Spring is officially here -- even though the temperatures across Alabama say otherwise. With Spring comes warmer days, flowers and the traditional time of year for a thorough “spring cleaning” of your home. Spring cleaning is not only an opportunity to get rid of clutter and dust, but it is also a chance to disinfect and sanitize your living space.

But where do you even start when it comes to spring cleaning and disinfecting your home? To make cleaning your new home 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."

Day 1: Declutter and Donate

The first step in any deep clean is to declutter your home. Start with one room at a time, going through every drawer, closet, and shelf. Sort items into piles of things you want to keep, donate, or throw away. Get rid of anything not serving you or your household. For many, decluttering is not a simple task and it’s hard to let things go. For others, it seems like such a daunting task that you can’t get motivated to start. To help, we’ve put together some tips for quick and effective ways to declutter your home.

1. Set a timer. Set a timer for a short period of time, like 15 or 30 minutes, and focus on decluttering during that time. This helps break the task into manageable chunks and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.
2. Use the "Four Box" method. Get four boxes or bags and label them "keep," "donate," "sell," and "trash." As you go through your belongings, sort them into the appropriate box or bag. This helps keep the process organized and efficient.
3. Get rid of duplicates. If you have multiples of the same item, like kitchen utensils or towels, keep only the ones you use regularly and get rid of the rest.
4. Follow the "one in, one out" rule. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one item. This helps prevent clutter from building up over time.

Remember, decluttering doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing task. Small, consistent efforts can make a big difference over time.

Day 2: Dust and Vacuum

Now that you've decluttered, the deep cleaning and disinfecting can start. While many of us dusty weekly or monthly, for spring cleaning you will want to thoroughly dust every surface in your home, including furniture, shelves, and light fixtures. Be sure to use a microfiber cloth or dusting wand to trap as much dust as possible. Use the below checklist as a guideline so you don’t miss anything.

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

Next, vacuum your floors and carpets, paying special attention to corners and baseboards. If you have pets, be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and pet hair. You may event want to rent a carpet cleaner and give those carpets a deep clean. Bissell offers rentals for only $34.99 per hour. Click here to find a rental location near you.

Day 3: Clean Windows and Mirrors

Clean windows and mirrors are a must for a truly clean home. Start by wiping down all of your windows and mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, use a squeegee to remove any remaining streaks and water droplets. See the simple steps below.

• Gather your supplies: You'll need a bucket, a squeegee, a microfiber cloth, a window cleaning solution, and a step stool or ladder if you have high windows.
• Remove any dirt or debris: Before you start cleaning, remove any dirt or debris from the window frame and sill. You can use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any loose dirt.
• Apply the cleaning solution: Spray the window cleaning solution onto the glass surface and use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt or smudges. For tough stains or grime, use a scrub brush or a scraper to loosen the dirt.
• Use the squeegee: After applying the cleaning solution, use the squeegee to remove any excess moisture from the window. Start from the top and work your way down in a smooth motion. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass.
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth: Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe any remaining moisture or streaks from the glass surface. Don't forget to clean the window frame and sill with a damp cloth as well.
• REPEAT!

By following these steps, your windows should be sparkling clean and ready to let in the spring sunshine. Remember to be careful when using a ladder or step stool and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for any cleaning products or tools you use.

If you have hard-to-reach windows or just want to make the job easier, consider investing in a window cleaning kit with an extendable pole. Amazon has some great options like this one.

Day 4: Deep Clean and Declutter the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most heavily used rooms in many new homes, so it's important to give it a thorough cleaning. Start by decluttering the fridge and pantry and trash any expired or stale items. Both of these “food storage areas” get easily cluttered with outdated items.

Next, you’ll want to declutter your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Like we said in the opening paragraph, one rule that works here is, "If I haven’t used this for a year, then I don’t need it anymore."

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to deep clean and sanitize all those kitchen appliances that are so easy to neglect on a weekly and daily basis. We’ve put together a kitchen cleaning checklist as a guideline below.

• Clean oven. Try following these tips.
• Remove and clean stove burners and knobs. You’ll most likely want to give these a good soak in the sink while you continue cleaning.
• Discard old spices. This will most likely be handled in the declutter stage, but it is worth mentioning as spices often get overlooked and can pile up before you realize it.
• Mop floor and baseboards.
• Wipe down fridge (all sides if possible).
• Sanitize the sink and clean the inner rim of your sink guard. Check out these tips.

Day 5: Scrub Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so it's important to give them a deep clean and disinfect.

• Declutter: Begin by removing everything from your bathroom countertops and drawers. Sort through all your products and throw away any expired or unused items.
• Clean the surfaces: Clean all surfaces, including the sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower walls. Use an all-purpose cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar.
• Deep clean the toilet: Use a toilet brush and cleaner to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl, under the rim, and the exterior. Don't forget to clean the toilet tank and handle.
• Clean the showerhead: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it to the showerhead. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then remove and run the water to rinse.
• Wash the shower curtain and bath mat: Take down your shower curtain and wash it with your regular laundry detergent. Toss your bath mat in the wash as well.
• Polish mirrors and faucets: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to clean and polish mirrors and faucets.
• Scrub the grout: Mix baking soda and water to make a paste and apply it to the grout. Scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush and rinse with water.
• Organize and restock: After you've cleaned and decluttered, organize your remaining items in a way that makes sense to you. Restock your supplies, including toilet paper, soap, and towels.

These tips should help you get your bathroom looking clean and refreshed for spring!

Day 6: Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Now that your home is clean, it's time to disinfect all of the high-touch surfaces. This includes doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and countertops.

Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to thoroughly clean these surfaces, and be sure to let the disinfectant sit for the recommended amount of time to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Day 7: Finish with Floors and Final Touches

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the final day of your spring cleaning, it's time to finish up any remaining tasks. Start by vacuuming and mopping all your floors, and don't forget to wipe down any baseboards or trim.

Next, add some final touches to bring Spring in to your home. See the below list for a few ideas on how to bring Spring in to your new home.

• Add greenery: Bring some life into your home by adding some plants or fresh flowers. This will not only add some color but also help purify the air in your home.
• Rearrange furniture: Move your furniture around to create a new look and feel in your home. You might be surprised at how much of a difference a small change can make.
• Switch up décor: Swap out heavy winter décor for lighter spring décor, such as pastel colors, floral patterns, and lightweight fabrics.
• Improve lighting: Change out lightbulbs or clean light fixtures to brighten up your home. Consider adding some new lamps or light fixtures to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Organize storage spaces: Take some time to organize your storage spaces, such as closets, drawers, and cabinets. This will make it easier to find things and help you maintain a clutter-free home.

By adding these final touches to your spring cleaning, you can create a comfortable and inviting space that you'll love spending time in.