10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Summer Savings

Spring is a time of growth and renewal for many plants and animals. It’s also the ideal time to prep your home for rising summer cooling and lighting costs. A thorough spring cleaning can not only make your living space more pleasant but also help you save on cooling costs. Here’s a comprehensive guide with detailed tips on how to effectively clean and prepare your home to stay cool during the summer.

Getting your home in shape for summer is no small undertaking. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a sprawling five-bedroom house, it’s easy to be overwhelmed if you don’t know where to start. The key to a successful spring cleaning is a well-thought-out plan. 

Make a list of all the rooms in your home including outdoor spaces. Next, list the tasks you want to accomplish. Then, list the supplies and tools necessary to complete these tasks. Stock up on supplies such as all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, microfiber cloths, and scrub brushes. Pick up an extendable duster or a ladder for hard-to-reach spots. Use a bucket or a carryall apron to stow supplies so everything you need is within hand’s reach.

Spring cleaning takes time because you’re dusting, scrubbing, and rearranging spaces that are not part of your weekly housework routine. Allow yourself several days or even a week to complete the task on your list. Split large tasks into small chunks to make progress and avoid burning out. Focus on one room at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for assistance with difficult tasks.

Clutter can significantly affect the airflow in your home, making it feel stuffy and warm. Start by removing unnecessary items from each room. 

• Living Area: Clear out old magazines, newspapers, and any items that don’t belong in the room. Use decorative baskets or bins to organize remote controls, chargers, and other small items.
• Bedroom: Sort through clothes, shoes, and accessories. Donate or recycle items you no longer use. Organize the remaining items in your closet to maximize space and airflow.
• Kitchen: Go through pantry items, toss expired goods, and organize your kitchen cabinets. Clear off countertops to make the space feel more open and less cluttered.
• Bathroom: Discard old toiletries, makeup, and other personal care items. Clean out cabinets and drawers, and organize essentials for easy access.

Using bins labeled "keep," "toss," and "donate" can streamline the decluttering process and help you make quick decisions.

The general rule of thumb for spring cleaning is to start at the top floor and work down to the ground floor.  The reason is simple: dust and dirt drift down, and you don’t want grime to land on your newly cleaned furniture and floor.

This tactic also applies to each room – start with the ceiling and end with the floor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Ceilings and Light Fixtures: Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and corners where cobwebs gather. Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum with an extension wand.
• Walls and Windows: Wipe down walls with a damp cloth, paying special attention to high-traffic areas and spots near light switches. Clean windows inside and out, and wash window treatments like curtains or blinds.
• Mid-Level Surfaces: Dust and wipe down shelves, furniture, and decorative items. Use furniture polish to add a shine and protect wood surfaces.
• Floors: Vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop hard floors. Don’t forget to clean baseboards and under furniture.

Deep cleaning specific areas can make a significant difference in your home’s overall cleanliness and cooling efficiency. Here are the zones to focus on:

• High Zones (Ceilings, Fans): Remove dust from ceiling fans and air vents. Dust can impede airflow and reduce the efficiency of your cooling system.
• Mid Zones (Shelves, Counters): Disinfect surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms to remove bacteria and grime. Pay attention to often-overlooked areas like behind appliances and under sinks.
• Low Zones (Baseboards, Floors): Scrub baseboards and clean floors thoroughly. Consider shampooing carpets to remove embedded dirt and allergens.
• Outdoor Areas (Patios, Garages): Sweep and wash down patios, and organize garages to make space for summer gear. Clean outdoor furniture and check for any necessary repairs.

Your hard-earned money may be slipping through the cracks, literally. Leaky ducts, small cracks, and holes may be wasting as much as 40 percent of home cooling energy.

Here’s how to weatherproof effectively:

• Examine windows, doors, vents, recessed lights, and wall switches for air leaks that can quickly add up.
• Use foam insulation or caulk to fill small gaps around doors, windows, and walls.
• Install or replace weather stripping under entry doors and around windows.

As the weather warms up, it’s time to pack away heavy winter items. This not only frees up space but also helps keep your home cooler. Here’s what to do:

• Switch Out Bedding: Replace heavy blankets and comforters with lighter, breathable options. Store winter bedding in vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
• Change Curtains: Swap out heavy, insulating curtains for lighter, sheer options that allow more natural light and air circulation.
• Organize Closets: Store winter clothes in bins or under-bed storage to make room for summer attire. Ensure your summer wardrobe is easily accessible.

Install ceiling fans in rooms such as your kitchen, living room, or bedrooms. Using ceiling fans during the warm summer months can help you save up to 40 percent on air conditioning costs. Don’t forget to turn off the ceiling fan when you exit the room – fans cool people, not rooms.

If you have a ceiling fan, switch the direction of your ceiling fan so the blades spin counterclockwise in the summer (stand under the fan to verify the direction). The fan produces a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler without affecting the temperature. This allows you to adjust the thermostat a few degrees and rely less on your AC. 

Lighting can affect both the temperature and energy consumption of your home. Here’s how to upgrade for a cooler summer:

• Switch to LEDs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LEDs emit less heat and use significantly less energy.
• Use Dimmers: Install dimmer switches to adjust lighting levels according to your needs. Lower light levels can help keep rooms cooler.
• Install Motion Sensors: Motion sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms ensure lights are only on when needed, reducing energy consumption.

Small potted plants add a decorative, verdant touch to your kitchen, living room, or sunroom. They work as natural air filters, removing harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and mold from the air. They can also reduce ambient temperatures in a home.

Strategically planted deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the fall), bushes, and shrubs can create a cool microclimate that reduces temperatures in your home’s exterior by as much as 9 degrees. This allows your cooling and heating unit to work less and consume less energy. This can slash cooling and heating costs by $100 to $250 annually.

Updating your home’s decor for summer can enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal. Consider these changes:

• Light-Colored Slipcovers: Use slipcovers in light colors to reflect sunlight and keep furniture cooler. Slipcovers are also easy to clean and switch out.
• Vibrant Throw Pillows: Add colorful throw pillows to brighten up your space. Choose light, breathable fabrics that are comfortable in warm weather.
• Summer Rugs: Replace heavy rugs with lighter, airy options like sisal or jute. These materials are more suitable for summer and help keep floors cool.
• Vases: Adding vases filled with fresh flowers can brighten up any room, providing a natural, cost-effective way to enhance your decor. 

Spring cleaning is a great way to prepare your home for the upcoming summer. The mild weather and extra dose of vitamin D will provide you with just the right boost of energy to tackle all your tasks. Once you’re done, you will be able to enjoy all the beauty summer has to offer in the comfort of your home.