Spring Cleaning Tips for Coconut Creek, FL Homes

In Coconut Creek, spring arrives with a burst of color. Flowering trees bloom along the medians, butterfly gardens fill up, and the parks around Tradewinds and Sabal Pines are at their most inviting. For the inside of the house, spring brings something less charming: a fine layer of pollen on every sill, lovebugs on the front door, and the knowledge that the long, humid summer is weeks away. A thorough spring clean now clears out the winter's dust and sets your home up for the wet months.

Why spring timing matters here

Florida trees often release pollen from January to June, and oaks peak between February and May. Lovebugs fly in large numbers for a few weeks in April and May. Then, around mid May, the wet season begins, and rain becomes frequent through mid October. Cleaning in March, April and early May lets you work with open windows on mild mornings and finish outdoor jobs before the heat and storms arrive.

A spring cleaning plan in five rounds

Instead of trying to clean everything in one weekend, break the work into rounds. Do one round each weekend, or one per week.

Round one: the outside edges

• Sweep and rinse the lanai, pool deck or balcony.
• Wash the screen enclosure and window screens to remove pollen.
• Scrub outdoor furniture and wash cushion covers.
• Wipe lovebug residue from doors, garage doors and light walls before the sun bakes it on.
• Clean the front door, porch light and doorbell.

Round two: air and light

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and the tops of door frames.
• Wash windows inside, and outside where you can reach safely.
• Dust blinds and shutters slat by slat, or take them down to wash.
• Wipe air vents and return grilles.
• Replace the AC filter. Pollen fills it quickly this time of year.

Round three: kitchen

• Clear and wipe the pantry shelves; toss expired food.
• Degrease the range hood and its filter.
• Wipe cabinet fronts, handles and the tops of the upper cabinets.
• Pull small appliances out and clean behind them.
• Clean the dishwasher filter.

Round four: bathrooms and laundry

• Scrub grout and look closely at caulk. Replace any that is cracked or stained before summer humidity sets in.
• Wash or replace the shower curtain and liner.
• Clean the exhaust fan cover.
• Clear out old toiletries and medicines.
• Clean the washing machine gasket and leave the door open to dry; front loaders get musty quickly in this climate.

Round five: bedrooms and storage

• Wash comforters, blankets and pillows.
• Vacuum and rotate mattresses.
• Sort closets and donate what you have not worn.
• Check storage closets and the garage for cardboard boxes softened by humidity, and move keepsakes into lidded bins.

Condo spring cleaning

In the 55-plus villages such as Wynmoor, owners who leave for the summer often use spring to close up their homes. Before you go:

• Clean the refrigerator and decide whether to leave it running.
• Empty all trash and wipe the cans.
• Wash and put away towels and linens so nothing damp sits for months.
• Leave closet and cabinet doors open for air.
• Set the AC to manage humidity instead of turning it off.
• Ask a neighbor or the association about checking for leaks after big storms.

When you return in the fall, a cleaning before unpacking makes the first week back much nicer.

Family homes: get the kids involved

Spring break is a good week to give each child one job: sorting toys, clearing out their closet, washing the car or wiping baseboards. Pair each job with a donation bag. Outgrown clothes, sports gear and books can go to a local donation center.

Getting rid of what you cleared out

Republic Services collects Coconut Creek bulk waste weekly, so large items can go out on your bulk day. Paint, pool chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fluorescent tubes and rechargeable batteries do not belong at the curb. Take them, along with old computers, monitors and televisions, to a household hazardous waste and electronics drop-off event the city holds with neighboring cities. Bring proof of residency, and call Public Works for upcoming dates.

Prepare for storm season

Hurricane season starts June 1. While you are already sorting, gather flashlights, batteries, water and first-aid supplies into labeled bins. Check that windows and sliders seal well and that the AC drains properly. A home that is clean and organized going into summer is easier to protect and quicker to clean up after a storm.

When you want help

Spring cleaning is a good time to book a deep clean, especially if the home has not had one in a while. TotalCare Cleaning professionals bring their own supplies and equipment. Book by entering your ZIP code at /booking or call (888) 378-7451, answered 24/7.