Spring is the time not only for warm weather and sun, but also for a big clean-up. It is especially important this spring, as we are all trying to keep our households safe and germ free. To make cleaning your new home in Birmingham easier, we have created a 7-day plan that will help save your nerves and get the job done in no time. One rule that works here is, "If I haven’t used this for a year, then I don’t need it anymore."

In addition to the checklist below, you should be following these instructions daily to keep your house sanitized. Germs are capable of living on certain surfaces for anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Clean surfaces using soap and water, especially high touch surfaces. Soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes can also be cleaned using soap and water or cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces. Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. To disinfect surfaces, use diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or household cleaners and disinfectants. Be sure to follow the instruction printed on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Wear gloves each time that you are disinfecting surfaces and dispose of them after.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring Cleaning Day 1:

• Clean out fridge and freezer
• Clean oven
• Remove and clean stove burners and knobs
• Clean out and wipe down drawers and cupboards
• Discard old spices
• Mop floor and baseboards
• Wipe down fridge (all sides if possible)
• Sanitize the sink and clean the inner rim of your sink guard

Spring Cleaning Day 2:

• Wash all bedding
• Replace or wash pillows
• Organize drawers and closets (donate any clothes that you didn’t wear!)
• Switch out seasonal clothing in closets
• Rotate and flip mattresses

Spring Cleaning Day 3:

• Clean behind washer and dryer
• Remove lint plate and clean thoroughly
• Declutter and reorganize the laundry room
• Deep clean your washer and dryer
• Organize laundry room shelves and cabinets

Day 4:

• Wash windows, inside and out
• Wash walls and baseboards
• Wash or beat rugs
• Wash down doors and light switch plates
• Scrub the shower and bathtub
• Scrub the toilet and tile around the toilet

Day 5:

• Clean blinds
• Clean/ shampoo carpets
• Clean out medicine cabinets, safely discard old prescriptions
• Change air filter
• Safety inspection: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers 

Day 6:

• Dust ceiling fans
• Dust ceilings and corners of walls
• Dust/ clean vents and fans
• Dust/ clean all light fixtures

Day 7:

• Vacuum out windowsills, rinse screens
• Vacuum or wash draperies and curtains
• Vacuum out couches and chairs
• Vacuum/ use lint roller on lamps
• Vacuum out sliding glass door tracks

Congratulations, you've reached the end of the spring-cleaning checklist. No sweat, right? To make spring cleaning a little lighter next year, we recommend establishing a regular cleaning schedule. Now get yourself some rest, you did a great job! All of us at Harris Doyle hope you stay healthy during this time. To keep up to date on our latest news, follow us on social media @harrisdoylehomes or visit our website to view communities, plans, blogs and much more.