How Do You Kick Off Spring Cleaning?

We wait for the weekend, then throw the windows open, turn on some music and start from the top down.

First a deep dusting using clean dust cloths and no product (maybe water if we need to scrub a bit): top of the fridge, top of the windows, top of everything, then all the surfaces and things sitting on them and finally dust bunnies. While dusting we gather all the things that are out of place on the couch or in a contained pile so that we can clean around them. We'll worry about putting them away last (or even the following weekend). We keep a trash bag on hand to toss anything known to be a trash and keep a separate pile for donations.

This is how we get momentum going and why we're glad we live in a small space since there's less to dust. How do you kick off your spring cleaning? Do you tackle it all in a weekend, or allow it to happen throughout the spring? What do you start with?

[image from notes from a cottage industry]

Comments (8)

i really like those buckets.

anyway, it usually has something to do with a bout of OCD brought on by deciding to work from home and the inability to focus that is brought on by the breeze in the newly-opened window. the desk always gets cleared out and cleaned up first.... usually to the happy pop and punk tunes i haven't listened to in a bunch of years.

posted by closertotheocean on May 2nd 2008 at 10:27am
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I wait for the AT cure

posted by Francesca on May 2nd 2008 at 10:29am
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I always start my weekend cleaning with a bloody mary. I clean the house then tackle 1 or 2 larger projects each week. This spring it took a case of beer to clean the attic.

posted by robertcraig on May 2nd 2008 at 11:42am
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I do a hit off my bong...

posted by bepsf on May 2nd 2008 at 12:20pm
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I started a couple of days ago. I rinsed off everything on the front porch and wiped it all down. Windows are spotless and so are the shudders, side lights, front door and two chairs. The clear light from the diningroom/living room is awesome. Oh, I also started hosing down the vinyl siding. I live in a white house and when it's clean, it rocks.

posted by rose on May 2nd 2008 at 12:26pm
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The Cure and the Small, Cool are always a great inspiration to get me going. Unfortunately my energy level and physical ability can't keep up with everyone else. But it does make a difference just to do a few things here and there as I am able.

It sets a good example to see others doing so much, that I do push myself a bit harder.

It's like the after effects of the Olympics, when everyone is inspired to take up a bit more exercise.

Seeing great things done with what one has basically already, whether it be a small home or a body, makes one want to try harder.

posted by TRUE BLUE on May 2nd 2008 at 4:36pm
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I plan a small party, one that won't make too much mess, but gives me a deadline, then I get to work.

posted by kollros on May 4th 2008 at 2:49am
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I watch a few episodes of TV shows involving reeeeally messy houses: "How Clean Is Your House?", "Clean House", "Clean Sweep", etc. I tivo them for just this sort of an occasion. I then get so grossed out by how awful their homes look, and also get so inspired by the outcome of a really thorough cleaning. I become SO inspired, in fact, that as soon as the show is over, I turn off the tv, turn on the stereo, open up all the windows, and just dig in!

My other trick is to invite people over for dinner and a movie or game night. I don't always have the time or money to play a big party on a whim, but inviting another married couple or two over for a small intimate dinner party sends me into an immediate cleaning frenzy.

Happy Cleaning! :)

posted by tikilicious on May 5th 2008 at 8:39am
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