The spring is the best time to focus on cleaning the inside of your home or apartment. It might also be a little bit of overwhelming knowing where to start out your house cleaning, but these tips can help you get started.

A very simple technique to tidy up is by just eliminating clutter; merely having fewer things to begin with. Right before you undertake organizing, inspect and get rid of things you no longer use. A great spot to begin is in each closet. Go through all the clothes and remove any pieces that do not fit or that have not been used. It is also a good idea to check your kid’s toys and remove the things that are no longer being played with. An excellent guideline is that if an item has not been used or worn within the last 2 years, it in all likelihood needs to go. You can donate your unwanted things or sell them. Make sure to clear out your pantry and freezer or refrigerator and throw out any expired products. As you clear out clutter, it is also a good idea to get rid of documents that you no longer need. Some documents should be shredded if they contain personal information.

Draperies should be cleaned annually. Depending on the fabric, drapes may need to be dry-cleaned. Other curtains, especially those made from cotton, can simply be washed in the washing machine.

Another thing that is often forgotten is the light fixtures. For every light fixture or lamp, take off the cover or globe. The detachable parts may be cleaned with dish soap and any other area may be wiped with a damp towel.

The dishwasher is also missed when spring cleaning. Even if it is used constantly, it too needs to have a yearly cleaning. To get your dishwasher sparkling clean, set a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a single cycle. Next, sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the machine and run one more cycle. Vinegar and baking soda clean the dishwasher while also giving it a fresh scent.

Cleaning the freezer or refrigerator coils is yet another yearly job that helps maintain your appliance in perfect condition. Unplug the refrigerator and pull it from the wall. To remove dust from the coils, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, or use a stiff brush and vacuum or sweep it up as you go.

Starting with these basic tasks will help you begin spring cleaning and you will be well on your way to making your home or apartment shine. These quick and easy chores will not just make your place appear much better, but will certainly also help your furnishings and appliances last longer.