It seems the weather has finally taken a turn for the better and I am sure many of you, like me, are letting out a sigh of relief knowing the snowy weather is behind us. As the days get warmer and the sunlight stays around a bit longer, now is the perfect time to clean out your house from its hibernation state. Every spring/summer, I make an effort to have one big clean to start the season off. There is something about giving my house a big head to toe cleaning that makes me feel like I am ready to take on the warm weather and my house is too. Below are a few cleaning tips I have picked up and continue to gather over the years to help me with the scrub down:

·      Windows – It may be easiest to just wipe down the inside, but you really should try to wipe down the outside as well and if you have some high up windows, look for a good window cleaner. Tip: wash your windows on a cloudy day so the sun won’t dry the cleaner in streaks before you are done.

·      Window Screens – Take a scrape of carpeting and use it to wipe down your screens. This method picks up all the dirt and dust that has gathered.

·      Patio Furniture – Your furniture has been sitting out in the cold weather and probably needs a little tlc before you put your cushions back on it. Take warm water with a squirt of dish detergent and wipe everything down with a sponge. Rinse everything off with your garden hose when done and let those pieces air dry.

·      Your closet – It really is true, organizing your closet is the first step in organizing the rest of your home so start there! Help your significant other and your kids go through their closets as well and compile a box full of clothes that can be donated to one of the many great local charities in Colorado. Some of my personal favorites are:

o   Precious Child, Broomfield CO – This is where we take my daughter’s lightly used clothes and toys.

o   Dress for Success, Denver CO – This is a great place to give your old professional clothes and it is for a good cause, the name is exactly that, it is a place women can go get clothes appropriate for work.

o   Goodwill/Denver Rescue Mission, Denver CO – Both of these are great organizations to donate everything from clothes to appliances to furniture.

o   Every Creature Counts & Dumb Friends League, Denver CO – Let’s not forget our furry friends! I also clean out our dog’s things in the spring and anything she has outgrown we like to donate to one of these organizations. Pets need good supplies too!

There are many wonderful organizations to donate to in Colorado so make sure to check those out before you get rid of any clothes, appliances, etc. Happy cleaning!