmed when the time comes.
Well, it’s all about positive thinking and knowing you can handle the task. If it’s too overwhelming to do it all in a day, you can break it up and do a room or two a day. But if you are a perfectionist, like me, you want to do it all at once. By the way, in case you worry about the environment, you can purchase environmentally and pet-friendly cleaning products. Or, you can even make your own. You can find DIY cleaning products on sites such as Pinterest.
Marie Kondo Magic Spring Cleaning
How Do You Clean Marie Kondo?
Most of you may have already heard about the method, but not all of you know what it is supposed to represent. The fact is that the KonMari decluttering method is basic in its core. The main idea lies in the fact that you get rid of things that do not make you happy any more. Thus, you free space for other items that will bring you joy.
To begin with the method, you need to memorize the main rules:
- Commit yourself to cleaning
- Think about the perfect lifestyle
- Thank every item you are going to get rid of
- Clean by categories
- Precise order is a must
- Ask yourself if you feel the joy coming from the object
Now, it is time to divide all of your belongings into five categories:
- Clothes
- Papers
- Books
- Sentimental belongings
- Other
You are supposed to tidy up category by category, and it is not advised to start with another group while the first one is in the process. When you take all of your clothes out, you should hold each item and think if it makes you happy. In case it does not – it goes into the trash. The rule applies to all the mentioned above categories. So, as you can see, the method is basic in its core, but it is proved to be working, and that is what makes so special.
Does The KonMari Method Really Work?
We know that most of us are not that fond of the cleaning process, however, what makes the KonMari approach special is that it positively programs you. When you set your mind upon the great outcome of any process, it does work no matter what. Besides, that fact that Marie herself has her own series on Netflix speaks louder than any other words – it works!
How Long Should KonMari Method Take?
Even though there is a precise approach to tidying up, there is no exact time as to when you should finish what you have started. Depending upon the number of your belongings as well as your own pace, it may take you from three hours up to six months. However, it is in your interest to make it as fast as possible.
One Day Spring Cleaning Guide
8:30 am-9 am: Have a cup of coffee or tea and a healthy breakfast
Make a list of the cleaning products and items you will need. These include, but are not limited to the following:
- All-purpose cleaner
- White vinegar
- Window spray
- Baking Soda
- Paper towels
- Sponges
- Rags
- Mop
- Broom
- Dust pan
- Bucket
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Steam Cleaner
- Duster
- Laundry Detergent
- Fabric Softener
- Bleach
- Oven Cleaner
- Furniture Polish
- Toilet Brush
- Cleaning Gloves
So, break out the cleaning products, put on a pot of coffee, blare some tunes and get cracking. You can even decorate while you’re at it! Make it fun and not a chore. Listen to music, sing and dance along and check off each task as you go to give yourself a feeling of accomplishment. A clean home is a happy home!
9 am-10 am: Clean the Bathrooms
- Wipe down the walls and ceilings
- Wash the throw rugs
- Wash the windows and mirrors
- Scrub the shower/tub, sink, and toilet
- Wipe down outlet covers and baseboards
- Vacuum and/or Mop the floor
10:00 am-12:00 pm: Clean all Bedrooms
- Wipe the walls and ceilings
- Dust
- Air it out
- Wash all linens
- Clean the windows and window treatments
- Clean the mirrors
- Wipe down outlet covers and baseboards
- Vacuum or steam clean the carpets
12:00 pm-12:30 pm: Take a Lunch Break
12:30 pm-2:00 pm: Clean the Kitchen
- Clean out the refrigerator
- Defrost the freezer
- Clean the oven and appliances
- Clean the window treatments
- Wash cabinets, counters
- Organize cabinets and/or pantries
- Wipe down outlet covers and baseboards
- Sweep, vacuum and/or mop the floor
2:00 pm-5:00 pm: Clean the Living room, Dining Room, Family Room
- Dust all ceiling fans
- Wipe down the walls and ceilings
- Throw any area rugs in the washer
- Clean the upholstery
- Wipe down your lamps
- Dust your furniture
- Clean window treatments
- Clean and dust electronics
- Clean out your fireplace
- Wipe down outlet covers and baseboards
- Vacuum, shampoo and/or mop floors
5:30 Pm: Order Takeout for Dinner and Relax!
Treat yourself to Chinese or pizza! You’ve earned it, and plus, you don’t want to mess up your sparkling clean kitchen, right?
With this helpful guide, spring cleaning will no longer seem like a chore. Of course, you may have to tweak it a little to fit your home and needs. But it’s supposed to be a starting guideline to make full-scale cleaning that is much easier and more enjoyable!
- Dust all ceiling fans
- Wipe down the walls and ceilings
- Throw any area rugs in the washer
- Clean the upholstery
- Wipe down your lamps
- Dust your furniture
- Clean window treatments
- Clean and dust electronics
- Clean out your fireplace
- Wipe down outlet covers and baseboards
- Vacuum, shampoo and/or mop floors
5:30 Pm: Order Takeout for Dinner and Relax!
Treat yourself to Chinese or pizza! You’ve earned it, and plus, you don’t want to mess up your sparkling clean kitchen, right?
With this helpful guide, spring cleaning will no longer seem like a chore. Of course, you may have to tweak it a little to fit your home and needs. But it’s supposed to be a starting guideline to make full-scale cleaning that is much easier and more enjoyable!
REFERENCES:- Marie Kondo, also known as Konmari, is a Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV show host. Source
- Spring cleaning is the practice of thoroughly cleaning a house in the springtime. Source
- When spring comes around, a lot of people take this opportunity to do some deep cleaning around their home. Source
