A guide to clean up, spruce up, fix up for spring

Ebony, April, 2005

IT is spring again. And every homeowner and apartment dweller knows there is plenty of work to do to get his or her home in shape after a long winter of closed windows and accumulated clutter. But where do you start? The dust bunnies under the bed? The dusty windowsills? Or the towering stack of newspapers that's occupying some valuable space?

Do not be overwhelmed. Plan your work, and work your plan, perhaps beginning outside--planting colorful flowers, clearing old leaves, washing windows and screens, and touching up those areas that need to be painted.

Most of the focus, though, will probably be inside your home, beginning with clearing the clutter. Interior designer, Christina Callaway, the owner of Inner Piece Designs in Atlanta and the decorator of the home of rapper Ludacris, says to begin by throwing away anything that is broken or damaged. She recommends using labeled storage bins for items you want to save. Another trick, she says, is to box items destined for charity, so that the donations will be ready to be shipped or picked up by your favorite organization.

"Spring cleaning is often viewed as a dreaded but must-do task, but it can be made enjoyable," Callaway says. "Ladies and fellas, you want to be comfortable. Dress in loose clothing that you don't mind getting sweaty. Turn on your favorite CD and open up the windows to let in fresh air."

After you clear the clutter, here are some simple steps to help you clean and organize. (There may be some overlap as you go from room to room.)

LIVING ROOM

* Vacuum underneath and behind big pieces of furniture.

* Vacuum sofa frame, cushions and pillows, using a vacuum with attachments.

* Vacuum and air out rugs.

* Dust picture frames. (To avoid damaging your photos and art work, do not spray cleaner on the frame or glass.)

* Dust bookshelves. Remove books and dust those, too. Dust entertainment center, including DVD player, stereo and television, using a mild cleaner.

* Dust end tables. Clean sofa slipcovers, using the upholstery attachment of a rug cleaner. Clean rugs according to manufacturer's instructions.

* Clean drapes according to manufacturer's instructions. Dust molding, baseboards and ceiling fans.

* Dust and clean lamps, and other home furnishings.

* Dust and clean windowsills, and wash windows.

* Throw out periodicals over three months old. If you haven't read them by that time, you're probably not going to.

* Mop floors.

BEDROOM

* Vacuum under bed and dresser.

* Mop.

* Dust dresser, headboards and nightstands.

* Switch to spring-themed bedding. Store blankets.

* Air out pillows.

CLOSETS

* Sweep and mop closets.

* Remove spring clothes from storage, and store winter clothes. (Make sure everything is clean before storing.)

* Give away clothes that no longer fit after a year.

* Store winter shoes and boots in their original boxes (if you still have them).

KITCHEN

* Wipe down counter tops, refrigerator, stove and cabinets--inside and out. Toss duplicate seasonings and expired condiments, etc.

* Clean decorative items that have accumulated grease and dust.

* Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator and freezer.

* Toss out leftovers that are no longer edible.

* Clean microwave inside and outside. (If it's a stand-alone, don't forget to clean underneath.)

* Remove finger marks from toaster or toaster oven.

GARAGE

* Store gardening supplies in storage bins and label them (fertilizer, seeds, etc.) so that they can be easily found.

* Sweep and hose down the floor to wash away leaves, cobwebs and other residue from the winter.

* Organize and wipe down tools.

* Clean grill before hauling it out for the season.

Spring cleaning is a big job, but interior designers and organizing experts urge homeowners to make a checklist to work on projects throughout the winter. They also suggest that homeowners establish weekly or bimonthly cleaning routines so that dust doesn't have time to accumulate.

They also encourage homeowners to stay organized. For example, a good way to avoid piles of newspapers, Callaway says, is to "clip favorite articles from newspapers and magazines right away and store them in a portfolio beside your favorite reading chair so that they are easily accessible. But overall, don't let anything pile up. Work on it year-round."