What is spring cleaning and where did it come from? What should spring cleaning really entail? Well, there are many theories on the origin of spring cleaning. One is the Jewish practice cleansing for Passover which commands one to rid the house entirely of leavened foods (chametz) including small remnants of the food. Another theory is called “Khooneh Tekouni” which literally means “shaking the house” and is practiced just before the Iranian holiday Norouz (Persian new year), which is also the 1st day of Spring. Closer to home in North America and also Northern Europe in the 1800s, the custom of spring cleaning was more practical. Before the invention of the vacuum cleaner, the best time to dust the house was in March. This was because the doors and windows could be opened without too much fear of insects and the windier season helped carry the dust out of the house.

Spring cleaning today really concentrates on the things that you probably don’t do very often. It’s kind of like a New Years resolution that you will actually follow through with. Of course, you may have more work if you don’t consistently take care of the normal things like dusting and bathroom cleaning but usually spring cleaning is focused on those other things that you just came seem to ever get done. Here are some spring cleaning items that you will want to put on your list:

Whole House

• High ledges/shelves – dust these and other hard to reach areas.
• Windows – clean inside and out including spraying down any screens. Don’t forget to clean out the window tracks as well. Also, take the time to launder or dry-clean all window treatments while you are at it.
• Floors – clean and shampoo all carpets and reseal all natural materials like stone and granite including any grout.
• Blankets/Throws – launder all of these throughout the home.
• Door/windows – lubricate all door and window hardware.

Kitchen, Pantry, and Utility

• Clean behind appliances – pull out all appliances including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, trash compactors, washer/dryers, etc. You won’t believe what you will find back there, maybe good, maybe not. While you are at it remove the dryer hose and clear it of any built-up lint. These can become fire hazards if not done once in awhile.
• Clean inside appliances – clear out the insides of refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, and microwaves. This is the time to wipe down all those gooey messes and throw away the Christmas leftovers. When you put things back in, organize them back to the way that makes you happy and motivated to keep it that way. For the dishwasher, run an empty load with a cup of vinegar. This helps remove hard water build-up.
• Refrigerator coils – dust and wipe down the grills and coils. This is something that is usually overlooked but can save you money in the long run. This allows the fridge to run more efficiently and therefore less often.
• Range hood – remove this, soak in soapy water, and remove any grease build-up. This can also become a fire hazard if not kept clean.
• Pantry – organize these by clearing out all the expired stuff and throwing away those things you know you will not use. You will be amazed at the amount of extra room you will now have for your Girl Scout Cookies.

Bedrooms and Closets

• Bedding – with the warmer weather coming, change all bedding to the lighter side.
• Closets – clear out clothes closets of items that are never worn. One way to test this is by turning all the hangers around and then coming back 3-4 weeks later to see which items you actually used. Donate the items you don’t have sentimental feelings for or make a Halloween costume.
• Summer clothes – swap the winter stuff for the stored summer stuff. Maybe leave out a couple of items for a few cold days that may still occur.

Bathrooms

• Medicine/Cosmetics – throw out all expired cosmetics and medications. That color is so 1990s anyway and do they even make Anacin anymore?

Living Areas

• Sofas/chairs – clean out the never-never lands of the sitting furniture. As you go, count the amount of money you make and how many writing utensils you add to your collection. Who said cleaning can’t be fun.
• Bookshelves – clear out and dust all busy and overworked shelves of knick-knacks and books.

Office 

• Files – clear out and organize all those papers from last year. Hey, since you are having so much fun why not do your taxes (finish the cleaning first though).

Just remember that the idea of spring cleaning is to open up your home and make it as free of clutter, dirt, and hazards as possible. With our busy lives it is sometimes a challenge to keep up. Have the family help you out, make it into a game, and put on some music to move you through the home. Whatever you do, just get it done and always keep it fun. When you are having fun the task will always be easier for you.