Here in the Northeast US, we are finally starting to feel like Spring is actually here. Flowers are blooming, and we’ve been enjoying open windows! Although I’d rather maintain an all year round cleaning schedule, there are certain tasks that just beg for my attention at this time of year. As moms, we are so busy and often don’t have time for long periods of intense cleaning. But it is really gratifying to spend a few minutes to tackle some little tasks that will make your house stand a little prouder. I’ll be doing these 10 things in the next couple of weeks:

1.  Get on your hands and knees. Ah, yes! The baseboards have a fine layer of dust along their grooves. Take a dry towel or even some white vinegar if appropriate, and run it along your baseboards.

2.  Those ceiling fans need work. If you’re like me, you never remember to clean your ceiling fans. Don’t have a lambs wool duster? Use a pillowcase to collect those dust bunnies that will certainly fall.

3.  A breath of fresh air. Mix a little fabric softener with some water and gently spritz your carpet and upholstery. You’ll love the fresh smell that will hang in the air.

4. Use your children. Set the kitchen timer and give your child(ren) a reusable tote. Have them pick up as many things off of the floor as they can before the timer rings! I’m 5 months pregnant, and can definitely use some help bending over, so I’ll be doing this daily with my girls.

5.  Light a candle. Ok, now this one is really easy! A pleasant scent wafting through the house goes a long way. It lifts the spirits and makes for a nice ambiance in your home.

6. Empty the catchall basket. Don’t have one? Even better! We have a basket that is supposed to hold my husband’s keys, wallet and a little spare change. Instead it holds receipts, change that has accumulated for months, small toys, and cell phone chargers. Today I went and dumped everything out and set that basket to rights. This small thing made a big difference in the way the room looks when we walk in.

7.  Clean that stove! Take off the burner covers and knobs, and clean all spills and splatters. If you have a tough spill to clean up that has hardened, try a paste of baking soda and water, and then wipe it clean.

8.  Tackle the bookshelves. Even though you probably dust your shelves, how long has it been since you’ve actually taken the books off of the shelves and wiped them and the shelf clean? Straightening and reorganizing your books will make a huge difference in the room.

9. Wash the curtains and linens: This one will take a while, but it is SO worth it. Refreshing your linens will really add to the freshness in your rooms.

10. The dishwasher and garbage disposal deserve a little pampering too. The garbage disposal is useful, but it sometimes leaves an unpleasant odor in the air. Run it first, and then add some cut up lemons or other citrus fruit before running it again. Enjoy the smell! Run your dishwasher with baking soda filling both compartments. It will deodorize and whiten your dishwasher.