Spring Cleaning Checklist
What a Professional Spring Cleaning Checklist Includes—and Why Every Step Matters
The Professional Spring Cleaning Checklist That Raises the Standard for Healthier Homes
A professional spring cleaning checklist sets a higher standard for healthier homes and is a science-backed process that is not simply a seasonal cleaning activity. At Karen's Green Cleaning, we believe that spring cleaning is a whole-home reset that restores homes, indoors and outdoors, and is safe, thorough, and sustainable. The purpose of this article is to provide a checklist of the elements of a professional spring cleaning checklist, and explain the reasons why each element is important.
DIY vs. Professional Spring Cleaning Checklists
Studies have shown that even when homeowners clean their homes frequently, there is still a significant amount of bacteria, allergens and fine dust particles remaining on surfaces. There are two key differences between a professional spring cleaning checklist and a DIY (do-it-yourself) cleaning activity: the methods used; and the equipment and product types utilized.
Unlike a DIY cleaning activity, a professional spring cleaning checklist is developed to address all of the layers of buildup that occur over time, typically over six to twelve months. In addition to being developed to target all of the layers of buildup, a professional spring cleaning checklist follows a top-down, room-by-room format to prevent cross-contamination of surfaces. Furthermore, a professional spring cleaning checklist is developed to target high touch surfaces and to utilize products that are specifically developed to dissolve at a molecular level to remove grease and grime.
At Karen's Green Cleaning, our professional spring cleaning checklist is developed to improve indoor air quality, reduce the presence of allergens and extend the life of surfaces, utilizing eco-friendly products that are non-toxic and safe for families and pets.
Whole-Home Reset: The foundation of a true professional spring cleaning checklist
Regardless of the level of cleanliness of a home, a professional spring cleaning checklist will begin with a whole-home reset. This section of the checklist is focused on cleaning the areas of the home that are commonly neglected during a typical week of cleaning.
In general, the first part of a professional spring cleaning checklist involves cleaning high surfaces such as ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, baseboards, door frames and wall edges, as these areas are typically filled with dust and pollen that becomes airborne.
Next, floors are professionally deep cleaned, utilizing the correct cleaning technique for the type of flooring in the home, whether that is a hot water extraction carpet cleaning system or a residue-free cleaning solution for hardwood floors.
This initial step of a professional spring cleaning checklist establishes a clean slate for every area of the home to be cleaned, rather than simply making the visible surfaces appear cleaner.
Kitchen Deep Cleaning - Protecting Health, Not Just Appearance
Because kitchens are considered one of the highest-risk areas of the home for spreading illness, the kitchen portion of a professional spring cleaning checklist requires particular attention to detail to ensure that all areas are properly cleaned and disinfected.
While many homeowners may think that they have cleaned their appliances, including ovens, refrigerators and microwaves, and their cabinets and drawers, a professional spring cleaning checklist will include a comprehensive detailing of the exterior and interior of each appliance, including oven racks, refrigerator shelves and microwave vents.
Additionally, cabinet faces and handles are degreased to remove the invisible residue that harbors bacteria, sinks and drains are sanitized to reduce odor-causing microbes and counters are cleaned using surface-safe products that do not leave behind any residue that could potentially harbor bacteria.
Karen's Green Cleaning utilizes food-safe, non-toxic products that clean effectively without exposing families to harsh chemicals in the kitchen.
Bathroom Spring Cleaning - Addressing Bacteria and Mineral Deposits
Bathrooms pose a unique risk to family health because they tend to harbor the largest number of bacteria per square inch compared to any other room in the house. Therefore, the bathroom portion of a professional spring cleaning checklist must be particularly aggressive to ensure that every area is properly cleaned and disinfected.
A professional spring cleaning checklist will include descaling the faucet and showerhead to restore water flow, sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as toilet handles and light switches, and deep cleaning grout lines where mold and mildew thrive.
Mirrors, fixtures and glass will be polished to a streak-free finish utilizing products that do not allow residue to build up.
By cleaning the bathroom to this extent, homeowners are not only improving the hygiene of their bathrooms, but they are also preserving the integrity of their fixtures and preventing costly repairs resulting from mineral deposits and moisture damage.
Bedrooms and Living Spaces: Improving Indoor Air Quality and Comfort
While cleaning the bedrooms and living spaces of a home may seem like a matter of aesthetics, a professional spring cleaning checklist recognizes that these areas play a critical role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality and comfort.
In addition to the accumulation of dust mites, pet dander and pollen in upholstered furniture, mattresses and window treatments, a professional spring cleaning checklist will also include vacuuming with HEPA filtration, cleaning furniture and carefully cleaning windowsills and tracks to prevent the accumulation of allergens.
Karen's Green Cleaning prioritizes utilizing low VOC (volatile organic compound) products and advanced filtration systems to help its clients breathe easier and sleep better after every spring cleaning.
Green Cleaning: An Integral Component of Today's Professional Checklist
Today, the expectations surrounding professional cleaning activities require that companies consider the environmental and health impacts of their cleaning practices. Unlike traditional cleaning products that can leave behind residues that remain in the indoor air for days, a professional spring cleaning checklist that incorporates green cleaning practices utilize products that are biodegradable and derived from plants, and have been scientifically proven to be equally effective as traditional cleaning products.
As a result of adopting green cleaning practices, the indoor air pollution created by cleaning products is reduced, respiratory health is improved, and consumers' desire for environmentally friendly cleaning practices is supported.
Green cleaning is no longer a fad, it has become an industry standard that is supported by scientific research and consumer experiences.
Why Choose Karen's Green Cleaning for Your Spring Cleaning
A professional spring cleaning checklist is only as effective as the team conducting the work. At Karen's Green Cleaning, our team of experienced cleaning professionals has spent years developing and refining a professional spring cleaning checklist, and have successfully completed thousands of spring cleaning activities.
Our team understands how different materials react to cleaning, how to avoid damaging surfaces and how to tailor the service to meet the specific cleaning requirements of each home.
Ultimately, hiring a professional cleaning company such as Karen's Green Cleaning to complete your spring cleaning provides consistent, high-quality results that will outlast any DIY cleaning efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Professional Spring Cleaning Checklist
What Makes a Professional Spring Cleaning Checklist Different from Regular Cleaning?
A professional spring cleaning checklist differs from regular cleaning in that it is designed to target the deep-seated dirt, allergens and bacteria that build up over time in a home, using a series of structured systems, professional-grade equipment and products that are specifically developed to remove dirt and grime.
Regular cleaning is designed to maintain a home's appearance, whereas a professional spring cleaning checklist is designed to clean a home to the deepest possible level, in order to remove dirt and grime that can affect a home's appearance and indoor air quality.
When Should I Have My Home Professionally Spring Cleaned?
There is no single answer regarding the frequency at which you should have your home professionally spring cleaned. However, for most homes, it is recommended to have your home professionally spring cleaned at least once per year. Some homes, depending on factors such as the presence of pets or allergies, may require more frequent professional spring cleaning to maintain a healthy environment.
Are Green Cleaning Products as Effective as Traditional Cleaning Products?
Yes. Scientific studies have shown that green cleaning products that are specifically developed to be effective against dirt, grime and bacteria are equivalent in effectiveness to traditional cleaning products.
However, unlike traditional cleaning products, green cleaning products are free of harsh chemicals that can harm humans and pets, and are safer for the environment.
How Long Does a Professional Spring Cleaning Take?
The length of time required to complete a professional spring cleaning depends on the size of your home and the level of buildup present in the home. However, for most homes, a professional spring cleaning typically takes several hours to ensure that every area of the home is properly cleaned and disinfected.
Why Hire Karen's Green Cleaning for Your Spring Cleaning Needs?
Karen's Green Cleaning combines years of professional experience, continued education in the field of green cleaning and a highly-refined professional spring cleaning checklist to deliver a level of cleaning that is healthier, longer lasting and safer for families and pets than any other cleaning method available.