Spring Cleaning Safety Tips
Spring cleaning is an annual event that invites sunny days back into our homes. Before you fill the warm spring air with the smell of lemon-scented disinfectant and start dusting around the house, safety protocols should be your top priority.
Glacier West Self Storage has compiled the essential spring cleaning tips to follow when tidying up your home, helping you clean things up in an organized and responsible manner.
Spring Cleaning Safety
Here are some key spring cleaning safety tips to help prevent accidents and injuries:
- Use proper lifting techniques. Bend at your knees, not your waist, when lifting heavy items, keeping objects close to your body and avoiding twisting while lifting.
- Ventilate your space. When using chemical cleaners, open windows and doors to allow fresh air in. Avoid mixing cleaning products, especially bleach and ammonia. Also, wear gloves and a mask when using harsh chemicals.
- Minimize tripping hazards. Keep your walkways clear of clutter, cords, and wet spots, and wear non-slip shoes. If using a ladder, be sure it sits on a flat, stable surface.
- Handle electrical appliances safely. Unplug appliances before cleaning them, and avoid using electrical devices with wet hands or on damp surfaces. While you’re at it, check cords for fraying or damage.
- Store cleaning products properly. Keep chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Store flammable products away from heat sources and avoid transferring chemicals to unmarked containers.
- Protect from dust and allergens. Wear a mask while dusting if you have allergies or asthma, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens. After you finish dusting, wash bedding, curtains, and air filters to improve air quality.
- Dispose of hazardous waste correctly. Old paint, batteries, and electronics require special disposal, so check local regulations. Never pour chemicals down the drain unless the label says it’s safe.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Once your spring cleaning work areas are prepped for safety, follow these steps as you start cleaning each room of your home:
- Dust and wipe down ceiling fans, light fixtures, and crown molding.
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Vacuum all carpets.
- Declutter the fridge and freezer, tossing expired items.
- Scrub bathrooms thoroughly.
- Launder all bedding and vacuum mattresses.
- Clean and fluff couch cushions and throw pillows.
- Sweep and tidy up patios and decks.
- Clear out gutters.
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Swap out air filters.
How To Declutter Your Home Checklist
Clearing out clutter is the first step to a truly clean home. Decluttering makes cleaning easier and enhances your mental well-being. Use these decluttering strategies to simplify your cleaning process:
- Sort your belongings. Be realistic about what to keep, donate, or discard. If you haven’t used something in years, it may be time to let it go.
- Group similar items together. Categorizing your belongings helps you see what’s essential and what’s just taking up space.
- Use the four-box method. Label boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Discard,” and “Store” to make decisions easier and keep the process organized.
- Consider self storage. If space is limited, a personal storage unit offers a practical solution to free up room without getting rid of cherished items.
Start Your Spring off Fresh at Glacier West
If you find yourself struggling to store holiday decorations and seasonal equipment while decluttering, it may be the perfect time to consider self storage. Glacier West Self Storage offers a wide range of personal storage units in Washington and Idaho, including heated storage units that can help keep your possessions warm during any decluttering projects you plan outside of springtime.
Ready to reclaim your space? Find a Glacier West Self Storage facility near you, or contact us online today!