As you empty out your fridge, toss any items that are expired or well beyond their 'best by' date. Take everything out of the fridge for a full wipe-down, including emptying condiments from side door bins and cleaning out vegetable drawers. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a good cleaning will really help it sparkle. Wiping down counters, the kitchen sink, and faucets may be a nightly occurrence, but other parts of the kitchen can be overlooked. Finish by vacuuming fabric drapes or using a duster to clean off the blinds. Use a microfiber cloth (or old newspaper) and glass cleaner to scrub away dirt and grime. Wait for an overcast day or work on the shady side of your home to minimize streaking. Cleaning windows is one of the tasks we often skip over, but a good cleaning can truly brighten up your home. Have old newspapers lying around? These can be helpful for giving windows and glass a streak-free shine since they don't leave fibers behind. If you'd like to skip a trip to the store for new items, vinegar and baking soda are two common household products that can be an effective option for tackling tough stains and odors. Before starting your spring cleaning, take a quick inventory of your current cleaning products. As you make your to-do list, consider the approach that's most effective for you and ensures you'll hit your 'problem areas.' Some people like to go from room to room and check off tasks as they go, while others prefer to go from 'top to bottom' – cleaning all floors, then all baseboards and windows, etc. Rather than trying to get everything done in a single weekend, space them out over a few weeks. Make a list of these problem areas and create a timeline for tackling them. Perhaps winter storms have left your windows covered in a layer of dirt and grime. Do you have a basement closet that's become the designated 'family clutter zone'? Maybe there's an outdoor shed that's turned into a disorganized tool stash.

Spring cleaning checklist