by Pam Ness
Despite the actual weather conditions, the official beginning of Spring is creeping closer on the calendar. With the approach of warmer weather comes the ritual of Spring Cleaning, the deep-cleaning and airing of one’s home, historically after the winter months.
Interestingly, the tradition of Spring Cleaning can be traced back to multiple cultures. The Jewish tradition links Spring Cleaning to preparations for the Passover holiday. Early Christians conducted their Spring Cleaning between Palm Sunday and Easter. The origins in the Persian culture connect the deep cleaning to the time leading up to the Iranian Nowruz or New Year, which is celebrated on the first day of Spring.
This tradition has continued in America, particularly in regions that experience harsh winters, as a way to dust, scrub, and air out the house when it was finally warm enough to open windows and doors without having to worry about bugs flying in.
For those who embrace the ritual, it can be very satisfying to give attention to the annual tasks of this very thorough cleaning. This is a great way to tackle chores that aren’t included in one’s usual housekeeping routine. A top-to-bottom strategy of cleaning each room is recommended, so that dust, dirt, and cobwebs don’t settle onto a lower surface after it has already been cleaned.
Here are some Spring Cleaning Tips to help get you started:
- Vacuum or wipe down ceilings, ceiling fan blades, mouldings, walls, and baseboards.
- Change the air-conditioning/heating filters,
- Remove and launder curtains, and wipe down blinds or window-shades.
- Wash windows: both screens and glass.
- Thoroughly dust shelves and their contents, including books and photos.
- Polish fixtures and hardware.
- Re-grout cracked caulk.
- Clean the interior and exterior of all kitchen appliances.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture.
- Wax wood furniture.
- Mop all hard surface floors.
- Thoroughly vacuum and steam-clean all rugs and carpets.
- Change out heavier duvets and quilts for lighter bedding.
- Bring pillows and mattress pads to the laundromat for washing.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
A serious Spring Cleaning can take multiple days, and provides an unexpected bonus: you will burn off some major calories to help shed any extra pounds that may have accumulated over the winter!