As winter fades and spring approaches, it’s time to rejuvenate our homes. Throughout the winter, our houses go through a lot of stress- cold weather, snow, and indoor clutter. Now, as the weather warms up, let’s tidy up and prepare for spring. Although it may seem like a challenging task, it’s essential for many reasons. Let ServiceMaster S&R Systems help make the transition to spring easier and bring a renewed sense of freshness to your home. But first, let’s understand why spring cleaning is so important and what steps you need to take to keep your house ready for the season.
Clean and organized living space can make you feel less stressed
Why is Spring Cleaning Important?
Spring cleaning matters for a few good reasons:
- Initially, after months of reduced ventilation and increased indoor activities during winter, homes can develop a stale and stuffy atmosphere.
- Dust, mold, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate during the winter, leading to respiratory issues and allergies.
- Freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions, including snowfall, can lead to damage in various parts of the house, including the roof, gutters, windows, air ducts, and HVAC system.
- Moreover, having a clean and organized living space can make you feel less stressed and happier.
Is Spring Cleaning a Tradition?
“Spring Cleaning” routines have a long history, with some historians tracing their origins as far back as 3000 B.C. This practice has been passed down through generations and is considered a tradition now, offering an opportunity to rejuvenate the living space and instill a feeling of renewal.
10 Things to Do to Keep Your Home Ready for Spring
Here is a list of ten important actions you need to take to transition your home from winter to spring:
- Clean Your Windows: When temperatures drop, it’s common for condensation to develop on windows, making them appear to sweat. While this may seem harmless, it can actually indicate poor air quality, potentially damaging your home. Additionally, windows can accumulate dirt, moisture, and even mold due to inadequate airflow. Therefore, a thorough spring cleaning is essential to remove this buildup, prevent mold growth, and protect against water damage. Here’s what you can do: Take a mild detergent or window cleaner, a sponge, and scrub the windows with the detergent and water. This cleans dirt, mold, grime, and moisture buildup, keeping your windows clear and functional.
- Declutter and Organize: A lot of clutter gets accumulated as we tend to dump everything inside the house during winter, leading to a hoarding situation. Hoarding not only occupies valuable space but also contributes to a chaotic and disorganized environment. Therefore, it’s best to clean and remove the junk that is not needed. Either sell the items or discard them from the house, as they may take up a big chunk of space and prevent you from utilizing your living area effectively. Once unnecessary items are cleared out, organize closets, cabinets, and storage spaces to create a fresh and clutter-free environment.
- Check the Roof and Clean It: When the temperature drops below freezing, roof shingles can become fragile and prone to cracking or breaking. Even a small amount of damage to the shingles can expose your home to leaks, which can cause mold growth, wood rot, and potential electrical issues like shorts and fires. To keep your roof in good shape, check it regularly for any damage like missing or cracked shingles. You can clean off any debris with a broom or hose but be gentle, so you don’t damage the shingles. If you find any damaged shingles, replace them as soon as possible to prevent leaks. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s best to hire a professional to help.
- Clean the Gutters and Check Sump Pump: As it’s not the most pleasant task, cleaning the gutters is often put off. However, it’s crucial, especially as spring approaches. So, put on your work gloves, climb the ladder, and get ready to tackle it. If this doesn’t sound appealing, consider hiring a professional. To prevent debris buildup, it’s important to maintain your gutters. If left unattended, clogged gutters can cause water overflow, potentially resulting in home flooding, especially in the basement. Additionally, it’s important to check your sump pump. A malfunctioning sump pump can fail to remove excess water from your basement during heavy rains, leading to flooding and water damage.
Use gentle cleaners and tools to clean appliances both inside and outside
Clean your Appliances: Make sure to clean your appliances! Whether it’s your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, or microwave, giving them a good clean helps keep them working well and lasting longer. Over time, they can get dirty with food residue and grime, leading to unpleasant smells and reduced efficiency. If you don’t clean them, it can cause damage. For example, mold can grow in the fridge and washer, and a dirty microwave might malfunction and start a fire, damaging your property. So, it’s important to clean your appliances regularly to avoid these issues. Use gentle cleaners and tools to clean both inside and outside, and don’t forget to check and clean any filters or vents for better performance.
- Clean Out the Dryer Vent: One of the most important things to remember in home maintenance is to clean out the dryer vent. Over time, lint and debris can build up, which can be a serious fire hazard. As the dryer runs, this buildup restricts airflow, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire. Cleaning the dryer vent is simple. Start by disconnecting the dryer from the power source and pulling it away from the wall to access the vent. Then, use a vacuum or dryer vent brush to clear any lint or debris from the vent opening and the duct behind it. Don’t forget to clean the vent cover on the outside of your home to maintain proper airflow. If you’re not confident in doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional to clean the dryer vent for you.
- Don’t Forget About Your Air Ducts: Spring can be tough for those with allergies. Even if you stay indoors and keep your windows shut, pollen and allergens can still find their way inside. They often get trapped in your ducts, where they build up over time. Getting your ducts cleaned can help prevent pollen, dust, and other allergens from circulating throughout your home. Dust and dirt naturally collect in ducts all year round, especially during winter when we spend more time indoors. As spring arrives and brings moisture, this buildup can lead to mold growth, which can be harmful to your health. To keep your home allergen-free, consider scheduling an air duct cleaning.
- Pipes: One important task for homeowners during spring cleaning is to check their plumbing system. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a toilet breakdown or a burst pipe. Take a look at your outdoor faucets, showerheads, toilets, sink drains, and water heater. Given that water heaters are frequently used, ensure there are no leaks.
- Check Your Foundation and Yard: Before it gets warmer, clear any remaining snow from around your home’s foundation, moving it at least 3-5 feet away. Then, check the foundation for cracks or pools of melted snow water. Seal any cracks you find to prevent water from entering your home. If you have a lawn or garden, fertilize the soil now for healthy growth in spring. Also, inspect your grill and other appliances to ensure they’re still in working order. Lastly, examine your patio or deck for any rotting boards and replace them if necessary.
- Check your Smoke Alarms: Last but not least, remember to check your smoke alarms regularly. These devices are important for letting you know if there’s a fire in your home. Test them once a month by pressing the test button. Also, change the batteries every year or when you hear them beeping. Make sure your smoke alarms are in the right spots around your home, like in bedrooms and near the kitchen.
Residential Cleaning in Kane, Kendall, and Will County, IL
ServiceMaster S&R Systems offers comprehensive residential cleaning services in Kane, Kendall, and Will County, IL. As part of our residential cleaning packages, we provide a range of services to ensure your home is clean and comfortable. This includes carpet and upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning, tile, and grout cleaning, as well as deep cleaning tasks such as window cleaning, door cleaning, shelf cleaning, light fixture cleaning, and ceiling fan cleaning. With our expertise and attention to detail, we strive to leave your home sparkling clean and fresh, creating a healthier and more enjoyable living environment for you and your family.
