4 Things Pro Cleaners Are *Begging* You to Stop Doing When Spring Cleaning
If you haven’t started your spring cleaning routine yet, this may be the year to rethink things. Even if you’ve cleaned your home following the same steps for years, there’s always room to improve this process so that maintenance throughout the year becomes easier. And if you haven’t yet started spring cleaning, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve never been a fan of deep cleaning for a specific season, so I figured I would reach out to some cleaning experts to shed some light on what I could be doing wrong. Turns out, there are a handful of things they are constantly imploring their clients (and anyone who will listen) to stop doing.
Put down the broom and check out the four things these cleaning experts wish you’d stop doing when spring cleaning.
Ignoring ventilation and air quality.
In the rush to clear dust and make your home sparkle for springtime, it’s easy to forget about the quality of the air you breathe. Sharon Garcia, Fabuloso cleaning expert and owner of Next Level Cleaning Co., says it’s imperative to maintain proper ventilation while also investing in air purification products.
“When using harsh cleaning products, embrace the spring air by opening windows and doors for fresh circulation, always ensuring good ventilation during cleaning sessions,” she says. “Consider air-purifying plants, air purifiers, and HEPA filters for long-term air quality improvement, especially if you struggle with allergies during this season.”
Not having a plan.
It may be tempting to start cleaning with a “let’s get it over with” or “I can do it all right now” mentality, but Sara San Angelo, cleaning expert and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, always advises against this.
“Spring cleaning is a very involved process and it is not something to go into spontaneously or lazily. I’ve had clients who started spring cleaning on a whim and made a bigger mess by cleaning out cupboards, closets, and moving all the furniture in the house at the same time,” she says. “You need a plan, including a checklist and calendar, specifically per room. Make sure you have no distractions and make a good playlist of your favorite songs.”
Skipping routine maintenance tasks.
During spring cleaning, you may focus on cleaning things you don’t normally clean during other seasons, like the inside of your oven or your walls and ceilings. However, neglecting routine maintenance tasks, especially post-spring, is a huge no for Garcia.
Spring cleaning shouldn’t be the only time you give your home a deep cleanse,” she says. “Implement tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces into your regular cleaning routine. This can prevent dirt and grime from building up, making your annual spring cleaning less overwhelming!”
Overlooking the power of decluttering.
While cleaning may be the main goal of, well, spring cleaning, Garcia says it’s also a perfect opportunity to declutter your space.
“Before diving into cleaning, take some time to declutter each room. Donate, sell, or toss items you no longer need,” she says. “Find women’s shelters or animal shelters that will take old blankets, towels, and newspapers or magazines. Organizing what’s left not only streamlines cleaning but also creates a more serene living environment.”
Looking to spring clean? Sign up for Apartment Therapy’s 10-day Spring Cleaning Cure, a free guided program that’ll bring you one step closer to a tidier home.