Spring cleaning in a sustainable way

Mental Health: Decluttering and organizing can lift your mood. Accomplishing tasks provides a sense of satisfaction and minimizes tension.

Stress Reduction: Cleaning can be soothing and help restore a sense of control when faced with overwhelming problems.

Peace of Mind: An organized home contributes to peace of mind. Knowing where everything is reduces anxiety.

Improved Focus: A tidy workspace (especially if you work from home) “contribute to better focus and motivation” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Physical Health: Removing dust, allergens, and mold improves indoor air quality.

Advantages

Renewal: Spring cleaning symbolizes renewal and rebirth, aligning with the themes of spring.

Healthy Environment: A clean home promotes physical well-being.

Reduced Clutter: Decluttering creates a more functional living space.

Sense of Accomplishment: Completing tasks boosts self-esteem.

This 13oz Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser available from Amazon is true to what they say, it cleans rust stains, tarnish, mineral deposits, dirt, grime, water stains, grease, cooked on food, burnt oil marks, and I am sure there have been some things I will try it and clean it with this.

Disadvantages

Time-Consuming: Spring cleaning can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Emotional Attachment: Letting go of sentimental items can be challenging.

Physical Effort: Heavy lifting and cleaning can strain muscles.

Recommendations to Make It Fun

Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into manageable chunks. You don’t have to do everything all at once, give yourself time, if you only have the weekends, you can set out a month to tackle one big area each weekend, I would advise to starting with the hardest tasks because after three weeks you’ll be thinking to do it next year, but prove yourself you’re disciplined enough to get it done, and think of how much easier it will be next year (if you have never done it before).

Involve Others: Turn it into a family or group activity. Not only is this how families bond, it’s also a way to show the younger ones how to get things done at home, the planning that it takes and the team effort in getting things done.

Play Music: Create a lively atmosphere, create a playlist or make sure the music will move you, this is not the time for relaxing music.

Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after completing specific tasks. I would certainly recommend getting meals that don’t require a lot and you totally enjoy, like finger foods (pizza, burgers, wings, tacos, etc.), don’t forget the ice cream… or beer or wine.

Try New Cleaning Products: Experiment with eco-friendly or scented products. Scan the market for some tools that could make the work easier and will last a while. If you have young children, make sure anything you have will be safe for them if they will be using them.

Make It a Ritual: Embrace the sense of renewal and celebrate the changing season. This is key, the first time is always the most difficult, make sure you leave smaller tasks to be done weekly by assigning them to members of your family, it’s your team and everyone has to pitch in. The more often you do this, the easier it will become when everyone is busy and try to find an escape. Establishing routines helps to avoid the later resistance in cleaning.

Remember, spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s an opportunity to refresh your living space and your mindset! Whether you’re in the East or the West, spring cleaning is an opportunity to brighten up your surroundings and embrace the changing season!