When Should You Start Spring Cleaning And How Long Will It Take?

Spring cleaning — a term we've all heard before but may have questions about. Perhaps your first inquiry is this: Why do most homeowners choose the spring to give their home a deep clean? Well, this is because of two main reasons. The first is that spring typically has the best weather; it's not too hot like summer or too cold like winter. This is important because you may need to hose things down outside, such as your window screens, or open up your windows when using toxic chemicals like bleach.

The second reason is that springtime occurs after the holiday season when many are looking for a refresh and a new beginning. Some may even make having a tidier or less cluttered home one of their New Year's resolutions. Therefore, this task can help many reach their goals and start the year off right. You may also have some other questions about spring cleaning, such as when this process should begin and how long it should take.

The question of when to begin spring cleaning depends greatly upon your preferences and when you have the most free time. "There are no set rules for timing," chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority Leanne Stapf told Family Handyman. It really doesn't make a difference when you clean, so make the decision simply based on your personal desires.

Some start this process as soon as they take down their holiday decorations. This option is best for those who experience warm weather earlier in the year, as most take down their decorations around January (which is technically winter, but this task prepares the homeowner for spring). You could also simply wait until the weather is optimal, which may be the best choice for those who live in colder climates. Others start whenever they have free time and break up the process throughout the whole season, completing tasks whenever possible. For instance, one weekend, you could tackle the kitchen, another you could go through the garage, and so on.

There are a few factors that will affect how long spring cleaning takes, including the size of your home, the number of possessions you have, and the amount of time that has passed since you last deep cleaned. If you want to tidy up everything, including the attic, basement, garage, exterior of the home, car, etc., it's going to take a lot longer than if you just want to hit the important rooms, like the kitchen and bathrooms. Additionally, some only choose to clean, which involves removing dirt and germs, while others also desire to declutter or get rid of things they no longer use or want. Trying to complete both these tasks will obviously take longer than just one.

With all this said, it takes most people six to seven days to spring clean their whole house. Therefore, setting aside a week for this process may be a good choice, or you could break it up between weekends. On the other hand, some cram it all into one day. If you want to try this method, you'll need to wake up early and make sure you stay motivated, as it will likely take you over eight hours to complete everything.