Spring-cleaning is a tradition that marks the start of a fresh season. People have been doing this for ages, tidying up, letting go of the old, and making space for something new. It's the perfect way to welcome spring with a clean and happy home.
If the thought of spring-cleaning makes you want to run and hide, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The key is to break down your cleaning list into smaller, more manageable tasks. Remember, Rome wasn’t cleaned in a day! And your home won’t be either. Take breaks, enlist some help, and follow these cleaning hacks to make the process as painless as possible.
Have a plan
Before diving in, come up with a strategy. Decide what needs to be done and what areas need the most attention. Prioritize your list, break it down and stick with one task at a time. Resist the urge to start reorganizing your sock drawer midway through your first task. Focus is key!
Have some fun
Cleaning is so much more fun when you have your playlist handy. Can you dance while you dust? Absolutely! You can also put on your favorite podcast or listen to an audio book. You might be amazed by how much you can accomplish while listening to Taylor Swift. Truly the definition of getting your tasks done "swiftly."
Declutter
Before you clean, declutter. Decide what you need to donate and what you need to ditch. Be bold. Broken toaster? Toss it! Plastic containers without lids? Set them free. Those cute jeans you are keeping until they fit again? Say goodbye. If you haven’t used it or worn it in the last year, it’s time to get rid of it. The less clutter, the easier the cleaning.
Cleaning solutions
Consider using natural DIY cleaners this spring. You don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive cleaners with harsh chemicals. Try the following homemade cleaners that are safe and effective:
All-purpose cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of essential oil. Smells fresh and works wonders!
Glass cleaner: Combine two cups of water, one-fourth cup of white vinegar, and a tablespoon of cornstarch for a streak-free shine. Who knew cornstarch wasn’t just for gravy?
Carpet freshener: Sprinkle baking soda over carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Kitchen appliances
Over time, grease and grime build up on kitchen appliances. Use these hacks to make them sparkle:
Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for five minutes, then wipe down for an easy clean. It’s kind of like magic!
Oven: Not self-cleaning? No sweat! Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it overnight, then wipe away with vinegar spray the next day. Ta-da!
Fridge: Empty shelves, wipe surfaces with a mix of water and baking soda. Try organizing with clear bins. You are less likely to end up with "mystery meat" down the road.
Upholstery refresh
Mattresses and upholstered furniture absorb everything from dust and sweat, to potato chips and popcorn. Give them a refresh:
Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let sit for an hour, then vacuum it up.
Spot clean stains with a mixture of two parts hydrogen peroxide to one part dish soap. Test first! Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a bit, then wash as usual.
Flip and rotate mattresses to ensure even wear.
Walls, doors, and baseboards
Walls and doors take a beating, and they’re often overlooked. Use a damp microfiber cloth or a mop with warm soapy water to wipe down these surfaces. Magic erasers are great for scuff marks and stubborn stains as well as a great arm workout.
Closets
Spring is an ideal time to reorganize your wardrobe. Donate clothes you no longer wear and store winter items in vacuum-sealed bags to save space. Freshen up clothes by adding a few drops of essential oil to dryer balls or spritzing garments with a DIY fabric refresher (water and a few drops of lavender oil).
Fresh air and sunlight
One of the easiest ways to freshen your home is by opening the windows. Fresh air circulates and removes stale odors while natural light helps disinfect surfaces. Now is also a good time to take down heavy winter curtains and replace them with lighter weight fabrics that invite sunlight into your home.
Speaking of fresh air, remember to vacuum inside air ducts. Remove vent covers and wash them with soapy water. Last, but not least, replace air filters to improve your air quality. Your allergies will thank you.
Windows
Spring means sunshine! Clean the streaks and smudges from windows with a vinegar and water solution and a microfiber cloth. Use a squeegee for a professional streak-free finish.
Floors
Sweep, vacuum and mop like you mean it. Get into the corners and under the furniture where dust bunnies gather. For a deep clean, use a steam mop on hard floors and shampoo carpets to remove dirt and stains.
Maintenance
Going forward, set up a simple cleaning routine. Whether daily, weekly or monthly, small efforts keep things manageable. Your future self will thank you.
Remember, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With these hacks, you’ll power through and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home — plus, you’ll have earned the right to collapse on the couch afterward. Happy cleaning!
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Klimkin
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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