If you’ve been cleaning out closets and organizing drawers ever since the groundhog declared an early spring, you’re not alone! Spring cleaning is a very common task among homeowners. After you’ve been cooped up indoors all winter, it’s refreshing to wipe away that layer of dust, dirt and germs and reveal a sparkly clean home.
If you’re energized to get cleaning, know that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do so. Of course there’s the actual cleaning part of spring cleaning, but there’s also the decluttering and organizing part. Both can be done without spending tons of money.
Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
One way to stick to a budget-friendly cleaning regimen is to make your own all-purpose cleaner. This simple DIY recipe features vinegar as the main cleaning agent. With many households ditching the heavy chemicals for more natural solutions, vinegar is the way to go, but it does have a funky smell. Consider adding some essential oil to your solution. Lemon, lavender, citrus and eucalyptus are all great options for adding a wonderful all-natural smell to your cleaner.
Here’s the recipe:
- Empty spray bottle
- ½ cup vinegar
- 2 cups warm water
- 15-20 drops essential oil (optional)
Ready to Clean? Go Room By Room
When you’re ready to start cleaning and organizing, whether you live in a house or an apartment, it’s best to go room by room. This strategy will keep you focused and give you momentum as you complete each room. It doesn’t matter which room you start with, but if you’ll be doing decluttering and organizing, it may be best to start with those rooms. Bedrooms, for example, usually take more time. Since going through clothing and other items may take longer, save those for days when you have more time and energy to dedicate it to.
As you go through the house, following some simple guidelines will keep you motivated and successful. Having a plan will ensure you are not left with giant piles of stuff around the house with no energy left to finish the job.
- Everything should have a spot. Yes, even the mail.
- There’s no need to buy expensive organizing things. Use smaller baskets and boxes within drawers and cabinets to contain small items.
- Keep a donation box or pile throughout the process that you can donate when you’re finished.
- As you clean, make a punch list of things that need to be fixed or repaired.
Kitchen
- Organize drawers and cabinets
- Utensils
- Tupperware
- Small appliances
- Miscellaneous
- Deep-clean stovetop and oven (most ovens have a self-clean feature)
- Clean out and sanitize fridge shelves
- Organize pantry and throw out expired goods
- Use empty pantry boxes to store smaller items
- Dust high or hidden surfaces
- Wipe down backsplash
- Vacuum and mop floors
Living Room
- Wipe off remotes
- Dust television
- Wipe down surfaces
- Wash curtains or dust off window shades
- Dust ceiling fans (dust buildup is actually the most common cause of noisy fans)
- Vacuum under furniture
Dining Room
- Deep clean rugs
- Deep clean upholstered chairs
- Wipe off light fixtures
- Dust furniture
- Switch out table centerpiece (optional)
Bedrooms
- Organize clothing in dressers and closets
- Declutter by putting everything away
- Throw away or donate items you no longer need or want
- Vacuum under beds and furniture
- Wash curtains or wipe down shutters
- Wash bedding, including comforters and duvet covers
- Add storage if necessary
Bathroom
- Sanitize and clean toilets
- Wipe down surfaces and sinks
- Unclog sinks
- Deep clean showers
- Organize cabinets
- Throw away old items you no longer use
- Mop floors
- Wipe down mirrors
- Switch out toothbrushes
Toys
- Sanitize and clean plastic toys
- Wipe down book covers
- Wash stuffed animals
- Put away some toys and bring out new ones
- Store old or unused toys to donate or use for siblings
- Toss broken toys or miscellaneous parts
Office
- Shred old paperwork
- Put important paperwork in locked cabinet or safe
- Designate a spot for the mail
- Organize and file away paperwork you’ve accumulated the past year
Whole House
- Wash windows and screens (interior and exterior)
- Wipe down baseboards (use a Magic Eraser for stubborn scuffs)
- Refresh bookshelves, centerpieces and other decor (tips on styling shelves, here)
- Use baskets to add storage to bedrooms and living areas
Front Porch
- Throw away dead plants
- Plant new flowers
- Freshen outside decor with new pillows
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is deeply rooted in the local community. We want to be accessible to everyone, that’s why we’re located in nearly every Phoenix neighborhood. There are 80+ community locations where your no-longer-needed items can be dropped off, which in turn gives new life to clothing and other items that would otherwise be thrown away.
Drop off your spring cleaning donations at a Goodwill location near you. For more special offers and coupons, sign up for our email newsletter.
