The arrival of spring is an excellent time for cleaning and decluttering your home. Longer days and warmer temperatures often boost productivity and encourage us to welcome the season with a clean, organized space. Our real estate agents suggest following these tips and tricks to optimize your spring cleaning. 

• Tend to Surfaces That Are Frequently Overlooked
  Spring is an excellent time to clean surfaces that are usually forgotten during daily cleaning sessions; this includes the windows and baseboards. Clean windows and baseboards will instantly make the entire room look brighter and cleaner. Begin by vacuuming your walls and baseboards using a brush attachment. This step removes any lint, dirt, and debris that can create a "sludge" when you apply cleaning products to the surfaces. Next, combine a gallon of warm water with a small amount of blue dishwashing solution. Use a sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth to clean your walls and baseboards. You can attach a microfiber cloth to a reusable mop to clean surfaces that are high or difficult for you to reach. 

• Eradicate Odors from Soft Surfaces
  Soft surfaces in your home, like rugs, furniture, curtains, pillows, and blankets, can harbor odors and germs that make your home feel less clean and inviting to potential homebuyers. Before listing your home with other Petersburg homes for sale, you want to ensure these items are as clean as possible. You can rent a carpet cleaner to deep clean your carpets and rugs; many rental cleaners include an attachment that allows you to use the machine to clean your furniture. Follow the instructions, use the correct amount of cleaner, and make sure to work slowly and thoroughly so that you remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Check the labels on your pillows and window coverings to learn about the proper laundering method for these items. Some may require dry cleaning, while others can be cleaned in a washing machine. If your window treatments need refreshing but don't need a full laundering, you can vacuum them using a brush attachment to remove dirt and hair. 

• Be Strict When Decluttering Your Home
  Getting rid of some of your belongings is a fast, effective option to help your home feel bigger and cleaner. You'll also have fewer things to dust or clean. Follow this simple guideline: get rid of anything you haven't used in the past six months or, if it's a seasonal item, the past year. Avoid hanging onto items that you hope to use "someday." If an item doesn't currently have a place in your life, it's time to let it go. Not sure if you want to get rid of something? Place it in a bin and label the bin with the date you store the item. If you haven't used the item in six months, you'll know it's not something you really need. Once your home has less stuff, you can better determine what, if any, organizational supplies you need to ensure everything has a designated spot. 

With a little time and a few supplies, you can make the most of your spring cleaning routine. A thorough cleaning and decluttering are also beneficial if your plans include selling your home. Ready to list your home for sale among other Richmond homes for sale? Contact us to get started.