Much of spring—the season of rejuvenation, decluttering, and cheerful vibes—will be spent in the comforts of our interiors this year, and it’s timely that we focus our intent on letting spring in. We’re sharing six easy ways you can keep your home fresh and clean to help you create a haven that radiates happiness. 

1. Bring in Greenery

Springtime flowers can enliven your space with their vibrant, sunny glow. Plus, floral accents add a touch of opulence to your design scheme. Try expanding your collection of houseplants and take full advantage of their ability to eliminate toxins in stagnant indoor air and produce oxygen. As you become a plant parent, you’ll grow to enjoy caring for them and experience soothing stillness while doing so! Don’t know where to start? Hang dainty air plants on your walls, arrange your own succulent garden by your bedroom window sill, or place a potted tree in your living room. 

Check out our interview with interior designer and plant enthusiast, Erika Wadler to learn how to decorate with plants!

2. Make Your Bed

Did you know that the simple act of making your bed each morning is known to boost productivity and improve your sleep? Also, getting a restful night’s sleep is much easier when your bed is not cluttered with random things that could easily distract you. Pair this healthy habit with a regular schedule of washing your sheets, and you’re well on your way to feeling energized daily. 

3. Wash Your Rug

Rugs are adored not only for their aesthetic charm and ability to elevate any space, but also because life’s most simple and precious moments—whether that’s eating dinner with your family in the dining room or playing with your kids or pets in the living room—usually happen on them. 

But did you know that a rug can host up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch, making it 4000 times dirtier than your toilet seat? According to renowned microbiologist, Phillip M. Tierno, that’s true. So whether you wash your Ruggable rug in your home washing machine, or give your traditional rug a professional shampoo, getting it clean is key.

4. Declutter

Spring cleaning expert, Marie Kondo, explains it best: Keep the items that bring you joy and let go of the rest. 

As you reevaluate your belongings and bring order to your abode, use decorative accents like wicker baskets and storage ottomans to organize your things without sacrificing style. Aside from their obvious benefits, decluttering activities such as color-coordinating your books and clothes can also increase your flow of dopamine—the chemical associated with pleasure in our brains—and reduce stress levels.

5. Sparkle & Sanitize

Aside from doing your regular cleaning routine, make it a point to disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home: doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen appliance handles, as well as keys and electronic devices. These are the places that are likely to attract bacteria. Couple this tip with frequent hand washing to avoid spreading germs to other places in your home.

6. Dispose Diligently

Empty your kitchen sink disposal, indoor trash cans, and pet litter boxes as often as needed. This will not only help with keeping your home looking and feeling fresh, but is also key for getting bacteria, viruses, and parasites out of your home. Raw meat and fish, litter boxes…these are things you DON’T want hanging around for your sake or your furry friend’s well being.

And that’s it! Practice these six tips to begin each day feeling energized while keeping your home fresh and clean!