With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to open up the windows and clean away all the dust and grime that’s accumulated over the winter. And this year, more Americans will be spring cleaning than before – 78% say they spring clean at least once per year, according to our latest National Cleaning Survey. That’s up nearly 10% from 2021!With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to open up the windows and clean away all the dust and grime that’s accumulated over the winter. And this year, more Americans will be spring cleaning than before – 78% say they spring clean at least once per year, according to our latest National Cleaning Survey. That’s up nearly 10% from 2021!

Why are Americans cleaning this spring? Three in four say they clean to create a healthy home environment. And for most Americans, the priority spring cleaning targets will be the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

Are you planning to tackle these rooms as well? Here are some tips to help you clean with health in mind.

Kitchen

Grease and food soils are hot beds for germs to grow. It’s important to clean and disinfect food preparation areas like countertops to prevent the spread of illness. Other areas that could be harboring grease and food soils include:

• Kitchen Sink: From raw meat to food scraps, the sink is exposed to everything. To keep germs from spreading, wash the sink with soapy water then disinfect.
• Refrigerator: Plan a deep clean before grocery shopping so you can also do a quick purge of expired food. After you empty out the contents, scrub the drawers and interior with soapy water, then put everything back.
• Oven: If your oven doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, use an oven cleaner product to remove spills. To clean the racks, remove them from the oven, scrub with soapy water, then rinse and dry before putting them back into place.

Bedroom

Don’t let dust and dust mites keep your bedroom from being a restful sanctuary. Working from the top of your room, dust the ceiling fan (if there is one), then wipe down blinds with a damp cloth or wash the curtains. Use a dusting product or a cloth that attracts dust on the furniture. Finish by sweeping or vacuuming the floor.

Dust mites are attracted to things like body oils and dead skin which accumulate on the bed, so remember to wash bed linens, pillowcases, bedding and pillows.

Bathroom

Mold and mildew are tiny plants that grow where it’s warm and damp — like in the shower. They release invisible spores into the air, and these spores start growing new mold and mildew wherever they land. For those who suffer from allergies or asthma, the floating spores could trigger episodes as well.

The best way to prevent mildew is to use a daily shower cleaner (misting the surfaces right after showering) and leaving the door or curtain open to air-dry. If mildew does appear, a liquid household bleach solution or a cleaner with bleach can remove the stains.

Other places to check for hidden mold or mildew include:

• Where the floor meets the tub or shower
• Under the sink
• On window frames and sills

Learn more about cleaning for health and how cleaning can reduce allergens in the home.