Spring Cleaning 101: The best vacuums, dusters, storage bins, and more

Our updated guide to getting clean, organized, and efficient at home this season

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Spring is officially here, which means it’s time to emerge from your cozy hygge cocoon and hit refresh. Maybe you’re finally ready to put those Marie Kondo tricks into action and get rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy.” And if you’ve been eyeing a robotic vacuum, this is the perfect time to automate your cleaning routine. Whatever spring cleaning means to you, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to tackle this annual tradition.

Whether you’re ready for a total home deep clean or just want to make a few small changes to better organize your space, there are tools out there to help. This guide covers everything you may need or want to assist in your spring cleaning endeavors.

Deep Cleaning—Floors and Surfaces

While a Swiffer Sweeper with wet and dry pads is perfectly suited for everyday spot cleaning, you’ll want something with a little more power for a deep clean. Investing in a quality vacuum cleaner will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run. Look for something bagless and lightweight so you don’t have to lug a heavy machine around the house. The iconic Dyson Ball Vacuum is a splurge, but its powerful suction and multiple attachments are well worth the price tag. Bissel also makes a budget bagless vacuum that’s very well reviewed.

In early March, Dyson unveiled its powerful new Cyclone V10 stick vacuum and announced that they’ve stopped developing corded models. Hoover also announced a smart carpet cleaner that launches in April. Keep an eye on Hoover’s website for that drop.

Once you’re done with the floors, a telescoping microfiber can handle furniture, countertops, ceiling fans, and other hard-to-reach areas. For textiles, a portable steamer will help lift those mystery stains on your carpets and upholstery.

Dyson

Dyson

Bissell

PureCare

Dirt Devil

Deep Cleaning—Glass and Windows

In addition to picking up dust like nobody’s business, microfiber is handy for cleaning windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces. A telescoping microfiber cleaner and squeegee is perfect for larger jobs (the one below has a built-in spray bottle for added convenience), while a simple microfiber cloth doused with Windex is good for mirrors and other small surfaces.

Alswell

Microfiber Wholesale

Deep Cleaning—Air Quality

It’s pretty unavoidable that you’re going to kick around dust and other allergens into the air while you clean. An air purifier can zap those microscopic invaders—as well as mold spores and pet dander—giving you clean air to go along with clean surfaces. A humidifier or dehumidifier (depending on your climate) will help you maintain that superior air quality.

Dyson also introduced an impressive smart air purifier/fan hybrid earlier this month that moves the air as it filters it, ensuring that the whole room is purified.

Dyson

Dyson

GermGuardian

Blueair

Pure Enrichment

Pro Breeze

Deep Cleaning — Outdoor

For exteriors, patio furniture, sidewalks, and driveways, a pressure washer strips away years of dirt and grime. Check out this Detroit building’s before and after pics for inspiration.

Lowe’s is offering 20 percent off Kobalt lawn and garden tools through March 21 for all of your landscaping needs.

Snow Joe

Kobalt

Kobalt

Deep Cleaning—Outsourcing

Home tech has come a long way since the first Roomba was introduced in 2002. The Roomba 690, iRobot’s entry-level robotic vacuum, comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, Alexa compatibility, and intelligent dirt sensors. Similar robotic technology is available for mopping and even window cleaning.

If you’d rather outsource the cleaning to a real person, Amazon Home Services is offering $15 off a deep cleaning.

iRobot

iRobot

Alfawise

Amazon

Energy Efficiency

For those whose heating and electricity bills went through the roof this winter, it might be a good idea to do a sweep of your home to determine places you may be wasting energy. Curbed has a handy guide to energy efficiency that you can check out for tips on how to save money while saving the earth.

We recommend replacing your lightbulbs with energy-efficient smart LEDs, weatherstripping your windows and doors, and investing in a smart thermostat like Nest or Honeywell Lyric.

Philips

Nest

Organizing

Whether you’re going by The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up rules or taking a more traditional approach such as “if I haven’t used it in a year, it goes,” cleaning out your closets and drawers can be an incredibly cathartic experience.

Once you’ve weeded out what you’re ready to get rid of, you can resell it with services like Poshmark and letgo. ThredUp will even send you a bag that you can fill with items you want to sell and they’ll list them for you (and donate whatever they don’t take.)

After you’ve sorted your belongings, keep them organized with stackable storage. The Container Store is an incredibly helpful resource here—they’ve got tons of customizable starter kits to help you tackle every room of the house.

The Container Store

The Container Store

The Container Store

The Container Store

Original article found at: https://www.curbed.com/2018/3/2/17053782/spring-cleaning-guide-vacuum-organizing-smart-home-amazon