Spring Cleaning

It’s something that you may not look forward to or maybe even dread, but its time for spring cleaning! I know the thought alone is painful for some, while others get the urge to go on a cleaning spree once the warmer weather sets in. Cleaning your home or just your closet, can be a grueling and arduous project if you don’t plan ahead. No ladies, I’m not talking about putting together an intricate week long action plan, a simple checklist with “to do” tasks for the day will do.
I must confess… I’m a bit of a closet spring clean queen. I can not tolerate my apartment to be cluttered, dirty or unorganized. Yes, I realize that I may sound a bit neurotic, but it is simply bad Feng Shui to have an imbalanced home. I can not be at peace or even concentrate when things are in shambles. At the same time, I work an 11 hour day, write for this lovely magazine, freelance for TV, cook dinner almost every night and am working on a couple other “top secret” projects. Oh yea, did I mention I’m also planning a wedding?! Therefore, I don’t have the time or energy to devote hours to keeping my home spotless, which is why I realize the importance of a “speedy spring cleaning”.

Creating a “to do” list is essential and the first step. Be certain to have the necessary cleaning agents and gear before you get started. Next turn on the music and get started! Remember being organized will cut your cleaning time in half.

Here are my top tips and secrets for a speedy spring cleaning.

• Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaning
  • These are not my favorite rooms to clean. If you are like me, you probably use the heaviest duty cleaning agents in order to get the job done fast. If you do, put the bleach away immediately! Did you know that accidentally mixing products such as ammonia and bleach is toxic and even deadly?
  • Since many cleaning products can be hazardous to your health and also to the environment, choose “green” cleaning agents. They are eco friendly, effective and won’t make you sick. Baking soda also works wonders, use it instead of commercial abrasives to clean your countertops.
  • Allowing your cleaners to set in one room, while starting on another room will make it easier to clean any surface and save you time.
  • Use vinegar! Its cheap, quick, green and a great disinfectant.
• Throw Away, Give Away & Keep
  • This should be your motto when cleaning your home and especially your closet. Over the course of the year, we manage to hoard so many unnecessary items and clothes that we create a significant mess and imbalance to our home’s karma. If you haven’t worn an item in the past year then toss it or if it is in good condition, donate it!
  • Many non-profit foundations and charities will come to your home and pick up your donation. The Lupus Foundation is one of these, go to www.lupuspickup.org. Not only do they pick up for free, they also leave a tax deduction form right on your doorstep!
• Take One Room at a Time
  • You will get more accomplished and be more organized in your cleaning process if you stick to one room at a time. Dividing parts of the house into two to three days is all helpful and a huge stress reliever. Regardless of which room you start with, always begin at the top, from the ceiling to the bottom. Next dust off furniture, spray countertops, and leave vacuuming and sweeping last.

Remember, spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen in one day! It took all winter for your house to become cluttered and dirty, so take it one day at a time. For more tips and advice, feel free to email me.

Maria
Maria.Athanasopoulos@gmail.com