Macaroni and cheese. Kids and toys. Peanut butter and jelly. Spring and cleaning. Some things just go together.

This time of year is perfect for getting to those less-than-appealing chores we put off every month. Maybe it’s the weather, or maybe it’s because the rest of nature freshens up with new growth. Whatever your reason for chasing out the dust bunnies, here are a few tips and reminders to help you get it done.

• Don’t do it all at once. It’s really tempting to try to tackle everything in one weekend, but chances are, it’s going to take longer than that. Pace yourself by choosing one or two projects per week.

• Clean windows on a cloudy (but not windy) day. Sunlight can cause window cleaners to dry quickly and streak, so try to do that project on a cloudy day.

• Put your curtains in the dryer. Throw a damp cloth in, and set your dryer on low. The dryer will loosen the dust, and the damp cloth will help collect it. Be sure to re-hang them quickly, so they don’t wrinkle.

• Vacuum your refrigerator. That’s right! The cooling coils get really dusty, and this can damage your refrigerator. Use your vacuum cleaner and a stiff brush for this easy bit of maintenance. Coils can be found on the back or behind the grill on the bottom, depending on the model. Stay safe by unplugging it first.

• Work from top to bottom. When you’re dusting a room, start at the ceiling and work your way down. That way, the dust that falls out of corners or ceiling fans can be collected by your vacuum or dust mop.

• Break out the gloves. Not only do kitchen gloves protect your hands, they can also help remove pet fur from upholstery. All you have to do is dampen them and rub your hands across your furniture. Just make sure to use a clean pair, so you don’t spread germs from your kitchen or bathroom!

• Wash the washers. Those fabulous machines that we rely on to clean our clothes and dishes need some TLC too. To keep unwanted bacteria and odors in check, run an empty cycle of hot water with special cleaning liquid or a little vinegar and baking soda.

• De-clutter and donate. While you’re organizing your closets and drawers, pull out clothes or other items that you never use. If they’re still in good condition, consider donating them to your favorite local thrift store. That way, you can help others in your community while clearing your clutter.

Now that you have a few tips to get you started, head over to our 2017 Publix Spring Cleaning Sale, running the weeks of March 23 and 30. Stock up on essentials, and find great deals on the products you need to make your home as fresh as spring!

Sources: concordmonitor.com, goodhousekeeping.com, hgtv.com, homedepot.com, housebeautiful.com, readersdigest.ca, sylvan.com