Spring Cleaning 101

The last thing on your mind is participating in the the annual rite of passage called spring cleaning. But reconsider -- there's no better time to get your home orderly and clean. Follow this game plan and you'll be able to enjoy the spring weather after you're through cleaning.

BEFORE YOU CLEAN

First, head to the store so you have the right supplies on hand. Stick with the basics -- a few rags, a few rolls of paper towels, furniture polish and a good all-purpose glass-and-counter cleaner. Put them all in a bucket that you can carry around to every room. Also throw in some garbage bags for collecting trash.

Make sure you are ready to get down and dirty. Wear comfortable, old clothes since they may get stained. Turn off the TV and unplug your phone. The fewer distractions you have, the faster you'll finish. It's okay to pump up the music though -- the tunes will get you in the mood to make the house sparkle.

DURING THE JOB

First, open the windows so you don't inhale dust and cleaning fumes. To start cleaning, tackle one room at a time. (Wear rubber gloves so you can protect hands and nails.) Read this list:

Living room: Dust and vacuum corners, crevices and wood furniture. Vacuum carpet, furniture, lamp shades and pictures. Put away books and recycle old magazines. Remove all knickknacks, family photos and other items so that you can easily polish and dust surfaces. Take plants and their pots outside for a wash with a fine spray from your garden hose.

Bedrooms: Remove items under beds and file or throw away old papers. Wash or dry-clean curtains. Take blinds outside and rinse with the garden hose. Launder bed linens and dust ruffle. Vacuum mattresses and box springs. Flip and rotate mattresses before putting on new sheets. Polish wood furniture and dust knickknacks. Vacuum the floor/carpet and lamp shades. Clean mirrors and wipe down light fixtures and lamps.

Kitchen: Remove everything from counters and take down curtains. Keep any appliances you use daily or weekly on the kitchen counter. Anything else should be put in cabinets or cupboards. Consider stashing cookbooks you rarely use on a shelf to free up space. Clean the inside and outside of the oven, microwave, refrigerator and garbage can. Be sure to clean floors, appliances and counters with the right products. Empty out the freezer and refrigerator.

Bathroom: Clear potpourri holders, magazines and wastepaper baskets. Take down the shower curtain and liner and launder them. Then mop the floor and clean counters. Spray shower, bathtub, toilet bowel and outside of toilet bowl with appropriate cleaners. Clean mirrors, scale, light fixtures and sink. Empty and clean wastepaper basket. Vacuum everything to get rid of hard-to-remove hair. Scrub the floor.

As you clean each room, toss any clutter that you find, such as junk mail, in one garbage bag. Fill the other garbage bag with toys, dolls or other items. Remember, the faster you get it done, the sooner you can enjoy your new indoors and then the great outdoors! TF054592