This article originally published in the Galion Inquirer on May 2, 2012. 

In years past the arrival of spring meant that housewives conducted a deep, thorough cleaning from the top of the house to the bottom. Since few of us have the time for that huge undertaking, here are ten steps you can take to give your house the spring clean feeling.

1. Open the windows. Let the fresh air in and blow out the stagnant air. The furnace running all winter circulates air through your house, but often the same air moves around. Spring is a time for fresh air, let it in!
2. While you’re at the windows, give them a quick cleaning. You can use bottled cleaners or a mixture of two parts water with one part vinegar to clear off all the fingerprints.
3. Install the screens in your storm doors. If you’ve got one of the newer doors, this is as simple as sliding the storm window down. If you’ve got the old fashioned kind that requires a screw driver, you might as well do this while you’re on the windows project.
4. Change the bedding. Pull off all those heavy blankets and quilts. Launder everything and when you make the bed again, put on several lightweight blankets instead of the heavy quilts. If you have a spare set of sheets, a light color or bright white will make your bed feel brand new.
5. Go through your refrigerator and throw out the expired condiments and any science experiments lurking in the back corner. Wipe down the drawers and shelves with your favorite cleaner, (the one you used on the windows). Put in a new box of baking soda. Repeat this activity with your freezer.
6. Turn the thermostat down a notch. With warmer weather around the corner, you don’t want to be running the furnace heavily.
7. Replace the furnace and water softener filters. This should be done about every three months. Make sure you check your owner’s manual for specifications on the model you own. Times change. Add a ¼ cup of bleach to your dehumidifier tray or the water tray in your furnace to kill mold and bacteria.
8. Speaking of the time change … it’s a really good idea to get in the habit of buying new batteries for all your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year. Put the new batteries in when you move your clocks forward.
9. Pull out your step ladder and climb up to inspect the ceiling fan blades. Chances are they’ve grown a layer of dust. Wipe that off before you want to start using the fan to combat summer heat.
10. Carry the lawn furniture and porch swing up from the basement and set them out. You’ll be glad you’ve got a spot to sit in and enjoy the spring breezes. Sit down, you’ve earned a break!

Taking a few simple steps over a weekend will make your house feel like grandma worked her Spring Cleaning Magic. Spring is around the corner and you’re ready to spend your days enjoying the warm air and sunshine.