Everyone has heard of Spring cleaning-the ideal time for renewing and thoroughly cleaning your home after the long, cold winter months.
This is also the time when you could use help in the form of cleaning hacks and advice, so you have a much easier time doing this big household chore.
Make a Plan
The best way to start Spring cleaning is by making a checklist of everything you need to do so you don’t accidentally forget anything.
Making a thorough plan will also help you stay organised and prioritise the chores. Checking off each task as you get it done will also help you stay motivated and feel more accomplished.
Start by separating all the rooms and areas in your property that need cleaning, and list everything that needs to be done in each. You can do so on your phone or, if you prefer, use the old-school way and do all your planning on paper. The important thing is to have everything written down so you don’t accidentally forget anything.
Declutter First
Spring is an excellent time to get rid of the old and put your house in order. So, it’s highly recommended that you declutter your entire home before you begin actually cleaning it. This way, you will get rid of old and useless things and have a much easier time cleaning altogether.
This is an excellent opportunity also to organise your closet, drawers, and even your pantry. Sort everything you own and decide what to keep and what you no longer need.
However, you don’t have to throw away all your stuff. You can either sell some of it (and make a quick buck) or donate items to friends or charity organisations. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Once you’re done decluttering your home, you may notice you feel much better. That’s because removing the clutter inside our properties makes us feel happier and less anxious. Of course, you must start small so you don’t get overwhelmed. Break the task into small chunks and invite a friend or family member to help you if you need it.
Start With High-Traffic Areas
The bathroom, the living room, and the kitchen are the most used rooms in every household, so naturally, they need our attention the most. You will need to spend extra time cleaning each area to ensure everything sparkles.
Here are some of the best cleaning hacks:
- Always start by cleaning top to bottom. That way, you will avoid vacuuming the same area twice.
- Make sure you have all the cleaning supplies and tools you need beforehand, as using the right products will ensure you clean everything faster.
- Vacuum slowly by first doing it horizontally and then vertically. This way, you will get all the trapped dust and dirt. You can also use robotic vacuum cleaners to save time and effort.
- Use a lint roller to clean the upholstery (especially if you own pets and have to deal with hair all the time).
- Use professional cleaning services to save time and money or for tasks that you find tedious (such as cleaning the oven).
Clear Windows For A Better View
Dirty windows can not only spoil the view but also ruin the clean look of the house. Therefore, they are an essential part of the spring cleaning process.
Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with a gallon of water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to your windows. Wipe with a clean microfibre cloth.
When talking about the windows, we cannot skip the blinds. As a matter of fact, they are one of the most rarely cleaned items around the house. And the most common reason for that is that people simply don’t know how to clean them.
Here is the easiest hack: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. After that, slip an old sock on your hand and start dipping your hand into the mixture. Wipe down each slat of the blinds.
Clean Your Appliances
Cleaning all the electrical devices in the house can ensure that they last longer and run more efficiently, thus consuming less electricity.
How long has it been since you last cleaned the fridge and defrosted the freezer? Don’t forget to dust the fridge coils, which can improve functionality and reduce your electric bill. Also, before you turn on your AC after winter, clean your air vents, change your filter, and check the ductwork for damage.
The oven is among the most neglected kitchen appliances. However, not cleaning it can at least every 3 months result in the food not tasting as good and it consuming much more energy than usual.
One of the best cleaning hacks for cleaning your oven is using the steam cleaning method. This will loosen all the grease and debris, making it much easier to scrub away all the gunk afterwards. You can use baking soda or non-abrasive cleaner afterwards for the most stubborn stains and messes.
Oven racks don’t need scrubbing. Sure enough, you hate scrubbing. There are things around the house that necessarily need scrubbing. However, other places don’t need it, but people are unfamiliar with the easier way to clean them.
Here is the easier way to clean the oven racks. Fill the tub with hot water and add dishwashing soap or laundry detergent. Soak the oven racks and let them sit for about an hour. Rinse and wipe them off. As easy as that.
Don’t Forget To Make Your Sink Sparkle
The sink is one of the dirtiest places in our home. When cleaning it, scrubbing the chrome faucets is also an important part that should not be neglected. The easiest way to make those chrome faucets shine is to rub a bit of toothpaste on them. After that, use a wet sponge to wipe them off.
Don’t stop by just scrubbing the sink. Make it shine by using this little trick. Soak paper towels in vinegar and put them in the sink.
Let them sit for a while, and after that, rinse off with hot water.
Take It A Little Bit At A Time
In the end, no one said you need to do everything in a single day. Breaking the task into smaller chunks and doing a little bit every day is vital so you don’t get overwhelmed.
By preparing a thorough plan and working from a list a little bit every day, you can accomplish the Spring cleaning in no time and with minimal effort if you’re using these hacks as well.
Ultimately, your home will be sparkling clean, and you will take pride in doing the spring cleaning properly.
