10 Simple Steps to Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze
Published Mar. 9, 2022
After a long, hard winter, many people welcome the signs of warmer weather. No more snow shoveling, driveway salting, and sitting in your freezing-cold car waiting for it to heat up. But with warmer weather also comes a dreaded task for many homeowners and renters alike—spring cleaning. If you’re having trouble making dents in your cleaning list, try these 10 steps to make it a little more doable (and maybe even enjoyable)!
- Work in 10-minute cleaning spurts
Just the thought of spring cleaning can deter you from getting started. Many people assume that ‘spring cleaning’ is a painstakingly long process. But if you break it up into more manageable chunks, it might be easier to get started. Here are four easy ways you can ease yourself into it:
- Dust all surfaces
- Clean doors, door handles, and light switches
- Dust ceiling fans
- Scrub baseboards
- Find what works best for you
Another good way to make spring cleaning less daunting is by adapting to what works best for you. If you’re a stress cleaner, get started when you’re facing a stressful situation. If you’re a dance cleaner, throw on some music before you start. Cleaning doesn’t have to be one giant chore. You just have to work at your own advantage.
- Try your own all-natural cleanser
Trying new things while cleaning can make it more fun too. A simple way to try making your own cleaning solution is by mixing these ingredients:
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ rubbing alcohol
- 1 squirt of natural dish soap
- 5 to 10 drops of peppermint, lemon, or another essential oil for scent
- Give your gym clothes a deep cleanse
Sometimes the washer doesn’t get all the stink and stains out. If you’re seeing this with your gym clothes, don’t worry. You might not need to throw them out just yet. You can try soaking them in a 1-to-4 white vinegar to water solution (if you have 1 cup of white vinegar, combine it with 4 cups of water).
- Make better use of your dryer sheets
Who said dryer sheets only work in the dryer? If you have a consistently stinky trash problem, you can try throwing a couple of dryer sheets in the bottom of the can to help mask some of the odor.
- Coffee-stained mugs? Try baking soda
If you’re a strong coffee drinker, your mugs might have a little discoloration. Having them shiny-white isn’t an essential part of spring cleaning, but it’s a little boost that can help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the year. Using baking soda is a great way to get out tough stains. Mix it in a 1-to-2 baking soda to water ratio, then let your mugs soak overnight and wash them with a sponge in the morning.
- Dust blinds with a smarter tool
Blinds are a sneaky place where dust settles often. But cleaning blinds can be time-consuming if you’re going blind-by-blind. With a simple blind cleaning tool, you can get the job done in half the time.
- Clean your toilet in a more efficient way
Instead of using your average toilet brush, go for the swivel-head mop with a detachable pole to add more distance between you and your porcelain throne.
- Don’t forget about your oven door
If you’re a lasagna lover or avid baker, you probably will notice some staining on the inside of your oven door. "To de-grime the inside of the oven door (including the glass) without using chemicals or scratching, wet a scouring pumice stone, scrub, then wipe clean with a wet microfiber cloth,” says Debra Johnson, cleaning expert at Merry Maids.
- Make shower-cleaning a routine
Keeping a squeegee in your shower is a good way to make the eventual shower cleaning much quicker. If you wipe down the walls and door after every use, you can prevent water stains and mildew buildup. Another trick is to keep a dish wand filled with dish soap and vinegar in your shower.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a drag. For more tips on how to be a better homeowner, contact us. We’re not just one-time mortgage lenders; we’re your loan officers for life!
Sources: Real Simple