Spring Cleaning

Why do we do spring cleaning?  Did you know there are some cultures who historically have been "spring cleaning" for centuries?  The Jewish custom is to clean in preparation for Passover (and honor the exodus from Egypt) while the Chinese clean before their New Year to rid their homes of bad luck and misfortune.  Many of us clean to air out the home from the winter months, sort of like coming out of hibernation and a closed up home.
I like to spring clean.  I like to go through my closet, try things on again, sort through clothes I did not wear last year and start paring down.  That way  I know what I might "NEED" for the summer!  I also clean most of the cabinets-- not all, but most and check expiration dates.  I rarely clean out my crafting area-- maybe re-organize it but I don't normally discard or donate much of the stock I have on hand!
Growing up, I don't remember spring cleaning as our home, for the most part was spotless all the time.  When we lived near the beach, our dad would check windowsills for salt (there was always salt) and our closets and drawers were constantly being checked for neatness.  It was a way of life that I now appreciate.   I also learned during my childhood that we all see different degrees of clean and each of us are wired into those degrees of cleanliness.
I found a list today on areas of spring cleaning people often neglect and decided I would make sure those were taken care of this week if at all possible!  Some I don't think we ever do, others we take care of when needed:

A great beginning!  

(1)  Trash Cans (usually cleaned when necessary)  (2)  Medicine Cabinets (3)  Blinds and window sills (4)  Behind appliances   (5)  Under the sinks (6) Oven  (7)  Mattress (8)  Dishwasher (9)  Door jams and trim  (10)  AC Vents (11)  Empty and clean all shelves in refrigerator AND a carry over from my childhood (12)  Fingerprints on light switches and around doors
So while March teases us with good weather, one of us is outside, getting the yard prepped for a beautiful Spring and Summer and the other is cleaning out the refrigerator and cabinets.  Room by room, just a few minutes (or hours) a day and we will get our home spruced up by April --maybe.