As the springtime sunshine finally pours through your windows, you can't help cringing as you notice the streaks and grime on the glass that weren't visible before. And as you take a closer look around, you see that the rest of your home is living proof that your family has been trapped inside during the cold winter months. The prolonged furnace blasting has caused the dust to settle – on the furniture, along the edges of the carpeting, and on the blinds. Clutter is at an all-time high. Even the dog seems to be in desperate need of a bath.



Yep, it's time to haul out the rags, scrubbies and cleaners and get to work.

As you dive in to your spring cleaning this year, here are a few tips that may help.

• One room at a time. Spring cleaning can be an overwhelming project, especially if you try doing everything at once. Breaking it up over a week or two is often a good idea. By concentrating on one room per day, not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment when you see the results at the end of each day, but your stress meter is more likely to remain on “low.”

• Crank it up. Studies have shown that we accomplish more when music is playing, particularly loudly. Music gets our blood flowing and energy pumping and is also a great distraction to the nastiness of the task at hand. So crank up that radio and whistle while you work!

• Time Share. Do you love to vacuum and have a friend who doesn't mind doing windows? Why not do a switcheroo and swap homes for an afternoon? You can each do the other's “dirty work” and not have to do those things you can't stand. Or, double up and work on one home this week, the other one, next.

• Get the family involved. Hey, they helped to make the mess, they should help clean it. Put the younger kids to work wiping down walls and baseboards. The older children can clean out the garage or give your car a thorough springtime cleaning. That way, you can concentrate on those areas you'd prefer to do yourself.

• Bring out the bins. Three, to be exact. Label them: Put Away, Give Away, and Throw Away. As you go through each closet and cupboard, toss items in the appropriate bins. It's as simple as that!

• Utilize those classic cleaners. Baking soda: Scrub away grime in your kitchen and bathroom sink and sprinkle a little on carpets and let set overnight to eliminate musty odors. White Vinegar: Use straight vinegar in toilets to remove stains and stubborn rings or dilute and use on windows, tubs, and appliances. Lemon Juice: Great for copper pots, silverware, and tile grout.

• Have a party. Just can't get motivated to start cleaning? Invite a few friends over for dinner. There's nothing that makes us grab the rags and get to work faster than knowing company is coming.

Although it's tempting to put it off, the sooner you start this somewhat overwhelming yet often necessary project, the sooner you will get to sit back and enjoy the benefits of a sparking clean home.