These days, spring cleaning is no longer about the residue left by burning wood or coal for heat. It is more that we’ve been hibernating all winter — a busy hibernation, with nose to the grindstone, moving from indoors to the car, back to indoors, or huddling under a blanket in front of the T.V. The light of spring makes us look up, throw wide the windows and breath the invigorating air.

 

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So grab that energy and any kids, while they are on spring break — and create a flurry of activity, freshening up your home. (Note: If you find yourself pressed for time, or if spring cleaning never was your thing, skip directly to the last task on this list.)

Spring cleaning and organizing tasks:

Declutter: Elbow room is breathing room. Give your home a spring purge to gain a lighter existence.

Windows: This is one of few cleaning projects that is genuinely dependent on the weather. Spring is a natural time to wash windows, especially if freezing temperatures prohibit it for several months of your year. While you have the screens off, give them a wash. And if your blinds have a tough build-up of dust or grime, clean them thoroughly as well.

Store winter clothing: Proper storage of winter sweaters, coats and foot gear will help preserve them and provide easy access to what you want to wear in summer.

Evict dust bunnies: Dust knickknacks and shelves that are kept behind glass and therefore need less frequent upkeep. Follow the instructions of the maker for cleaning any collectibles. Wipe cupboard and closet shelves. Put similar dishes or linens together and stack them neatly while you are in there. Use an attachment to vacuum baseboards and edges of carpet.

Pull out furniture and vacuum underneath: Make this a team sport — you’ll be amazed at how quickly it goes. Have two volunteers carefully clear tops of décor as necessary and work together to move the piece one furniture space away while you vacuum the normally covered area. Arrange the item back into place and move to the next piece, working your way around the room. Keep safety in mind. Have movers bend at the knees. Use an attachment to reach under very large or heavy furniture. Finish with a pizza party.

Clean refrigerator coils & drain pan: Some refrigerators hold the coils on the back, some underneath. A screwdriver may be necessary to remove the kick plate — check for screws before trying to pry the plate loose. Use a soft brush or a vacuum attachment to remove dust from coils. The drain pan should be cleaned at least quarterly to prevent mold growth.

Vacuum drapes and curtains: Use a vacuum attachment and dust them right where they hang. If you decide they need a deeper cleaning, read the label or consult a dry cleaning professional. Coated backing, natural or synthetic fibers and varieties of flame-retardant treatments make a difference in the ideal approach.

Wash bedding: Pillows, comforters, dust ruffles, washable stuffed animals, etc. harbor allergens. It is, of course, easier to keep zipped covers on pillows and comforters and wash them regularly instead, but pillows can be laundered. Just check the labels that you are warned not to remove. Even down pillows can be washed, but keep an eye out for old fabrics or weakened seams that may not hold up under the agitation. You may get better results with a front-loaded washing machine. Dry for a few hours, taking them out occasionally to keep from overheating. Avoid hanging bedding outdoors if you or your family have allergies to pollen.

Wash walls: If the paint seems dimmer than you remember, it may not be your imagination. Get complete instructions in "Wall Washing Secrets," by Jeff Campbell, at www.housekeepingchannel.com/showarticle.php?id=127 .

Clean out light fixtures: Removing expired insects will make your home that much brighter.

If you have never created a chore strategy: Make this item number one on your list. Sit down and plan a realistic daily, weekly and monthly schedule for yourself and your housemates. Include tasks that need to be done rarely. If, for example, you want to accomplish each of the ten projects above once a year, do one per month and take the remaining two months to vacation in Alaska — in summer, of course.

Some tasks need to be done more frequently, such as washing bedding. You might also vacuum the baseboards in the living room one week, then do the master bedroom the next on a continuous, rotating basis. The result: with a little planning, you can skip spring cleaning altogether and keep your home fresh year round.