Despite it feeling like springtime in Big D for a few weeks now (did we even have winter this year?), we just marked the official first day of spring. And no doubt you’re itching to get some spring cleaning done! Or at least you know you should consider it. But first, find out how the experts tackle their spring refreshes!
Let the sun shine
The sun is out and that means taking advantage of all the natural light you can. Laurel & Wolf designer Audra Skinner suggests giving your windows and window treatments a good cleaning. Wiping down the windows on the inside is a semi-regular activity, but what about the outside? A bucket of soapy water, a microfiber cloth and a little elbow grease are all you need to be dazzled by how sparkling and shiny your windows look.
And once your windows are clean, take a look at your blinds and shutters. If they're not too bad, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust build-up. But it’s also good to know when they're a lost cause. If it’s time for new blinds or maybe you want to switch to shades, check out the Dallas Design District’s TimberBlindMetroShade.
Like walking on sunshine
Spring cleaning means getting to those hard-to-reach and inconvenient spots like under heavy furniture and appliances. Dust bunnies love to gather where you can’t see them. But just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there!
Move all your furniture to the center of the room and vacuum, dust and mop away the remnants of the past year. And don’t forget to vacuum your refrigerator coils for a more efficient fridge. But make sure you’re using the right cleaning solutions and methods. The DDD’s Ann Sacks explains the best way to take care of stone and tile. And for rugs, read advice from The Rug Company or stop by its DDD showroom and talk to a consultant for expert tips.
Out with the old
All the best designers love to use spring as an opportunity to purge. If you haven’t seen it, worn it or thought about it in years, do you really need it? Take a day to go through your closets and cabinets and de-clutter. Not ready to part ways indefinately? Check out Again & Again's before and after page for a little inspiration on making over your favorite oldies. Or take a page out of Nate Berkus’ spring cleaning ritual and sell all those unused finds on eBay for charity or donate it to your local Goodwill.
In with the new
Now that you have a clean and open space, it doesn’t mean you can’t fill it with something new. In fact, spring is a great time to consider a redecorating project — a fresh new look for a fresh new season. At the very least, you deserve something new for putting in all that spring cleaning effort, and the DDD showrooms are the perfect spot for inspiration. For some online motivation, visit the Robert Allen Inspiration page.
Spring cleaning can sound like an overwhelming project, but it doesn’t have to be. With a good plan and a few days set aside, you can knock out every room. We even found this downloadable checklist from Better Homes & Gardens to help you out. Happy cleaning!
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