We've almost made it to spring! Sure, there might still be snow in the forecast, but the evenings are getting longer and the kids have started to count down to the last day of school.

One of our favorite traditions is spring cleaning. Filling the house with fresh air and purging it of the winter clutter just does something good for the soul.

To take things up a notch this year, check out Joanna Gaines’s tips for spring cleaning. Her free printable checklist takes you through the whole house room-by-room to help make sure nothing goes undone. It doesn’t hurt that the last step is to eat a cupcake. We’re in.

We know we’re no Joanna, but here are some bonus tips to help you save energy and stay safe during your annual spring cleaning.  

Be smart about disinfecting

The coronavirus has us taking our germ-fighting game to the next level. Whether you’re using a disposable disinfectant wipe or a liquid solution, make sure you always wipe in one direction. Going back and forth or using a “wax on wax off” approach can recontaminate the area with germs. Also note that the surface needs to stay wet with the disinfectant for a full four minutes before wiping it off to actually kill the bugs.  

Clean the fridge

Refrigerators can use up to 14 percent of a household’s energy. But that fridge can run much more efficiently if it’s clean. Vacuum the coils to remove any build up that could be making your motor work harder and use more electricity. While you’re at it, clean out the inside too. An overfull fridge can block airflow and make it harder for your fridge to regulate its temperature. You can visit our energy and savings page for more tips to save energy and money on your appliances. 

Dust your ceiling fans 

While you’re up there dusting, check to make sure your fan is set to go counterclockwise for the summer. In the winter, you want it to go clockwise to help push warm air down. In the summer, you need to change them back to have the opposite effect.

Replace the batteries 

Since the ladder is already out, now is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s recommended to change them every 6 months to make sure these life saving devices are working properly.

Stay safe on that ladder 

Check your ladder to make sure it’s in good working condition before climbing it. Don’t place a ladder in front of closed doors. Do place it on firm level ground without any type of slipper conditions. And always climb a ladder with three points of contact (face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times).

Eat a cupcake – Just reiterating this step. It’s important.

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