In the beginning, there was dirt. Lots of it. From the layer of black ash put out by coal-fired heaters to the sooty grime of gas and kerosene lamps, for turn-of-the-century housekeepers, spring cleaning was a necessity.

A hundred years later, we’re free to choose. The urge to clean house when the days turn balmy springs as much from the soul as the grime. “Spring cleaning is cathartic,” says Maggie Fernández of Miramar, Fl.

Fernández starts spring cleaning by paring down belongings and giving them to charity.

According to experts is best to break spring cleaning into five basic areas, then tackle each one separately: floors, windows, window hangings, the kitchen, closets and a dust patrol. “With our airtight houses, we live with a lot of allergens,” said Fernández. “Open up the windows, ventilate the rooms, use exhaust fans in moist areas,” she added.

SPRING CLEANING CHECK LIST
1. Saturday project. Schedule it in advance so the whole crew knows about and doesn’t plan anything for that day. Make a sign and put it on your refrigerator. Don’t forget to delegate jobs—this way everyone in the family knows what is expected of them, knows what to do and can’t poop out by saying they have nothing to do!

2. The House. Pay particular attention to the gutters, paint job and potential areas where little woodland creatures (like bugs) can make their homes in your home.

3. Windows & Treatments. Remember that windows need cleaning on both sides—inside and out. Take down screens and exam them for any holes that may need repairing. While at the window area, check drapes and window treatments. Drapes may need professional cleaning.

4. Outdoor Furniture. It is important to look closely at your furniture, to inspect corroded areas and clean up dirty areas with sponges and scrub brushes. TIP: Clean nonmetal patio furniture with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Use a half cup of vinegar for every gallon of warm water.

5. Protect that wood! The best time to protect wood is in the spring before that summer heat and the rains get a chance to penetrate that expensive trim and woodwork on your house. You will need to use that ‘ole elbow grease to peeling paint and prime the wood. This will help prevent you from making expensive replacement of rotted wood in years to come.

6. Roof maintenance. Winter takes a toll on your roof and it seems that everyone gets the same idea at the same time, making roofing contractors hard to find in the summer time. So start early. If you live in a hurricane area, take it into consideration and do the needed repairs before the hurricane season arrives.

7. Spring landscaping projects. Before the summer heat hits, spring may be the best time to put in new foliage including trees and shrubs. Look for local planting recommendations for your area, as well as resources for testing your soil for pH and other important soil nutrients. There are also commercially available kits at your local garden center.

8. Storage solutions: Gather up sporting equipment (swimming goggles, skateboards, tennis rackets etc...) and put them in easy to reach places. Consider using shelving units available at any local hardware store to make you storage more efficient.

9. A Season of Clothes. With season’s changes you’ll want to pack away winter clothing to make room for the lighter spring and summer wear. Before you go through the trouble of storing clothes which you won’t want to wear next year, remember the less fortunate and donate them to a local charity. You will be doing them and yourself a favor next winter!

10 .Have a garage sale! You might want to ask a few neighbors that are near to you, to join in. This helps in advertising costs and parking. Have a little bake sale the kids can run while folks browse. The cash you will get can be put into your other projects or maybe can be used for the after garage sale party!!