There is something wonderfully fresh about a home that has just been given a thorough seasonal cleaning. In addition to making our homes look more organized and welcoming, this type of cleaning also makes them healthier by removing accumulated dust, dirt and bacteria. If you want your family to enjoy all the benefits of spring cleaning but worry about the amount of time it will take, these 9 tips will help you have the best spring cleaning experience ever!

One: Assemble Durable, Functional Supplies

Avoid frustration during cleaning by gathering the supplies you will need before you begin. Remember to choose basic, multi-purpose supplies to make the entire cleaning process fast and easy. You will need:

• A supply of microfiber cloths and mop pads. These tools are absorbent and able to attract and hold dirt, instead of just pushing it around
• A good HEPA filtration vacuum with attachments for upholstery, crevices, drapes and an extender wand
• Vinegar solution, baking soda or a non-abrasive and natural cleanser, like Bon Ami
• Steam mop for hard surface flooring and tile
• Lemon oil for polishing wood

Two: Plan For Efficient Cleaning

Avoid creating extra work by cleaning from top-to-bottom, so that any dust and dirt that falls from walls or furnishings will be picked up with the final vacuuming. Likewise, always begin vacuuming or mopping floors opposite to the doorway where you will exit so that dirt is not tracked over freshly cleaned areas.

Three: Use Tools Effectively

Make short work of wiping down walls and ceilings by swiping them clean with a microfiber mop. The long handle and wide mop head will allow the microfiber pad to quickly wipe away cobwebs from those high corners while you stand safely and comfortably on the floor. In addition, you can use it to easily dust behind heavy furnishings, instead of dragging them about.

Four: Window & Window Treatments

Remove curtains and put them into the dryer on a cool setting to freshen them and remove dust. While the curtains are in the dryer, make the windows sparkle by washing the glass, sills and frames with vinegar and water and using a clean microfiber cloth to buff them dry. Don’t forget to wipe the blinds with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust and grime.

Five: Lampshades and Decorative Items

Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to easily remove dust from lampshades and soft decorative items.

Remove wall art, framed pictures and mirrors from the wall. Wipe them clean with a dry microfiber cleaning cloth and then wipe the wall down, too, before rehanging them. It is important to never spritz any type of cleaner directly on framed pictures, mirrors and wall art, because the moisture can seep through the frame and ruin the photo or artwork behind the glass.

Six: Cleaning Floors

Clean the floors of your home quickly and completely with these tips:

• Vacuum carpets thoroughly using the edger attachment to clean the seam where the carpet meets the baseboard.
• For large area rugs, remove the furniture on one half, then roll that section of rug up out of the way, vacuum thoroughly beneath it and then unroll and vacuum the surface. Repeat with the other side.
• Use a steam mop to clean hard surface floors, like tile, hardwood, vinyl and laminate.

Seven: Mattresses & Upholstery

Working from the top down, vacuum mattresses, box springs and upholstered furnishings with the bristled, upholstery attachment, taking extra care near seams, welting, tufts and pleats.

Eight: Furnishings

Using your microfiber cleaning cloths, wipe down all furnishings as you clean each room. Fine woods will look lustrous and smell wonderful when buffed with a bit of lemon oil after cleaning.

Nine: Appliances

Spritz your vinegar solution onto a microfiber cloth to clean the exteriors and tops of kitchen and laundry appliances, then buff to a shine with a second, dry microfiber cloth.

Use the microfiber mop to dust behind appliances like the stove, washer and dryer. If possible, pull the fridge away from the wall and vacuum the back of the appliance thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.