Spring has sprung, time to rid your home of dirt, clutter

MODESTO, Calif. — Spring is one of Darren Reno’s favorite times of year, and not just because of blooming flowers and longer, warmer days.

For Reno, owner of Spotless, a professional cleaning company in Modesto, the coming of spring means more business for him and his workers. “This is the time when we get the most calls,” Reno said.

“Everybody is thinking of moving from the indoors to the outdoors and they want to move all (of winter’s) dirt and grime outside.

“Everybody wants a fresh start.”

Long ago, before furnaces and central heating systems, people used heating oil to illuminate and warm their homes during winter. While effective, it proved a bit messy as it left greasy residue on walls and surfaces throughout the house.

So when it was warm enough to fling open windows and doors, folks cleaned the house from top to bottom, ridding their spaces of accumulated grit and grime.

It’s a habit that continues today. According to a 2006 survey by the Soap and Detergent Association, 60 percent of 1,000 respondents said spring is the best time to rid their homes of dirt and clutter.

Gearing up and executing a monumental cleaning spree might sound like fun for neatniks, but for others, it seems so big a task that it prompts procrastination. So it pays to have a plan.

Instead of thinking of your spring cleaning ritual as one big chore, break it down into manageable tasks — including planning.

Here is some advice to get you started, and hopefully motivated.

Make a List

“Start with each room or area that needs work. And be specific about the tasks. Don’t just list “clean kitchen.” Instead, list each task, such as clean the refrigerator coils, wipe down pantry shelves or clean the oven. Do this for every space you want to tackle, then prioritize.

Take Stock of Your Equipment, Supplies

After you’ve assembled your list of cleaning jobs, check to make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need.You don’t want to psyche yourself up to do a job then have to stop midway because you ran out of floor cleaner.

“Gather up the cleaning tools you’ll need. Some basics: a large bucket, cleaning rags or towels, a mop, broom, dust pan, feather duster, sponges, gloves, trash bags and paper towels.

“Don’t forget your cleaning agents, such as window cleaner, furniture polish, degreaser, rust remover or whatever you choose to do the job. There are tons of products on the market, including more environmentally friendly items that do not use harsh chemicals.

“If you really want to clean green, try making your own cleaners. Common items around the house that can be used include borax, vinegar, baking soda and salt (as cleaners and/or abrasives), olive oil (to polish wood) and lemons (deodorizer).

“There are a number of Web sites that offer recipes for homemade cleansers. Use a basket or a caddy to keep your cleaning tools together. That way, there are no time-wasting trips going back and forth to get what you need.

Declutter

“You have to be able to see the counter before you clean it. When decluttering, remember the acronym SPACE. Sort clutter; purge what you don’t need, haven’t touched in aeons or haven’t missed; assign a place for stuff you’ll keep; contain it (in file, folder or box); and equalize.That means when something comes in, something else must go.

Ready, Set … Clean!

“Put on some lively tunes that will inspire you to get cleaning. Professionals employ certain routines to make cleaning more efficient:

“First handle dry tasks, such as dusting and sweeping, and do these chores from top to bottom. That means clear cobwebs from up high, dust ceiling-fan blades and other hard surfaces and end with sweeping.

“Start at the back of the house and work your way to the front to avoid backtracking dirt and footprints.

“Let cleaning agents sit on dirt for a couple of minutes before you start to scrub. This will make your job easier and faster.

“If you don’t have the time and/or energy to do a deep, thorough cleaning, consider hiring a professional if you can afford it.

“Reno, of Spotless, said quite a few customers hire his company to give their homes and businesses a good cleaning, then maintain it themselves.

“Cleaning companies typically do a walk-through first and schedule the cleaning later. The walk-through is the time to go over what you want done and learn what the cleaners will do as part of the basic job, as well as which tasks are considered extras.

“A good housecleaner or company “should be able to clean your house better than you can,” Reno said.

“If you do hire someone to clean, make sure your house is ready when workers arrive, Reno added. That means no dirty dishes in the sink, clothes all over the floor and papers everywhere.

“Make sure the house is picked up and ready to be cleaned,” Reno said.

“It’s also a good idea to move fragile items before cleaners arrive. The same goes for valuables, because the less temptation, the better.”It’s just being smart,” Reno said.

Hire Cleaning Company

If you’re thinking of hiring a professional cleaning company to give your abode a good scrubbing, keep the following tips in mind:

“Find out whether the company is bonded and carries liability insurance for its workers. This protects the homeowner in case a worker gets injured while on your premises. Ask to see proof of insurance.

Cover these topics during the estimate/initial walk-through:

“Does the company charge by the job or by the hour?

“How many workers will be assigned to clean your home? While a first-time, top-to-bottom cleaning might require a big team of workers, maintenance cleanings might not require as many hands.

“How do workers clean? Discuss what tasks are included during the cleaning and what is considered extra. Are windows extra (they usually are)? Will workers move a sofa in order to clean the baseboard behind it?

“Will they vacuum underneath the sofa’s cushions?

“A professional should be able to clean your house better than you can,” said Darren Reno of Spotless in Modesto.

“On cleaning day, make sure your home is ready to be cleaned. That means there’s no clutter on top of the counters, and no piles of clothes on the carpet that will be vacuumed.

“Put away fragile items. If you don’t want cleaners to knock over something valuable displayed in your home, put it away just in case.

And, if you’re skittish about them dusting your crystal collection in the living room curio, tell them to steer clear.

“Go with your gut instinct. You should feel comfortable about the people coming into your home. If you feel someone can’t be trusted or something seems off, listen to that little voice.