THE MIRROR – One age-old tradition that resurfaces every spring has been hailed by experts as a simple yet effective way to give our mental wellbeing a significant lift – and that’s spring cleaning.
According to Dr Dawn Potter, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, giving our homes a thorough clean can instil a sense of accomplishment and control. She explained:
“When we clean, it improves focus because we’re often distracted by clutter and dirt in our environments. Once we get to taking care of it, there are fewer distractions around.”
This implies that tidying and cleaning up our surroundings can have a profoundly positive impact on our mental health.
“Just getting started is really the best approach, and you may not be feeling like it while it’s still gray outside. However, capitalize on those good days,” Dr Potter advised.
“Once you start, you’ll find that it will be much easier to get through it.”
If the task seems daunting, consider breaking it down into manageable steps and tackling them one by one, starting with the easiest. Dr Potter also suggested enlisting the help of friends or family members, reports Surrey Live.
With a history spanning centuries, spring cleaning has become an annual ritual in homes and communities worldwide …
What to Clean in Every Room
By Madeline Buianom, editor at MarthaStewart.com, February 13, 2025
There are some general cleaning tasks you should complete in every room of your house, from your attic all the way to the basement.
1. Clean Baseboards
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean your baseboards. “Although they’re often overlooked, clean baseboards give your home the perfect finishing touch,” says Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. Baseboards can be easily cleaned with a vacuum with a bristled brush hose attachment to remove any dust; then, wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
2. Dust
No matter how much you try to prevent it, dust builds up in every room of the house. When dusting, work from the top of a room down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings.
Don’t forget to also dust your books and bookshelves. Take everything off the shelves and brush them (along with the books) with a feather duster. Use the dust brush or crevice tool on a vacuum to reach into tight spots. Wipe the spines of leather-bound books with a clean, soft cloth.
3. Vacuum
Vacuum your floors to clean crumbs and loose dirt. “It’s common to track the bacteria and dirt from your shoes across the carpet,” says Stapf. “Not only can a buildup of grime break down your carpet fibers, but it can also harbor pollutants that may make you sick.”
4. Mop
After vacuuming, go over your floors with a mop. “Floors are one of the most exposed areas in our homes, which is why mopping them frequently is crucial in keeping your home clean,” says Diane Amos, cleaning expert for Pine Sol.
5. Shampoo Rugs
Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings require professional cleaning.
6. Wipe Walls and Ceilings
Over time, our walls and ceilings build up with unwanted marks. To clean your walls, start by using a vacuum to remove dust. Next, tackle stubborn surface grime, which is especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface).
7. Reseal Grout Lines
The cement-based material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. Protect it by applying a grout sealer with a small foam brush …
