There’s no better feeling than getting a jumpstart on spring cleaning. Rather than being overwhelmed by the task at hand, breaking it down into smaller chunks can make the process much more manageable. Start by tackling one room or appliance at a time, utilizing only the simplest of items and ingredients you already have at your disposal to achieve a like-new appearance.
Whether you have an entire weekend to devote to cleaning or just a spare 10 minutes, the following 26 clever cleaning hacks will enable you to tackle even the most unlikely areas with ease and efficiency. Take a look!
How Long Will Spring Cleaning Take?
When it comes to spring cleaning, the scope of the task can vary greatly depending on several factors. The sheer size of your home, the number of tasks you have on your list, and the presence of little ones and furry friends all contribute to determining how long this deep-cleaning endeavor will take. With kids and pets in tow, it’s not uncommon for spring cleaning to stretch into a full day or even span multiple days.
Break Down Your Cleaning
Make the daunting task of spring cleaning more manageable by breaking it down into bite-sized chunks. Instead of dedicating an entire day to the task, try allocating short periods of time throughout the day. This approach can be just as effective, if not more so, than a marathon cleaning session. Assign yourself at least one 30-minute task per day, or tackle multiple 10-minute tasks if that suits your style better.
Use a timer on your phone to keep yourself on track and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with checking off each completed task.
Focus on Your Fridge
In addition to cleaning the interior shelving of your refrigerator on a regular basis, it’s equally important to give the removable bins and shelves a deep clean. To do this, simply mix warm water with a small amount of soap and use it to wipe away any lingering food residue or bacteria that may have accumulated.
Maintaining an organized fridge is also crucial for keeping it both clean and clutter-free.
One effective way to reduce waste and make the most of your space is to prioritize older items by placing them at the front of the shelves before adding new groceries. Another trick is to utilize roll-out bins to corral small items like condiments or snacks, and don’t forget to remove packaging from single-serve containers like yogurt cups and drink cartons to free up storage space.
Clean Your Dishwasher
For a thorough rinse, consider treating your dishwasher to a vinegar bath. Start by placing a dishwasher-safe tub filled with white vinegar on top of your machine’s rack. Next, run a full cycle at high temperature to simultaneously clean and disinfect your appliance. To give your machine an extra boost, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom and execute a short cleaning cycle to leave your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Organize Your Storage Spaces
When it comes to spring cleaning your garage or outdoor shed, a solid plan is key to maintaining a clutter-free space. Start by dividing items into three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Remove any items that are no longer needed or useful from the ‘throw away’ pile and schedule a pickup with a local charity or thrift store for those you’d like to donate. Next, focus on the floor, vacuuming thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
Once the floor is clean, sort through the items you’ve decided to keep and group them into labeled bins or categories. Consider installing wall shelves or hooks to maximize vertical space and keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Clean Your Walls
For maintaining the pristine appearance of your painted walls, begin by using a damp microfiber cloth to gently remove stains, dust, and grease from fingerprints. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Regular spot-cleanings in between deep-cleans will also help keep your walls looking their best. Additionally, for tiled bathroom walls, employ a disinfecting bathroom cleaner to effectively eliminate germs and leave your space sparkling clean.
Refresh Musty Carpets
When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your carpets, one of the biggest challenges is the sheer amount of dust they seem to attract. However, there are some simple and effective tricks you can use to keep your carpets looking their best in between deep cleans. One approach is to use a portable carpet cleaner with a rotating brush to give them a quick refresh. This type of device is perfect for spot cleaning spills or pet stains, as well as keeping your carpets free of dust and dirt.
Another way to keep your carpets fresh and odor-free is to sprinkle some carpet deodorizer or baking soda on the surface. Allow the baking soda to sit for 15-30 minutes to allow it to penetrate deeply into the fibers, then use a soft brush to work out any stubborn particles. Once you’ve removed as much of the baking soda as possible, use your vacuum cleaner to pick up any remaining debris.
For an even deeper clean, repeat the process underneath your carpets where dirt and dust tend to accumulate.
De-Smudge Your Windows
When spring cleaning, one crucial task often overlooked is window cleaning. Rather than reaching for harsh chemicals, vinegar can be a gentle yet effective solution for removing dirt and sticky residues. To create the perfect cleaning mixture, combine equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the solution, and spritz it evenly across the entire window surface before wiping it down with smooth strokes.
As you begin your window-cleaning journey, keep in mind that timing is everything. Avoid sunny days, as they can create streaks and leave your windows sparkling like mirrors. Instead, start on an overcast day, working from the shady side of your house first. This approach ensures a streak-free finish and a sparkling clean.
Steam Your Microwave
To keep your microwave’s walls gunk-free without scrubbing, try steam cleaning. Start by placing sliced lime or lemons in a microwave-safe bowl, along with a cup of water. Set the microwave to high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window becomes foggy. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before removing the bowl and wiping down both the interior and exterior surfaces using a sponge.
Wash Your Shower Curtains
For a thorough cleaning of your vinyl or plastic shower curtain, combine it with a few old towels for added scrubbing power and toss them into the washing machine. Add your go-to laundry detergent and opt for a gentle cycle to ensure a safe and effective clean.
Unclog Your Drains
To effectively clear clogged drains without resorting to harsh chemicals, you’ll only need two simple household ingredients: hot boiling water and baking soda. The process begins by pouring a generous amount of boiling water directly into the affected drain. Next, sprinkle one cup of baking soda down the drain, allowing it to come into contact with the built-up debris. Following this, combine equal parts of warm water and white vinegar in a separate container.
Slowly pour the mixture into the drain, followed by another round of boiling water. This gentle yet effective combination of ingredients should help to dissolve and clear any blockages, restoring your drains to their usual flow.
Remove Mold
When it comes to tackling spring cleaning tasks, vinegar proves itself as a versatile and effective tool. One of its many uses is eliminating mold from surfaces. For this purpose, opt for using white or distilled vinegar varieties that are less likely to leave unsightly stains behind.
Discard Pet Hair
For pet owners, cleaning up after your furry friend can be a breeze. A simple yet effective tool for this task is a rubber squeegee, which allows you to effortlessly remove hair from surfaces without causing any damage. Alternatively, if you don’t have a squeegee handy, a rubber glove can serve as a makeshift solution, making it easy to scrape away unwanted fur from your surfaces.
Clean Hardwood Floors
When scouring your kitchen cabinets or pantry, you may stumble upon unconventional cleaning agents that have been hiding in plain sight. One such example is the humble tea bag! Black tea, in particular, contains tannic acid, a natural compound that can leave your hardwood floors looking radiant and well-maintained. To harness this power, boil a kettle of water and let two tea bags steep in a mop bucket for approximately 10 minutes before mopping.
Please note that this hack is specifically designed for natural hardwood flooring only; it’s not suitable for laminate wood. As with any new cleaning method, be sure to conduct a spot test first to ensure the desired outcome.
Clean Kitchen Cabinets
Combine equal parts of warm water and vinegar in an empty spray bottle. Next, apply this gentle yet effective solution to your cabinets by spritzing it on with abandon. Allow the mixture to penetrate the surfaces for about a minute before utilizing a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt, grime, or stubborn stains that may be lingering.
If you encounter particularly tenacious grease spots, consider adding a small amount of dishwashing detergent to your solution and repeating the cleaning process as needed.
Get Rid of Pests
While the arrival of spring can bring joy, it’s not always a pest-free season. If you have pets that love to explore outdoors, they may inadvertently bring unwanted fleas into your home – specifically those that overwintered in your carpet. To combat this issue without resorting to toxic pesticides, consider diatomaceous earth as a natural and effective pet deterrent. This rock powder-based desiccant works by dehydrating pests, including larvae, rendering them ineffective.
Its absorbent properties also allow it to soak up stains, eliminating odors in the process. Simply sprinkle the solution on your carpet, allowing it to sit for 12-24 hours before re-entering the area – just be sure to keep children and pets at bay during this time.
Don’t Forget Your Kitchen Sink
Eliminate musty odors in your kitchen by leveraging everyday items from your refrigerator. A simple yet effective solution involves utilizing citrus peels to purify the air and eliminate unwanted aromas.
To begin, cut a few pieces of lemon rind into small silvers and drop them down your garbage disposal. Flip the switch and allow the device to run for 15-30 seconds. This process will allow the lemon’s natural properties to break down and neutralize any lingering musty smells.
Afterward, flush out any remaining lemon residue with a stream of cold water.
Spruce up Your Countertops
To revitalize the appearance of your granite countertops, applying a gentle polish is an effective solution. This simple step can not only restore their natural shine but also prevent stains from forming on kitchen surfaces. Furthermore, using a specialized granite cleaner for regular wipe-downs is crucial in maintaining their cleanliness without compromising their integrity.
Deep Clean the Oven
If you’re dealing with stubborn grime on your oven surfaces, consider utilizing its self-cleaning function if it’s equipped with one. If not, place a hot, damp cloth over the affected areas to help loosen the debris. Once softened, apply an oven cleaner according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and let it sit for the recommended time.
For cleaning your oven glass, create a paste using baking soda and water, allowing it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water and a microfiber cloth. Finally, dry the glass surface off to prevent streaks.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes
To deep clean your makeup brushes, start by mixing a small amount of dish soap or baby shampoo with some warm water in your palm. Next, work the soapy solution into the bristle tips of each brush by gently rubbing and massaging them together. Once the bristles are well-coated, rinse them thoroughly under running water, holding the brush upside down to ensure any loose debris is washed away.
After rinsing, gently shake off excess water over the sink before laying the brushes out on a paper towel to air dry.
Remove Hard Water Minerals
Shower head clogged by hard water deposits can significantly hinder water flow, not to mention mar the appearance with unsightly stains. To combat this issue, a simple yet effective solution is to create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a plastic bag. Next, place the showerhead within the bag, ensuring it’s fully submerged, and secure it with a twist tie. Allow the concoction to sit for at least an hour before wiping away any remaining residue.
Finally, rinse your showerhead by running hot water through its openings to flush out any lingering vinegar.
Clean Tile Grout
Before tackling the scrubbing process, it’s essential to prepare a solution that will effectively tackle the dirt and grime. Mix ½ cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of water to create a gentle yet potent cleaning agent. Use this solution in conjunction with a toothbrush to gently scrub away at the grout lines. As you work, be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous section of tile and grout first.
If the deep cleaning method doesn’t produce the desired results, it may be time to consider regrouting your tiled surfaces entirely.
Freshen Your Sneakers
White sneakers may be versatile, but they’re also prone to dirt and debris accumulation. To restore their pristine condition, combine equal parts warm water and hydrogen peroxide (omit this step for leather shoes), then add one tablespoon of baking soda to create a thin paste. Apply the mixture to your shoes using an old toothbrush, working from the center outwards in gentle circular motions.
Finally, wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and allow your shoes to air-dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Clean Your Cutting Board
When it comes to cutting boards, dealing with stubborn stains can be a real challenge. But fear not! A simple trick is to run a cut lemon over the affected area to help lift away food residue and eliminate any lingering odors. To take things to the next level, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda or salt across the board before applying the lemon juice. The abrasive texture will work wonders in removing tough stains and leaving your cutting board feeling fresh and clean once again.
Wash Your Driveway
Winter’s chill often brings unwanted visitors to your concrete driveway – mold and mildew. But fear not, as a pressure washer can swiftly banish these unwelcome guests. You can rent one from your local home retailer or use it to give your sidewalks and patio furniture a refreshing makeover.
Dust Your Ceiling Fans
If you’re fortunate enough to have a ceiling fan installed in your home, it’s likely that it’s been neglected when it comes to regular cleaning. Unlike other areas of your living space, ceiling fans often get overlooked during daily tidying tasks. To rectify this situation and ensure the cleanliness of your home, start by spreading a sheet or drop cloth on the floor to contain any dust or debris that may be disturbed during the cleaning process.
Next, position a sturdy ladder in a safe location, allowing you to access the fan with ease. Finally, take a soft cloth or duster and gently wipe down the fan to remove any dirt, grime, or cobwebs that have accumulated.
Wash Your Bedding
When it comes to spring cleaning, one of the most daunting tasks is tackling bulky comforters and pillows. However, neglecting these items can lead to a buildup of dirt and allergens that can affect your health and the overall cleanliness of your home. As such, it’s recommended to include these items in your spring cleaning routine, ideally washing them at least twice or thrice a year to keep them fresh and clean.
Before tossing those comforters and pillows into the washing machine, be sure to check the manufacturer’s label for any specific care instructions. This is crucial to ensure that you’re not damaging the materials or compromising their durability. By taking the time to properly care for your bedding, you’ll be able to enjoy a cleaner, healthier home throughout the year.
Why is it Called Spring Cleaning?
The concept of spring cleaning has roots that stretch back to ancient cultures, with Jewish and Persian traditions being two notable examples. The Catholic practice of altar cleaning on Maundy Thursday also shares a connection with this annual ritual. While its origins may be shrouded in history, the modern phenomenon of spring cleaning in the US and UK is largely driven by the harsh winter climate, which makes March an ideal time for deep cleaning and decluttering.
When Should You Begin Spring Cleaning?
