Mom in the City

When spring arrives, one of the first things on my mind is spring cleaning. With the weather getting nicer outside, I tend to want to make (extra) sure that my home is nice and clean inside. Most of all, spring cleaning is simply a tradition that many of us have grown up with and enjoy participating in. It’s a chance to “spruce up” our homes by cleaning and organizing it from top to bottom in preparation for the warmer spring and summer seasons. 

To help, I’ve included a “Spring Cleaning Checklist”. If (like myself) you get exhausted just reading the list, I’m also including the contact information for the Harlem-based cleaning service that I personally use.  

Spring Cleaning Checklist  

Kitchen:  Disinfect countertops, sinks and back splashes; sweep and mop floors; clean the microwave inside and out (including the turntable); clean and organize drawers and cupboards inside and out; clean the stove/oven inside and out (don’t forget the drip pans, burner grates, control knobs and stove vents); clean the refrigerator inside and out; clean and polish other appliances (i.e. the toaster)/ fixtures/ cabinet hardware/ etc.; dust and wipe down baseboards and clean window sills.  

Bathrooms:  Clean, disinfect and deodorize tile walls, sinks, tubs, showers and toilets; clean and organize the medicine cabinet and other cabinets; clean mirrors; sweep and mop floors (vacuum if carpeted); polish doors handles and other fixtures; dust and wipe down baseboards and clean window sills.

Living Room:  Dust and polish wood furniture; dust and clean all electronic equipment and knick-knacks; vacuum fabric sofas and chairs; vacuum floors (sweep and mop wood floors); polish door knobs/face plates/etc; dust and wipe down baseboards and clean window sills. (Also, if you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace, clean that and your fireplace tools.) 

Bedrooms:  Launder and change the linens; dust and polish (where necessary) furniture including mirrors, night tables, dressers, and lamps; polish door knobs/face plates/etc; vacuum floors including under beds (sweep and mop wood floors); dust and wipe down baseboards and clean window sills.  

Dining Room:  Dust and polish furniture including glass and wood tables; Vacuum carpet or area rugs (sweep and mop wood floors); Dust and wipe down baseboards and clean window sills.  
Entrance and Hallways: Vacuum floors (sweep and mop wood floors); wash fingerprints from all woodwork, door frames, switch plates, etc.; dust and wipe down baseboards and clean window sills.  

All Rooms:  Clean the blinds/window treatments; clean the light fixtures and empty wastebaskets. (Windows should also be cleaned, but professional help might be necessary for this task depending on your living situation.) *Also, don't forget to tackle the closets and dressers (that's a whole other article!).
 
One last tip:  “Instead of using the conventional cleaning supplies try using organic cleaning products this spring (go green). Such products are Seventh Generation, Ecover and Earth Friendly.  These products do indeed cost more but have great benefits if you are the health conscious cleaner - these products are non-toxic which is good for you and your family.” - Harlem Cleaning Services (the service that my family uses): www.harlemcleaning.com / (212) 678-2348.