After the long cold season, it is time to let in fresh air, turn the house upside down and do a thorough cleaning job. Spring cleaning has numerous benefits which includes tangible health benefits. Spring cleaning clears significant allergens and toxins from your house including dust mites and pet dander in the carpet, mold spores in the air, and toxic gases like radon and CFCs. A proper spring cleaning job will make your house feel as good as new. Here are some tips to help you do a proper job. Start with decluttering A lot of junk can accumulate in a home pretty quickly but unnoticeably. Start by clearing out whatever is not needed. This would include old newspapers, old clothes, broken furniture, electronics and appliances. You will be surprised at how much space can be created by decluttering. Work from top to bottom This is very crucial as dust particles will float downwards. Working downwards will help you avoid re-dusting and re-wiping surfaces that you already worked on. Do not forget walls and windows It is easy to overlook cleaning walls and windows as dust that settles on these surfaces is not very visible. Before cleaning the window sills, wipe down the window glass panes with a sponge dipped in water with lemon. This does not streak. You can also use a steam cleaner with a squeegee. Wipe down the walls with a dry rag tied to the end of a broom to reach the higher places. Clear allergen with a HEPA filter Sometimes it is not possible to shampoo the carpet. You can opt for vacuum cleaning which will usually get off most of the dust and debris in the carpet. To ensure that you get 99% of the dust and microscopic organisms off the carpet, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Pet hair is usually a bother to get off the carpet and rugs. You can use a window squeegee to push the hairs off the carpet and then vacuum up the remaining hairs. Use baking soda for higher shine Baking soda is very effective in restoring a shine to dull surfaces and cleaning discolored surfaces. If you want added strength add salt to the baking soda and use it on sinks, faucets, bathtubsand the shower floor. Cleaner kitchen appliances Clean your grill better with white vinegar and a slice of onion. Splash the vinegar and then rub the grate with the onion. For tea kettles and toasters, add 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to water and use it to wipe down the utensils. Spring cleaning is a useful annual ritual. It is time to welcome brighter and warmer days, so have your home reflect the season mood.