Here are all the tips to get your home feeling sparkling and spotless

We’re a month away from Spring, which in our sunny state of Florida means beautiful highs in the mid 70s, low humidity and bright, blue skies. The spring weather begs you to open your windows and enjoy the cooler breeze. Spring also means it’s time to get cleaning! Cleaning your entire home, and prepping your home’s exterior and yard for summertime, can feel overwhelming. But the aftereffects of spring cleaning are sure to be worth all your efforts. Cleaning improves air quality, reduces stress, improves health and boosts productivity and feelings of accomplishment. These simple tips will make spring cleaning feel like a fresh Florida breeze (literally).

1. Make a plan! What room do you want to tackle first? To help get organized, make a checklist or find one online to get started (examples are here and here). Make a list of all the rooms in your house, and under each room, make a list of each task at hand. Or maybe your list starts with tasks that apply to all rooms, like dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures one day, and cleaning windows, sills, curtains and blinds on another. Take it one room at a time or one task at a time, and schedule ample time throughout the next month to tackle your entire list.
2. Declutter before you clean! Okay, so your list is ready, but before you get out your cleaning supplies, be sure to tidy up first. Sort through old papers, clothes, toys and knick-knacks. Create a dumping space for said items and once you’re done purging, donate items to your local charity thrift store or dispose of things that are unwanted.
3. Reup on your cleaning supplies! No one should clean with dirty tools or harsh solutions, and no one wants to spend a bunch of money doing so. Rather than buying paper towels, cut up old t-shirts, rags and towels to use as wipes and dusters. Swap out toxic cleaners by making simple and effective homemade solutions with distilled white vinegar, baking soda, lemon and essential oils – and there are so many recipes online. And don’t forget to change or clean out your vacuum filter and replace toilet wands.
4. Remove dust and mold! Here in Florida, it’s important to remove dust and mold and keep air moving throughout the house. Try an air purifier or filter to help with dust. Prevent mold by reducing the humidity in your home. Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are well ventilated and air stays moving.
5. Swap out your linens! As the temperatures warm up, it’s time to pack away heavy blankets and duvets and replace them with light and breezy linen or percale sheets and covers. And don’t forget about your clothes. Winter coats, slippers and heavy sweaters can all be stored away until next winter.
6. Don’t forget hidden spaces! Pull out your refrigerator; select the clean cycle on your washing machine and kitchen oven; clean out your dryer vent to prevent lint build up; and wipe down remotes and drawer handles. 
7. Take it outside! Rake and gather leaves, wipe down your outdoor furniture cushions, clean gutters and wash windows and screens. Clean your pool and wash your house’s exterior. Hurricane season starts June 1st too. It’s never too late to evaluate your supplies and reup on what you used last season.
8. ENJOY! Relish in all your hard work. Sit back, relax and appreciate your happy home.