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‘Spring the perfect opportunity to refresh our homes’

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Our homes may no longer be covered in soot created from wood fires or coal stoves that necessitated spring cleaning after long cold winters in years gone by, but the practice of cleaning and getting organized remains an annual rite of passage for many.

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“Spring is the perfect opportunity to refresh our homes,” says Katherin Creighton Taylor, a professional organizer and the founder of Decantt Organized Living, a Toronto-based home organizing company.

“With fresh air streaming in the windows, the gardens in bloom and the sound of birds singing, it’s the season of rebirth and new life.”

Study after study has found that clutter can ramp up our anxiety levels and raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And while social media platforms may be filled with cleaning and home organization advice, not all are tried and true.

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Molly Maid cleaning expert and Mississauga South franchise owner Preethi Mathew shares cleaning trends to avoid this spring so you can clean smarter.

Excessive chemical use. If you’re like a growing number of Canadians, you’re ready to switch from traditional cleaning products to environmentally-friendly ones. “The go-to-all-purpose cleaner is a mixture of vinegar and water,” Mathew says. “Look for trusted sources online to find a recipe you like. Adding an essential oil combo will minimize the smell of vinegar.”

Single-use cleaning products. Embrace multi-use and repurposed cleaning tools like microfibre cloths and bamboo scrub brushes to reduce the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills.

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“Microfibre cloths can be washed and reused without losing their effectiveness or integrity, reducing waste and saving money in the long run,” Mathew says. “You can also make your own cleaning rags by cutting up an old T-shirt or towel and an old toothbrush is the perfect tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.”

Cleaning gimmicks. The current fad of mopping floors with a laundry pod and water is an example of a gimmick to avoid. “Laundry pods contain detergents and enzymes designed for clothes, not floors,” Mathew says. “Using them can leave a sticky film that attracts dust and worse, potentially damage your flooring by soaking in and causing mould growth. Stick with tried-and-true floor cleaners for sparkling, safe results.”

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Ignoring high-touch surfaces. Grab your multi-purpose cleaning spray and target doorknobs, light switches and remotes, Mathew advises. Never spray electronics directly. Instead, spray a microfibre cloth and then gently wipe down.

Neglecting air quality. Though our indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, most cleaning trends focus solely on surface cleaning, overlooking the importance of indoor air quality, Molly Maid reports. Mathew recommends opening windows, changing air filters every 30 to 90 days and incorporating houseplants known for their air-purifying abilities, such as spider and snake plants.

Skipping regular deep cleans. Regular deep cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment by removing built-up dirt, dust and allergens, which helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, Molly Maid reminds.

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That reduces the risk of illness and prolongs the lifespan of furniture, carpets and other household items. “Additionally, deep cleaning contributes to a sense of freshness and well-being, creating a more comfortable and inviting living space for you and your family, which in some part has led to the viral TikTok #SundayReset,” Mathew says.

Spring organization projects

Time to get organized? Katherin Creighton Taylor of Decantt Organized Living suggests five home organization projects that promise to “deliver major impact and an instant mood boost.”

• Bathroom drawers and/or cabinets. Remove all items from drawers and cabinets and thoroughly wipe them down. Next, group like items and keep only the products you use, need and Discard and donate items that no longer bring you joy. Develop systems and style by using structured acrylic containers for each item/category. Finally, maintain by putting items away daily.
• Begin by removing all items from your closet. Choose to keep just the pieces you love and that fit and flatter your current body. For kids, check sizes, the condition of clothing and consider what they need for next season. Next, assess your space and consider how to improve its function. Uniform, slim hangers elevate your closet and save space. When hanging, face clothes in the same direction for a cleaner look.
• Linen closet. Discard items that are stained, worn or no longer used. Next, create homes for smaller items with coordinated bins and baskets to conceal the visual chaos, while maximizing the height and depth of your shelves.
• Cutlery and utensil drawers. Remove all items from each drawer and wipe down. Keep just what you use, need and love. Donate duplicates. Next, sort like items into groupings and lay them out in each drawer, playing with the configuration until you come up with a solution right for you. Avoid one-size-fits-all expandable drawer solutions. Instead, store cutlery and utensils with modular organizers and drawer dividers.
• Fridge and freezer. Adding bins and turntables maximizes space and gives fresh foods and condiments a natural home. It also makes it easier to see exactly what you have on hand so everything can be used in advance of their best-before dates.

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