Initial research through Wikipedia.com as to where the concept of “spring cleaning” came about notes that it may have started as a Jewish tradition at the start of Passover as it’s this religions’ tradition to clean the home from top to bottom to get rid of any leavened bread in and around the home … as it’s forbidden on the holiday.
 
Wikipedia additionally stated that the Catholic Church “thoroughly cleans the church altar and everything associated with it on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, in the spring ^[2]. Spring cleaning persists today in Greece, and other Orthodox nations. It is traditional to clean the house thoroughly either right before or during the first week of Great Lent, which is referred to as Clean Week. This also often corresponds with the Julian New Year, or April 1.”
 
Regardless of your religious choice, the concept of spring cleaning has lasted through the test of time and the time is now!
 
To help you get ahead of the curve to complete your own cleaning quest in your apartment in Austin, here’s a start to what may be a longer list than what you need or desire … yet these few initial tips should help make the process a little easier this year.
 

1. Give Yourself A Gift of Spring: We like to put the reward for all the hard work at the start of the spring cleaning process, so first things first:  head to a local Austin nursery and buy yourself some flowering spring plants or flowers and place them in your favorite sunny spot in a pot – indoors or out.
2. Plan Your Attack:  It’s not uncommon to get distracted and derailed on your first day of spring cleaning.  For some reason, many of us go into one room to tackle a task and before we know it, we’re at the other end of the hall wondering why we went there in the first place.  The tighter your focus, the sooner you will be done – so make a list of what you WILL accomplish day by day.
3. Clock Wise is a Wise Idea:  We have found that if one makes a map of the areas that need to be cleaned that the process is much more efficient if one starts at one location and then works clockwise until each task is completed.  Again: keep your focus.
4. Start with the Hard Tasks, First:  While your energy is at full speed, we suggest you start with your apartment’s more popular spots and leave the less noticeable locations for when your enthusiasm runs thin.  Perhaps start in the kitchen and work your way through your home one task at a time.
5. Conquer The Kitchen: First, soak drip pans and knobs in warm soapy water. By the time you've worked your way around the room, they'll be easier to clean.  A good example of the clock concept is right here in your kitchen:  always begin on the right side of your stove, then move clockwise. The stove is typically the dirtiest part of the kitchen, so ending with it keeps you from spreading dirt and grease. 

Next, Sanitize the Sink, Dishwasher and Microwave ~

 
The more we read about germs in the household we have learned that the sink is the worst of all locations for bacteria – yes, more than a toilet seat!  No need to buy expensive products to separate the bad from the good; clean your sink with warm soapy water then spray the sink with a bit of vinegar – followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide – and you’re done.
 
Fresh lemons smell clean so try this: cut one in half, put the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl with water to cover, and cook on High for two to three minutes. The steam will soften hardened food inside the oven while you enjoy the citrus scent. Then grate the fruit in the garbage disposal, add some salt and ice cubes, and let it grind away any musty odor and greasy gunk.
 
And don’t’ forget the sponges! Mix ¾ cup of bleach in one gallon of water and soak for at least five minutes. Or, place them in the microwave for one minute.
 

1. Freshen Up Your Fabrics.  It’s time to let your laundry room do some work for you!  Pull your pillow coverings, pillows, sheets and grab the mattress pad, too; it’s time for a full load for the laundry for all the right reasons.  Then step into your bathrooms and do the same – from your bat mat to the shower curtain and the liner too … the Gentle Cycle is their best friend and yours too! 
2. Buff The Bathrooms:  While you are in and around the bathrooms, grab the hairbrushes, tooth brushes, and nail brush a well for a full review.  Decide if a good bath or full replacement is in order and then cross this task off your list!  (Don’t forget to check the expiration dates on any / all medications.)  
3. Then tame the toilet!  Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the bowl. Really! The citric acid acts like a scrubber…and it's nontoxic, too.
4. Sweep Into the Spring: Throughout the home there’s always a need for a good spring sweep.  For the inside, choose a broom with finer bristles to be sure you get to the smaller pieces of dirt and dust.  Outside, we go big and use a stiffer bristle option. And here’s a good quick tip: Store brooms with the handle down. It makes them easier to find and protects the bristles.
5. Shake It All Out: Gather up throw rugs and take them outside for a good shake.  
6. ­­Celebrate Spring!  Now that your Austin apartment at Juniper Springs is well on its way to being spit-shined for the season, why not have a party to share your newly sparkled space. Be it a Sunday Brunch with a delicious quiche and glass of sparkling wine or a ribs on the grill with for a classic Southern Barbecue, we hope you find the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.