Summer’s already here, and that means lots of time outdoors. However, your indoor living space should still be a priority. In addition to simply looking great and being organized, taking the time to deep clean your house offers numerous mental and physical benefits.
Allergens and the Air
Everything you do inside your home affects its air quality. According to the EPA, human activities, such as smoking, cooking, and using scented cosmetics, can have a negative impact. The vast majority of homes actually have worse air quality than the outside and it can wreak havoc on your health. Respiratory issues, allergies, and eye irritation are just a few symptoms that can be reduced by rolling up your sleeves and cleaning like you mean it. Start by moving the furniture throughout carpeted areas so you can vacuum and shampoo the entire room. Wipe down baseboards, picture frames, and hard surfaces, and wash fabric slipcovers and bedding. Replace your HVAC filter, and you should also consider hiring someone to perform a thorough air duct cleaning. This is especially beneficial if you have pets, as hair and dander are constantly kicked up and recycled through the air.
Oust the Outdated
Another major benefit of deep cleaning your home has to do with purging your cabinets of outdated food and medicine. RXList.com explains that expired medications lose efficacy and may experience chemical and physical changes that make them unsafe. Other products to purge include household cleaners, fire extinguishers, motor oil, and outdated toiletries. While you’re making the rounds through each room, pay special attention to closets and the garage. It’s time to get rid of those three-year-old leggings you never wear and the unopened packs of bait that have been cluttering up your toolbox since last spring.
Relax and Enjoy
Having a clean home isn’t only sanitary, but it can also give you a mental health boost. Advocate Health Care explains that clutter can cause stress and fatigue and increase your chances of getting sick. Keeping a clean house will improve your family safety since you won’t have obstacles inhibiting your ability to reach a point of egress in case of an emergency.
If You’re Sweating, It’s Exercise
If you’re still looking for reasons to get off the couch and go on a cleaning spree, consider that the average 150-pound woman can burn more than 100 calories an hour simply by doing household chores. Calorie Lab reports that 30 minutes of sweeping and mopping burns approximately 80 calories. Vacuuming, scrubbing the floors, and washing the dog can all help you burn more than 160 calories an hour. Here’s a list of common cleaning tasks and their related calorie expenditure.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
If you want to get the most out of your efforts, keep in mind that the devil is in the details. According to Martha Stewart, you should:
- Wipe the walls and ceiling
- Reseal grout
- Dust bookshelves
- Polish hardware on doors and cabinets
- Wax wood furniture
- Change the batteries in smoke detectors
- Wash window screens
- Wax dull floors
You’ll also want to pay attention to exterior spaces that can affect the ambiance of your home’s interior. Cleaning the gutters and downspouts, for instance, can reduce the chances of water intrusion. If your windows don’t tilt in, you’ll also need to grab a squeegee and the ladder. Finally, take the time to clean your siding. This will give you an opportunity to inspect it for damage, such as missing or cracked pieces, which can have an impact on your home’s ability to remain cool and comfortable. Read this checklist for more helpful ideas. If you have any questions about home maintenance you can always call JS Homes Inc for information and helpful tips. We build custom homes in Colorado Springs and Monument and our homeowners are given a list of helpful tips and advice when they move in to their new home. We are happy to share this list with other potential homeowners or future clients in Colorado Springs and Monument.
Of course, if you need a little assistance with your spring-cleaning list, you can always pick up the phone and call in some professionals. Housekeeping and maid services can assist you with many different chores, including the upkeep of your home, ensuring your bedrooms are neat and tidy, and taking care of your pets (cleaning litter boxes, for example).
Depending on the size and condition of your home, it may take you a single afternoon to a long weekend to get down to the nitty-gritty and get your home cleaned from top to bottom. Don’t be afraid to put the kids to work and make it a family affair. After all, you are not the only one who will benefit from a clean and clutter-free home.