So, first the good news: if you’re just cleaning your living space, spring cleaning during COVID remains the same as regular spring cleaning. That is, no temperature checks, no rapid testing swabs, and no wearing a mask indoors (though it’s not a bad idea when using high strength cleaning chemicals).

The bad news? It’s still spring cleaning. 

But don’t freak out. Follow these simple steps to get your living area up to spring clean standards (which will be simple, since those standards don’t actually exist.)

1. Start at the Top

Gravity works, especially when it comes to cleaning. Think about the frustration you experience when you spill something on a clean floor. Now imagine that frustration when you’ve spent an hour sweeping and mopping the floor and dust from the ceiling fan gets everywhere.

Whether it’s the garage, the kitchen, or a bathroom, always start at the top when cleaning. Dust and wipe down the high parts and work your way down. This will help maximize the amount of clean you can achieve while also minimizing the amount of work you need to do. 

Cleaning can suck, but it’s especially horrible when you have to clean something you just cleaned five minutes ago. Be smart and work your way down.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Declutter

This one has several meanings. If you’ve got a bunch of stuff sitting around that just takes up space, feel free to donate and/or dispose of that stuff.

However, decluttering can also mean temporarily moving all the stuff you normally don’t touch and cleaning them and the spaces they occupy. Decluttering, even temporarily, can greatly aid with organizing and prioritization. For example, if you clean the items on a bookshelf and discover many of the books have no further use in your home, donating them allows new readers to discover them and frees up space. Pulling out all the stuff in the garage can result in a cleaner storage space and, potentially, more space to maneuver. 

Just keep in mind that decluttering does not necessarily mean disposing. 

3. Air and Circulation

A year ago, the idea of opening the windows when cleaning might have seemed terrifying. Let the air in? That’s where the COVID is!

Most of the paranoia has thankfully moved on, and nobody should have to worry about letting in fresh air while you’re cleaning. A healthy air flow not only helps refresh any dwelling but can be a safety net against inhaling dangerous chemicals. If you’ve ever tried to use bleach products in a bathroom with no means of open-air circulation, you’ll know what we mean.

But don’t just rely on the springtime breeze. Take the time to change out air conditioning filters and any vacuum bags/storage containers. 

4. Do It in Stages

More than anything else, it’s important to remember there are no universal standards for spring cleaning. All homes do not have to pass a white glove test. No inspector will show up to check if cabinet wipe down protocols have been met. And spring cleaning can take as little or as long as you like.