Spring cleaning: making a plan and useful tips

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Author: Alla

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Many summer residents do not live in a country house all year round and do not even come in winter, at least to light the stove. It stays closed all winter, the walls and furniture become damp, and a damp smell appears. Therefore, you need to start the summer season by putting the house in order.

What to bring with you for spring cleaning

It’s better to take extra than not to take what you need and go to the city apartment a second time. Carpentry tools will be useful: a hammer with nails, an axe, a saw, a screwdriver, self-tapping screws, a set of wrenches. With their help, you can fix the front door, plumbing fixtures, replace rotten boards on the porch and perform other minor repairs.

For general cleaning you will need rags, detergents, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, and rubber gloves. To tidy up your country textiles, you will need washing powder.

You also need to take care of your health. Most likely, a lot of dust has accumulated in the house. You can protect yourself from it with a respirator or at least a medical mask.

Things

Following the thick curtains, which first went into the washing machine and then into storage until winter, should go the winter clothes that we will no longer need for several months. We advise you to remove them as far as possible so that they are less likely to catch our eye and remind us of winter.

Article on the topic

Drying clothes and indoor fountain. How to increase the humidity in an apartment But before you put them in closets, mezzanines, pantries and other secluded corners of your apartment, they need to be washed or at least cleaned. It is better to store winter clothes in special bags or boxes - this will protect your clothes from moths, moisture and other changes that can adversely affect the fabric.

It is best to put shoes in special boxes, after putting them in the washing machine and drying them thoroughly.

This kind of cleaning applies not only to clothes, but also to all other things that will remind you of winter, but are unlikely to be needed in the warm season: snowboards, sleds, skates, winter tires for the car and much more. We also recommend putting such things out of sight.

First of all, ventilation

Dampness combined with dust gives a musty smell. You can get rid of it with ventilation. It is advisable to create a draft by opening all windows and doors. At this time, the owners can work in the yard so that they do not get blown out. The draft will do its job. There will be significantly less dampness and odor.

Practical benefits of spring cleaning

The more effort you put in, the more seriously you approach this process, the greater the result you will get.

• Energy will flow freely in your body, which will inevitably lead to an increase in cash flow
• Long-standing problems and insoluble disputes will be resolved.
• New ideas will come into your head, free of clutter.
• The creative flow is unblocked.
• Improved mood and well-being
• If you have gotten rid of grievances and claims, receive the love and support of loved ones.

Spring is the season for sowing seeds. To sow them, the soil must be prepared, cleared of all excess and fertilized. To get a good harvest in the fall.

We all have goals, intentions, let's start preparing to bring them to life.

The article used material from Natalia Prokofieva and Alexander Palienko

Are the plumbing in good working order?

To wash the floor and all surfaces in the house, you need water. Today, taking her to a country house is not a problem. During the winter, most likely, the valve was closed and could rust. Now you will need a universal key. When the valve is open, you need to pay attention to the taps, whether they are leaking, or whether gaskets need to be changed.

You can pour liquid into the toilet and sink siphons to dissolve blockages, and then rinse them with running water.

Check electricity: wiring, switches, sockets. Replace them if necessary.

Start from the top

In order not to do double work, start spring cleaning from the ceiling, furniture surfaces and walls. Depending on the material of the ceiling and walls, use suitable tools - a vacuum cleaner with interchangeable attachments, a dust brush, rags, etc. After the dust on top is destroyed, proceed to the dirtiest part of the house. If you move from complex to simple, you are less likely to spread dirt over an area that has already been cleaned.

If you are cleaning, for example, in the kitchen, then most likely you should start with cleaning the stove and refrigerator. In the toilet, you first need to grab the toilet. In the bedroom, start by clearing out the closets and shelves, and leave mopping the floors and changing the bed linen for later.

Is everything okay with the oven?

The oven needs to be lit. Firstly, it will immediately become clear whether the pipe needs repair or cleaning. Secondly, the house needs to be dried. In April, and sometimes in May, the house will need to be heated once every two or three days or once a day. It all depends on the weather.

If the stove does not light or smokes heavily, do not continue lighting. It is necessary to inspect it for chipped plaster and cracks between the bricks from the outside and inside, and seal all seams and cracks. If this doesn’t help, you’ll have to call a stove technician.

Let's throw away the unnecessary: ​​balcony, storage room and mezzanine

General cleaning of an apartment or cottage will not be effective without throwing away unnecessary things. Where does junk most often accumulate and take up space in your home? As a rule, on the balcony and mezzanines, as well as in the storage room.

Clear out old clutter and get rid of unnecessary things. How much rubbish is stored in apartments “just in case”, but this case never comes! Act on the principle: if an item has not been useful to me within a year, I don’t need it! Think about it, what is the use of a broken flower pot, a children's tricycle (when your children are already finishing school), or a broken table lamp that no one will ever fix? Free up space and you will see that there is much more usable space in your apartment or cottage.

Cleaning the house

First of all, you need to remove the curtains and put them in the wash. We also send bed linen, country clothes, blankets, and bedspreads there. Carpets and other textiles that cannot be washed should be taken out into the yard for ventilation.

While the machine is washing, you can start cleaning the house: sweep the walls and ceiling, remove snares and cobwebs. You can remove them with a vacuum cleaner.

Iranian cleaning: very long and very thorough

The New Year in Iran and other Muslim countries, also known as Navruz, begins in the last ten days of March. One of the generally accepted customs for the last days of the outgoing year is keeping the house perfectly clean, “hone-takani”.

For an Iranian, this general cleaning of the house (as well as the surrounding streets and the entire settlement) symbolizes getting rid of the forces of darkness, manifested in the form of dirt, and a joyful meeting with light, that is, goodness, beauty and purity. The term "hone-takani" literally means "shaking the house", and involves not only washing everything that can be washed, but also fixing what needs to be fixed. Cleaning lasts 3-4 weeks, during which you need to move all the furniture and sweep out all the dust, wash the curtains and dry-clean the carpets.

Wash glass inside and out, as well as window frames

Remove all items from cabinets and mezzanines, wipe the inside surface and dry by opening the doors. Go through things, throw something away, wash it or hang it outside. Place moth repellent in cabinets.

Wash all surfaces with disinfectant, dishes, lamps.

Now you can start cleaning the floor. You may need to change the water and mop the floor a second time. If you add vinegar to water, it will help get rid of the unpleasant odor.

If the house has an attic or attic, you need to put things in order there too. Cleaning is done in the same order as below.

Big Spring Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Plan to Get Your Home in Order

Volumes, scales and even goals may be different. For some, this is one of the important traditions of preparing for Easter. Others, like fans of Feng Shui, are sure that when a home is cleansed of dust and dirt, more positive vital energy enters the house. It’s hard to disagree with the fact that it’s easier to breathe in a clean house.

Either way, to make your big spring cleaning a success, you need a detailed plan of action. With its help, we break the task into several thematic blocks. As a result, we take on the task for which we currently have the strength and time. As they say, we go towards the goal in small steps. Without completely losing strength by the end.

Let's start with the fact that there are two approaches to cleaning. Some people divide the cleaning into directions - first they dismantle all the cabinets, then wash all the baseboards, etc. Others do room-by-room cleaning: today we are decluttering the nursery, tomorrow we are cleaning the kitchen. The only exception is for large jobs, such as cleaning windows or furniture. In this case, it makes sense to abandon the connection to zones. Especially if you invite a cleaning company or rent special cleaning equipment.

So, let's begin!

Ceiling, walls, chandeliers

Most experienced housewives recommend starting cleaning from the top. Otherwise, dust may end up on already washed cabinets, furniture and curtains.

The minimum program is to vacuum the walls and do wet cleaning. In some cases (depending on the finishing material), somewhere you may need to tint or glue something. At the same time, we clean framed paintings and photographs from dust.

When it comes to working with chandeliers, a stable mini-ladder will be very useful. With it, conquering heights will be safer. By the way, many chandeliers are easier to clean by completely removing the shades - this way you will save a lot of effort. We remember that washing hot lamps that are plugged in is a bad idea.

Windows, curtains, radiators and doors

Recently, housewives are increasingly inviting a specialist from a cleaning company to clean their windows. This is especially true for apartments with large balconies and loggias, where there are many hard-to-reach places. If you decide to make do on your own, choose a not very sunny day and dress warmer for working with open windows.

The next step is curtains - one of the largest dust collectors in the house. In many cases, the most painless way to clean them is on the spot. Using steam and special means.

If you have old-style batteries, get a special brush on the handle that will help you reach all corners.

Having dealt with the curtains, you can proceed to the doors. Pay attention to the handles, which we handle several times a day, and to the glass. Don't forget about the front door. Take a close look at the call or apartment number - maybe it's time to update them?

Furniture

Beds - vacuum the mattresses on both sides, wipe the entire structure from dust.

Upholstered furniture - vacuum with a special furniture nozzle, clean pillows (wash pillowcases), wipe smooth parts. We clean suede furniture with a brush.

Don't forget the area under the furniture - it's better to move the sofas/beds completely away so that you can properly clean the baseboards.

Plants

Spring is the right time to replant flowers, replace old flower pots and purchase new plants. Give your pets a warm shower to get rid of dust, remove old leaves and twigs. Look, maybe it’s time for you to buy more fertilizer or get new watering cans and sprayers.

First aid kit and cosmetics

Take the time to properly understand the medications and numerous jars of creams and serums. In the case of a first aid kit, it is very convenient to start using storage systems and markers - they will help to restore order and systematize all the contents.

Cleaning by zone

After you have gone over the top, you can begin the main cleaning of the zones. Have a notebook with a pen where you will write down what you need to buy/replace, and make other notes. Also prepare three large boxes or containers. You'll need them to sort through items that need to be donated, thrown away, or repaired.

Bedroom

It is better to dry clean blankets and pillows. It makes sense to make sure that replacement lighter summer sets are ready.

As a rule, in the bedroom we keep some literature, magazines, and cosmetics. It's time to check their relevance and expiration dates.

Bathroom

As a rule, a lot of unnecessary bathroom accessories, cosmetics and household chemicals accumulate in the bathroom. It's time to update them:

• throw away old sponges, washcloths, remnants of expired cosmetics;
• highlight cosmetics that take up space but are not used;
• wash or change the bath mat, shower curtain;
• wash faucets, shelves, tiles, bath or shower stalls, mirrors. Don't forget about the top surface of the cabinets. Special equipment or a steam generator can help.

Kitchen

The main task of cleaning the kitchen is to get rid of grease deposits. The task is not easy. We use only proven products - no experiments that could damage the surfaces of cabinets or countertops.

We completely empty cabinets and drawers. Their contents will return after wet cleaning with special products.

We check the shelf life of all products. We throw out expired items.

Refresh graters, cutting boards and other items that quickly lose their appearance.

Set aside a separate day for washing dishes and cutlery. Don't forget the kettle.

Collect all unused utensils and appliances. We put away seasonal ones for storage. Otherwise, we give it to those who might actually benefit from these things.

Wash the refrigerator completely.

We check kitchen towels, napkins, oven mitts and tablecloths. Surely, some of the above needs urgent replacement.

Children's

Ideally, wash/wash all toys and construction sets. At the same time, get rid of what is broken/unnecessary and re-sort the rest.

Go through your clothes - determine what is suitable for spring-summer, what is missing, and what needs to be put into storage containers or given to friends.

Try to involve children in cleaning their room - it's much more fun. In addition, they can share their ideas on how it would be better/more convenient.

Balcony and hallway

To declutter your balcony, there is only one solution - to set up a storage system with labeled boxes and containers. In any other scenario, your spring attempts to bring the contents into divine form will come to naught in the near future.

The main task of cleaning the hallway is to remove warm clothes that have remained there since winter and replace them with spring ones. Before seasonal packing, all kinds of scarves, hats, jackets and shoes need to be put in order - washed, brushed or taken to dry cleaning. Additional hangers and hooks for keys, glasses and bags, as well as boxes for small coins, documents and all kinds of supplies will help to put things in order. protection from the sun and mosquitoes.

Text: Natalia Tilly

Source: Bebinka

Preparing the refrigerator

If there is a refrigerator in the house, you should not turn it on immediately upon arrival. First, you need to check if it is clean inside. Second, check the wiring and back panel. Rats could damage them. If everything is in order, just open the refrigerator for an hour and then plug it in.

If there are food left in the house, for example, pickles or jam, you need to make sure that the lids of the jars are not swollen and mold is not visible inside. If such signs are found, you should immediately throw away the cans.

The first aid kit needs to be sorted out, throwing away all expired medications.

Heart of the home

When clearing out your kitchen grocery cabinets or refrigerator, use the first-in, first-out rule that grocery stores use. This means that products with an approaching expiration date need to be placed forward, in the area of ​​closest accessibility.

Don't forget to wipe down the cabinet doors and handles; grease and dirt usually accumulate on them. To clean the work surface from stains, use ordinary soda. It will not harm the coating, but will cope well with grease and stains from tea and spices.

To get rid of the smell in the refrigerator, use lemon juice or a vinegar solution, because it is not advisable to wipe the inside of the refrigerator with household chemicals. You can clean the outside of the refrigerator using glass cleaner.

General cleaning plan after renovation work (briefly)

Cleaning specialists know how to properly clean after renovation. But you can do this work with your own hands. Main stages:

• throw away the remaining construction waste;
• clean walls, floors, ceilings from dust;
• arrange furniture;
• lay carpets, textiles, hang curtains.

Particular attention should be paid to cleaning tiles after repair work. Quick ways to combat pollution:

• Remains of grout, glue, and sealant must be removed with a spatula;
• After mechanical cleaning, fix the result with a solution of water and vinegar or ammonia - this will give the tiles shine.

Dry cement and lime are easily removed with a dry sponge, after which the surface is polished with vinegar solution.

Features of general cleaning of an apartment or house

You need to clean your apartment or house regularly, and generalize your home depending on the season or the work being carried out, after which a lot of dirt and debris is generated.

How often to carry out

There are several types of general cleaning:

• seasonal is usually carried out with the onset of spring and autumn;
• special - after completion of repairs;
• periodic - depending on the needs of the household (but at least once a year).

Seasonal work involves cleaning double-glazed windows and window units with the installation or dismantling of mosquito nets, insulating windows, cleaning heating appliances and ventilation shafts, and preparing basements. Special post-repair cleaning aims to completely clean the living space from accumulated construction dust, dirt, and material residues. The technology is different in each case, but the general algorithm is as follows:

1. Remove dust, dirt, grease, lime and other deposits from surfaces, including in hard-to-reach corners.
2. Refresh textiles (upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets, towels, bed linen, tablecloths).
3. Wash glass and mirror surfaces.
4. Clean the space in three dimensions (ceilings, floors, walls).

What to use

General cleaning of an apartment requires preliminary preparation. You need to stock up on patience, time, tools, materials. It is important to properly tune in to the process, because without a positive charge it will not be possible to carry out quality work.

Good helpers would be:

• disposable cloth and paper napkins for cleaning surfaces;
• special detergents and polishes for different materials (wood, glass, tiles, laminate, linoleum, stainless steel, sanitary ware and others);
• vacuum cleaner with a set of attachments;
• broom with dustpan;
• brushes for plumbing;
• mops (classic or steam) for floors;
• air fresheners and odor absorbers for the final stage of work.

Important! To protect the skin of your hands, be sure to use gloves.

Every housewife has her own secrets - home remedies and devices to do the job more efficiently.

Where to begin

When deciding where to start cleaning your apartment, you need to be guided by a general principle: from the cleanest rooms to the most polluted.

Regardless of whether general cleaning is carried out in a one-room Khrushchev house or in a private house, the sequence of putting the premises in order is maintained.

You need to start from the bedroom, then move to the living room or nursery, then to the kitchen and hallway. The finale will be cleaning the bathroom and toilet, since this is where housewives wash rags, shoes, buckets, bringing in dirt.

How to clean quickly and not get tired

How to do a general cleaning of an apartment or cottage and not get exhausted? Use these tips when you get ready to organize your home:

1. Plan your work. In a household, this approach is no less important than in any other business, so write down in your plan everything that needs to be done and do not violate the algorithm.
2. Set aside the whole day for DIY cleaning and start in the morning. This way you will have more time to get everything done. In addition, it is better to wash windows and mirrors in daylight than in artificial light.
3. Do not take all the work into your own hands, but distribute it among family members. Involve everyone, including children. Of course, you shouldn’t trust a first-grader to wash windows, but a child can put things in bags that are meant to be thrown away or put things in order in his toys and books.
4. Check the availability of cleaning equipment so as not to be distracted by trips to the store and not waste extra time.
5. Do several things at once if you want to quickly get your home in order. While the washing machine is running, you can wash the floor. Or, after applying detergent to the surfaces of the stove and oven, you have half an hour to clean the sink or ceiling light in the kitchen.

By following these recommendations, you can keep your entire house clean without spending a lot of time on it. Clean regularly, and your home will always be in perfect condition. Clean household appliances: oven, microwave, stove.

Creating and maintaining order in the home is the key task of every housewife. At the same time, periodic general cleaning is inevitable. It is important to organize it correctly in order to obtain maximum results with minimal effort and resources.