7 Surprising Benefits of Doing a Spring Cleaning
A spring cleaning doesn’t have to be just another chore. Cleaning your home as winter ends gives you a clean, clutter-free environment, but it also sets you up for a happy, healthy spring season. Even the act of cleaning itself comes with benefits. It’s an opportunity to move your body and give back to your community.
Here’s how to take a fresh approach to your spring cleaning.
Take to the kitchen: Clear out expired food and donate items that do not serve your nutrition goals. Having a kitchen full of nutritious options rather than temptations that take you off track can help make it easier to stick to your healthy eating goals.[1]
Turn it into a workout: The gym isn’t the only place to get a workout in. House cleaning can burn anywhere from 136 to 340 calories per hour, depending on what you’re doing. If it’s safe for you to do so, scrub, sweep, and clear out clutter with gusto![1]
Find your calm: Turn on music that makes you happy or enjoy some peace and quiet. Cleaning can be calming because it gives you something to focus on and gets you moving.[1]
Let sunshine in (in the morning): Prepare for extra sunlight by washing the windows to get rid of dirt and dust that built up in winter. Soaking up sunshine early in the day through an open or closed window and blocking it at bedtime can help you sleep.[2]
Get rid of gunk: Scrub your countertops, stovetops, bathrooms, and any high-touch surfaces like light switches and doorknobs. Disinfecting surfaces is a great way to defend your household against infection.[3]
Donate what you can: In addition to giving away food you don’t want in the house, clothing and trinkets also make great hand-me-downs. It also makes it easier to let go of clutter when you know your stuff is going to benefit someone else.[1]
Make it easier to get outside: If you have an intention to get outside more this spring, write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see each day. A note on your fridge or near the couch can be the motivating reminder that gets you out of your comfort zone and out the door.[1]
Pick a day or weekend and schedule that you can dedicate to your spring cleaning. When it’s time to start, set aside other tasks and try to focus on what you’re doing. Whether you clean alone or with others in your household, everyone will benefit from a sparkling clean home!