Spring cleaning tips: Create a safer and healthier home

Spring cleaning. There, I said it. And, yes, I know, this article isn’t going to make me any friends. But do me a favor and hold your judgment until the end. I may win you back.

Did you know that good spring cleaning is about more than just clean cupboards and swept porches? If done right, it can actually be an important part of keeping you healthy and your neighborhood safe. So, take some friendly advice, put the time into spring cleaning—the right way. Here’s how to get started.

Spring cleaning for healthier homes

Kim Long, owner of Chicago’s AmbitionCleaning, had advice on the best practices for healthy homes. 

What advice do you have for Chicagoans who dread spring cleaning?

I would say, as dreadful as it is, don’t prolong it. It can be much more costly the longer you wait. And keep in mind that regular maintenance cleaning on your home makes those spring cleaning times a lot simpler. It is much easier to deep clean a home that has been cleaned on a consistent basis, saving time and money.

Can good spring cleaning address any health concerns?

Allergens and viruses are a big concern for everyone, especially those with underlying health issues such as asthma or allergies. Allowing dust to collect increases your likelihood of exacerbating your symptoms. Respiratory viruses can travel through airborne dust, so it is very important for your overall health to keep your home clean consistently.

What are some places to watch out for?

I would say those hidden places like under the bed or behind the TV. Those are areas that have collected a lot of dust from the house being closed all winter. Another area that can sneak up on us are the windows. Windows have been sealed up all winter and dust can really collect on the glass and sills.

What types of cleaning products do you recommend?

You need to take special care using some products. Always read the labels. Some common examples are Lysol, Mr. Clean Erasers and Bar Keepers Friend. Bar Keepers Friend is great for tough jobs, but it’s important not to leave it on a surface longer than indicated or you risk staining. Mr. Clean Erasers should only be used wet and never too abrasively or they could cause scratching. We choose Lysol for disinfecting because we think it’s the most efficient. It only takes 10 seconds to sanitize a surface and 3 minutes to disinfect it. Other products can take up to 10 minutes to disinfect.

What do you hear most from clients about why they need your services? 

I think the number one thing I hear from people is that they don’t have time to do it themselves. Their lives are so busy with work and providing for their families that the cleaning gets pushed to the back burner. And that’s where we come in. Our services include routine cleanings as well as those once-every-few-months deep cleanings. 

Spring cleaning for a safer home

Working to keep your home and property tidy in the spring can go a long way to maintaining a safe community. Chicago’s police and fire departments offer this spring cleaning advice—and some helpful free services.

Avoid ‘pile up’ problems

Spring cleaning inside your home can lead to problems outside. Boxes and other materials can be invitations for arson. Make sure they don’t pile up by coordinating your spring cleaning with bulk pickup days in your ward. If you’re unsure of the dates, call your local ward office or 311. If you must, be sure to avoid piles near wooden porches or fences.

Let there be light

Make sure your lights are working. Light is one of the greatest crime preventers. Check all outdoor areas including your garage, porch and backyard lights to ensure that they are in working order. Scan your street and alley lights and report outages to 311 or to your beat officers. Don’t forget about the lights at parks and playlots. 

Free yourself from graffiti

Graffiti can be unsightly and an invitation for more. With the owner’s permission, Graffiti Blasters will remove graffiti from brick or glass surfaces of houses, garages or businesses. For other surfaces, the program deploys paint trucks to cover graffiti and will paint free of charge. The city can also remove graffiti from street signs and garbage cans. Call 311 for Graffiti Blasters.

A clean home is a safe home

Seasonal cleaning can help protect your home from fire damage. As part of your spring cleaning, it’s a good idea to test smoke alarms and replace batteries—once a year is a good rule of thumb. Keep them working properly by vacuuming away cobwebs and dust and replace every 10 years. Finally, maintain proper air flow through your home by removing any branches hanging over chimneys, flues or vents that may have fallen during the winter.