Spring has arrived, and that means it’s finally time to open our windows to clear the must caused by a harsh winter. While landlords may be knocking on your door to assist with important spring maintenance, tenants should begin preparing their homes for spring cleaning. Now is the perfect time for renters to tackle any deep cleaning tasks and any seasonal tenant maintenance.

This infographic will cover all that you need to add to your spring cleaning checklist.

 

spring cleaning

 

Download this infographic as a printable checklist.

  1. Daily Tasks: Before the true deep cleaning can begin, ensure you’ve completed all the typical daily tasks. Tidy any personal items in your space, vacuum carpets and area rugs, and sweep and mop any flooring that requires it.
  2. Dust: Take a trick of the trade from the pros and start at the top, working your way to the bottom while dusting. This guarantees you’re not brushing dust onto a lower spot you just cleaned. Take pains to address any hard-to-reach spots you may miss in the day-to-day cleaning; use an extendable duster to dispel any cobwebs or dust on ceiling fan blades and crown molding.
  3. Clean Walls: Everyday use–particularly in spaces where children reside–can cause scuff marks to accumulate on walls. Moreover, dust and grease can start to gather over time. Use a natural sponge and clear soap or vinegar with water to remove the buildup. Be sure to avoid dyed soaps and sponges that can cause discoloration on light-colored walls.
  4. Wash Window Screens & Sills: Hopefully, you have remained on-task when it comes to washing your windows, but many renters forget to maintain the cleanliness of window screens and sills. Dust, dirt, cobwebs, and insects can begin to accumulate without notice. Make sure your window sill sparkles just as much as your windows.
  5. Vacuum Low-Traffic Areas: Carpeting under large furniture and inside of closets often gets missed. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to address those areas that may have been neglected in your regular vacuuming sessions.
  6. Clean Carpets: Guarantee you will get your deposit back by giving the carpeting a lift from a carpet cleaner. A regular run-over from a professional or consumer-brand carpet cleaner can ensure your carpet looks as good as the day you moved in. Hire a local cleaning company, or purchase your own for nearly the same price as a standard vacuum cleaner. If you want to save money but still get that deep clean, borrow a consumer carpet cleaner from a friend or confer with your landlord and see if you can split the costs of hiring a professional service. Either way, a freshly cleaned carpet will eliminate allergens and dinginess that may have accumulated throughout the year.

A regular deep clean can keep your living space fresh, free from allergy-causing organisms, and keep you on your landlord’s good side by showing that you properly care for the property.

This article was originally published in April 2017 and has since been updated.

Related Reading For You: