The spring cleaning tradition stems from a time when people spent months holed up in their homes, warmed by a fire, and then mercilessly opened their windows and freed themselves of dust and dirt.
Clean the things you don't typically clean
These include the aforementioned windows, but also window blinds, light fixtures, forgettable edges and corners. Take time to clean them this year.
How often you should be cleaning these things:
Carpets: Once per year
Shower curtains: Buy a polyester liner and wash it quarterly
Blinds: Two to three times per year
Oven: Check it monthly, but clean at least quarterly
Garbage disposal: Monthly. Methods include: Grinding ice cubes or lemon peels as well as a water, baking soda and vinegar mixture
Read more tips and hints at USAToday or watch the video below.