Real Families, Real FUN: Happy Home
Spring Cleaning Made Easy
By By Kristin Bailey Murphy for Real Families, Real Fun

It's officially spring -- let's ditch those winter coats and open the windows wide! It's time to enjoy the feel-good ritual known as spring cleaning. Here, Monica Nassif, author of Spring Cleaning: The Spirit of Keeping Home, shares her tried-and-true tips on cleaning your home from top to bottom.

The Basics
Before you dive in and get started, Nassif says it's helpful to keep the following in mind:

Spring cleaning doesn't happen overnight. Give yourself a least a week to complete all your spring-cleaning tasks. Gravity is your friend. Dust falls downward so start at the top of each room and work your way down. Work clockwise in every room. When you repeat the same cleaning pattern from room to room, it helps you stay better organized. Dry before wet. Make sure you vacuum and sweep before you mop or wipe down a surface. This way you'll avoid a muddy mess while you work. Difficult before easy. Typically your eyes are bigger than your arms and legs are stronger. Start with the most challenging things first so that you have enough energy to last throughout the day.

Windows and Window Treatments
To clean windows, remove the dust, dirt and cobwebs with a soft brush. Follow this by washing windows inside and out with diluted ammonia or white vinegar in water. Dust the slat blinds and launder curtains and fabric shades by following manufacturer's instructions.

Tip: "Wipe vertically on one side of the window and horizontally on the other," advises Nassif. "This helps you to see your work and to avoid streaking."

Mattresses and Cushions
There's nothing like spring breeze to freshen an old mattress, so if possible, air yours outside for a few hours before returning it to your bedroom. Don't forget to rotate and flip your mattresses to promote symmetrical wear (Nassif suggests doing this every 30 days -- don't wait for spring cleaning!); even sofa and chair cushions should be flipped if their construction and design will allow.

Tip: Ann Jenkins, 38, of Los Angeles, Calif., protects her mattress with a zippered cover. "Instead of having to clean your mattress, you clean the cover instead! It's much easier."

Lamps and Ceiling Fans
Dust fans and fan blades before wiping them clean. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing. Lampshades should be taken off, the lamps washed and the light bulbs cleaned. The shades can be dusted with a soft-bristle paintbrush.

Tip: Purchase a ceiling fan brush with an extended handle to clean hard-to-reach fans on high ceilings.

Rugs, Carpets and Floors
If rugs and carpets have had a lot of traffic, it's best to send them out to be professionally cleaned. Otherwise, give them a good shaking (outside, of course) and hang them over a line to freshen in the spring air. Vacuum wall-to-wall carpeting and larger rugs (or if necessary, shampoo them); give floors a good cleaning and polishing.

Tip: Be sure to insert a clean bag into your vacuum before you start. "A full bag actually creates more problems as it spews out dust particles," says Nassif.

Wardrobes and Linen Closets
Remember the old cliche: When in doubt, toss it out. "If you haven't worn an item within the last six months, it's time to give it away," Nassif advises. Wash anything that smells musty before returning it to the shelf; organize both garments and linens by color and season.

Tip: Tuck a sachet or dryer sheet in between your sheets and garments for added fragrance and freshness.

Furniture
Clean all wooden furniture with the appropriate polish and buff the surfaces until they shine. The crevices of upholstered furniture should be cleared of loose change or other miscellaneous items before being spot cleaned. If heavier cleaning is necessary, hire a professional.

Tip: As a preventative measure, Susan Lake, 41, of Mt. Vernon, New York, sprays a fabric protector on her living room couch and chairs. "If you do this, the stains will come right off," she says.

The Fridge
Nassif suggests sorting through all contents of your refrigerator and discarding any items past their expiration date. Unplug the machine and store perishables in a cooler to keep them fresh, and then take out the shelves and hand-wash them with dishwashing soap. Next, wipe down the inside, again working from top to bottom.

Tip: "Now is the perfect time to organize food and beverage items by usage," says Nassif. "Place your most sought-after items, such as milk, eggs and fruit, within easy visibility and reach."

Everything Else
Objects that are displayed as decoration should be given a thorough cleaning. China should be washed; brass, copper or silver items polished; wooden objects dusted and waxed. All books should be taken off their shelves and dusted and framed photos should be disassembled and cleaned.

Tip: Now's a great time to rearrange your shelves to add a new look to a room. Pare down to cut the clutter.

"Once you're done with your spring cleaning," concludes Nassif, "put your feet up and reward yourself with a nice, cool beverage. You've worked hard -- you deserve it!"

Kristin Bailey Murphy is a writer, editor, and mother of two who lives in a very clean house in North Hollywood, California.