Spring Cleaning Hacks to Make Your House Sparkle
Are you ready to get your home sparkling for the spring season, but you’re not sure where to start? Check out these spring cleaning tips and hacks to make deep cleaning easier and stress-free!
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Start Spring Cleaning by Minimizing Clutter
A cluttered home is difficult to keep clean, so take some time to weed out unused, damaged, or unwanted items from your home before you start to clean. If you have kids, get them involved! Depending on their age, kids can help sort through their toys and clothing and let you know what they no longer need. If your items are in good condition, look into selling them on sites like Poshmark, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace.
You can also check out local consignment stores or resale shops like Plato’s Closet or Clothes Mentor to sell your gently used clothing items. Or you can donate items to your local thrift store or shelter, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Union Mission Ministries. You’ll be able to declutter while also helping someone in need!
While you’re decluttering, be sure to go through supply and linen closets to weed out infrequently used items. Toss any torn or stained items. Don’t forget to also clean out your refrigerator and pantry by tossing expired products. You’d be surprised how many you may find! You can donate any unwanted canned or dried food products as well to local soup and food pantries.
Gather Spring Cleaning Supplies
You’ll need all your cleaning supplies to start cleaning your home for spring! Gather all of your products first, including an all-purpose cleaning spray, glass cleaner, wood cleaner and polish, Clorox wipes, tile and floor cleaner, granite and stainless steel cleaner (if applicable), shower spray, and oven cleaner.
If you plan on doing laundry, gather your detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and dryer sheets/balls. Don’t forget to clean your lint trap! Also, be sure to find vinegar, lemons, and baking soda if you want to try out the DIYs and tricks below!
Then, gather your supplies including, a mop or Swiffer wet-jet, broom, duster, magic erasers, heavy-duty sponge, paper towels or rags, vacuum, rubber gloves, toilet brush, scrub brush, and trash bags. Any dirty dishes can soak in dish soap and warm water in your sink as well. Once all of your products and supplies are ready, you’ll be ready to start cleaning!
Spring Cleaning DIY Cleaning Products and Tricks
To get your microwave sparkling without scrubbing, try this easy DIY hack! First, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a large splash of vinegar. Then, slice up a lemon and place the slices in the bowl. Microwave it all on HIGH for five minutes. Be sure to leave the microwave door closed for an additional five more minutes to allow the steam to loosen any grime. Finally, wipe the inside of the microwave clean with a dry paper towel. You’ll have a clean microwave that smells fresh and lemony!
Have a grimy and scaly shower head or kitchen faucet? Try out this trick! First, fill up a ziplock bag with vinegar and sprinkle in a bit of baking soda. Then, secure the bag over your shower head or kitchen faucet with a rubber band. Leave it for one to two hours, and then remove for an unclogged and clean shower head or faucet!
If your drain is just as clogged as your showerhead, try this recipe for a DIY drain cleaner that de-clogs without the nasty chemicals. First, pour 3/4-1 cup of baking soda in the drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar. You can add a drop of your favorite essential oil as well. Next, immediately cover the drain with a plug or set a plate over the top. Then, let the mixture sit in the drain without using the sink for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the cover and let hot water run through the pipes for about 2-3 minutes. You may need to repeat this process for stubborn clogs, but if you follow these steps about once a month, your drains will remain clean and clear!
Cleaning Checklist and Tips
This spring cleaning checklist will help you keep track of all the areas of your home that need deep cleaning. Print this list and check off each box as you complete a task- you’ll have a sparkling place in no time! Some often-forgotten places that you might need to clean include mattresses that should be aired out, ceiling fans that need to be thoroughly dusted, and baseboards that need to be washed. Remember to dust light fixtures, scrub the grout in-between tiles, and maybe even clean your air vents.
Don’t forget to vacuum your curtains and any drapes! Scrub any stains and wash any curtains that may require it as well. Wash your windows, too, for a fresh look. Any high-traffic areas, especially rugs, may require another pass-through with a vacuum or mop to ensure a thorough clean. Your oven and stove probably need a deep-clean too, be sure to scrub off any burnt-on build-up and leftover food. A water and baking soda mixture is great for this! Simply scrub with a toothbrush and wipe clean.
Do you have any spring cleaning tips and tricks? Have you tried any of these recommendations? Let your friends and family know at FamilyApp!
