Sun’s out, and that means you’re seeing dust bunnies hopping all around, cobwebs clinging to every corner, and stains from all the "treats" Buddy left on the rug this winter. As for spring showers ... they’re bringing WET DOG SMELL! But don’t worry – we’re going to help you enjoy the sweet smell of SUCCESS with these 5 steps for a spring refresh!
#1. First Declutter & Organize Your Spaces
When we were kids, there was no shame in shoving junk into the back of our closets and declaring that yes, we HAD cleaned our rooms! But as adults, this practice is nothing to brag about! Clutter can be overwhelming, increase our stress levels, and decrease our happiness and focus. Decluttering is simply one of the best ways to give your home – and your vibe – a refresh this spring.
Decluttering tips:
- Tackle one room at a time – this helps prevent feelings of overwhelm.
- Prioritize the spaces that stress you out the most (aka the junk drawer stuffed with five years' worth of pizza coupons).
- Decide how long you’re going to declutter in one session and then set a timer. This will help you stay motivated.
- Have three boxes on hand: Keep, Donate & Throw Away.
- Organize as you go. For instance, once you declutter and wipe out your bathroom drawers, use bins to organize similar items.
Pro spring cleaning tip: How do you know if you should donate something? A good rule, whether it’s a kitchen gadget or a winter coat, is that if it hasn’t been used in one year, it’s time for it to go. (Seriously, we all know you’re never going to use that garlic press!)
#2. Give Your Windows & Curtains a Spring Refresh
Adulting is hard enough ... and then there’s (gulp) WINDOW CLEANING. If you’re dreading this daunting task, you’re not alone. According to a Yelp survey, window cleaning is the third most hated spring-cleaning task, outranked only by carpet cleaning and gutter cleaning. But when you have pets, glass can’t be overlooked, with paw prints and dried drool all over them. Here's everything to check off your spring cleaning list:
- Launder curtains, or if you’re ready for a refresh in your decor, buy new ones.
- Dust all blinds – go from top to bottom using a microfiber cloth, an old clean sock, or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
- Wash windows inside and out – including sills, tracks & screens. (Check out these non-toxic ways to clean windows without streaks.)
YOU CAN DO IT!
#3. Spring Cleaning Trifecta: Dust, Clean Surfaces, & Deodorize
DUST
You can dance like no one is watching – but please don’t dust like no one is watching. You’ll need to go above and beyond to refresh your home for spring:
- Tops of picture frames on the wall
- Ledges & door frames
- Lamp shades
- Light fixtures
- Ceiling fans
- Above cabinets
- Baseboards
Tip: Dust top to bottom & use microfiber cloths. Dust clings to microfiber versus being spread all over. (Paper towels are notorious for pushing dust around instead of picking it up.)
CLEAN SURFACES
If you’re a pet parent, we’re guessing that, like us, you buy those white cloths in bulk, and you’ll need plenty of them during this step of spring cleaning. In addition to countertops and inside drawers, you’ll want to clean the following:
- Vent covers: wash with warm soapy water & dry thoroughly.
- Walls: start by dusting the walls – a long-handled dry floor mop with a microfiber pad works like a charm. Then mix a solution of mild, dye-free dish soap and warm water. Have a separate container of plain water for rinsing. Dip your clean cloth into the soapy water, wring it out, then start at the bottom of the wall (this helps prevent dirty drips), cleaning a two-square-foot section at a time. Then rinse your cloth in the plain water, wring it out, and go over the same area to rinse. Blot with a dry cloth or air dry.
- Cabinets: A mix of dye-free dish soap and warm water is all you need for cabinets. With a damp cloth, wipe both sides of the cabinet doors. If you encounter grease or stuck-on grime from exploded smoothies or who-knows-what, you can wrap a scrub pad in a cloth to remove. Use a damp cloth to rinse cabinet doors, then use another cloth to dry.
SMELL YA LATER! DEODORIZE WITH A PET-SAFE AIR FRESHENER
If your home smells like you have a plug-in called "Wet n' Wild Dog" or "Lively Litter Box," the most important thing is to NOT cover up the odor with fragrance-filled air fresheners. Covering up one strong smell with another isn’t fooling anyone, and worse, fragrances are full of harmful chemicals that aren’t good for anyone in your pack.
To get rid of pet odor in the house for real, all you need is Oxyfresh’s fast-acting Ultimate Pet Deodorizer. Here’s why you’ll love it: it’s fragrance-free, non-toxic and the only product on the market made with proprietary Oxygene®️, our exclusive oxidizer that neutralizes smelly pet odors right at the source.No fragrance coverups! Just pure freshness you can count on, every time. Seriously, it works EVERYWHERE pet odors lurk, from litterboxes to bedding and even directly on your smelly pet!
Tip: There's a chance you may be "nose blind" to the odors in your home because you’re around them all the time. Ask your best friend for their honest opinion of the situation.
#4. Deep Clean Kitchen for a Spring Home Refresh
From dog food crumbs coating the baseboards to dirty dishes stacked up in the sink (because, really, the extra step of loading into the dishwasher is too much to ask), let’s be real: when you have other pack members in the home, it’s hard to just clean our kitchens, let alone do a deep clean! But it’s SO worth it because the kitchen is one of the smelliest rooms in the house.
Here's a handy kitchen spring cleaning list:
- Declutter cabinets & drawers if you haven’t already done so
- Organize pantry & empty & clean refrigerator/freezer (Pro tip: do this BEFORE a big shopping trip so there’s less to clean out)
- Spot clean grout on tiles or backsplash with a grout-scrubbing brush
- Pull out appliances and clean behind them
- Clean oven & clean microwave – choose your favorite non-toxic method for these
- Wash mats
- Clean all surfaces/cabinets if you haven't already done so
- Wash trash can
- Sweep & mop
- Clean the sink & garbage disposal – do these last since you’ll be using your sink a lot during the deep clean
Tips:
- Clean top to bottom so you don’t get gunk in places you’ve already cleaned.
- Move everything off counters to another area so you have more room to groove.
- If you find things that don’t belong in the kitchen, just make a pile. Don’t leave the room or you could get distracted.
- Keep your expectations in check: spring cleaning a kitchen can take 2-3 days. Don’t let those overachievers tell you otherwise!
#5. Spot Clean & Vacuum the Rugs
I’ll do the corners and move the chairs NEXT time I vacuum. If you’re the GOAT of vacuuming procrastination, we get it! But now is the time to make it count. And we’re here to help with this best-kept secret for a rug refresh: Ultimate Oxyfresh Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover.
All those old pet stains and lingering rug odors are no match for this five-star formula, backed by the Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute. Like a true refresh should be, it’s non-toxic, safe to use around kids and pets, 100% free of fragrances, and leaves no greasy residue behind like many enzyme cleaners. (Read more about this best carpet cleaner for pets.)
OK, so here’s what you do:
- Spot clean with Oxyfresh Pet Stain & Odor Remover: Spray a liberal amount on affected area. You want total saturation. Let stand 5–10 minutes, then blot with a towel and let air dry. Once the stained area has dried, it’s time to vacuum the rug. This powerful Pet Stain and Odor Remover should work on the first try, but if the stain is super old, you may need to repeat the process.
- Vacuum everywhere: Remember – this time we're getting the corners and moving the furniture! If you have a dog crate in the room, be sure to move this too. You’ll be shocked at all the hair lining the edges. Tip: Don’t just vacuum up and down in rows. Turn the vacuum 90 degrees and vacuum side-to-side too. This will ensure your rugs get extra clean.
Finally, Leave Winter in the Dust
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of spring cleaning, please know the goal here is progress, not perfection! Even doing a few steps on this list will help you freshen things up and have a more relaxing spring.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
Using Oxyfresh Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Oxyfresh Ultimate Pet Deodorizer are two SIMPLE ways to get rid of pet odors and stains in the home – and that counts for A LOT with a spring refresh.
Why Oxyfresh is the best pet stain and odor remover
- Lifts stains & odors like magic
- Helps prevent re-marking
- No fragrance coverups
- Repels dirt & grime
- Safe & non-toxic
Why Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer is the best air freshener for pet odor
- Works at the molecular level
- Odors gone in just 60 seconds
- Safe for people, pets & the planet
- Free of fragrances & harsh chemicals
- Spray anywhere – even directly on your smelly pet
@krista7589 Say goodbye to pet odors for good! 🐾✨ Oxyfresh Premium Pet Odor Eliminator keeps your home fresh and clean without harsh chemicals. Your nose (and your pets) will thank you! 🏠🐶🐱 @Oxyfresh #PetOdorEliminator #OxyfreshPets #FreshHomeVibes #PetParents #OdorFreeLife #CleanLiving #PetCareEssentials ♬ original sound - Krista
Your spring home refresh starts NOW! So get these two easy-to-use pet essentials today and get your home unbelievably fresh and clean this spring.
