The art of spring cleaning is an effective way to get rid of winter's mess. That traditional fireplace may be symbolic of victorian romance, but the grime and soot it leaves can ruin a perfectly beautiful house. Seasonal cleaning allows homes to return to their beautiful self after a long, tiring winter. Moreover, spring cleaning is also essential as it enables people to declutter their house and organize it back in such a way that sticking to their daily routine becomes possible. Here, we give you 40 ways to spring clean your entire house.
It's time to give your bedding a new life. All washable duvets need to go straight into the washing machine and washed at 60 degrees. This temperature is ideal as it thoroughly disinfects the duvet by destroying all dust mites. If you have washable pillows, wash them in the machine at a temperature ranging between 40 and 60 degrees. In case your pillows and cushions aren't home-washable, opt for professional services.
It's hard to part with books. However, sometimes one must get rid of old things to make room for new ones. Get rid of books you don't need and books you don't plan to read. Once done, take out all books and thoroughly dust your bookshelves. Reorganize back all the books.
You may or may not like it, but your hands make the best tool for cleaning debris from a broom. Prepare your own disinfectant solution by mixing oxygen bleach powder and soap in a tub full of warm water. Let the broom soak in this disinfectant solution for about an hour. Rinse and dry. Your broom is ready for the next season.
Start by getting rid of everything in a cabinet. Put it all out on the floor and completely clear the cabinet of any debris using a vacuum cleaner. Next, using a cleanser, wipe it clean. If you are spring cleaning kitchen cabinets, use a food-safe cleaner. Use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to get inside constricted spaces. Leave all cabinets open to dry.
Start by vacuuming the carpet. When it comes to removing stains off a rug, a vinegar-water solution is your best bet. Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of water. Spray this solution on the rug using a spray bottle. If you have a steam cleaner, put the vinegar-water solution into a steam cleaner and add two to three drops of any essential oil. Once done, add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil to a cup of baking soda and sprinkle the mixture on the carpet. Finish by vacuuming the rug again.
To prepare a home-made ceiling cleaner, mix two tablespoons of vinegar with half a tablespoon of white vinegar and add this mixture to a cup of warm water. Spray this mixture on the ceiling and wipe off using a microfiber mop. If you have a textured ceiling, use a dry paint roller brush to reach tighter spaces.
Take everything out and getting rid of stuff you don't plan on using. Wrap all warm clothes you plan to use the next winter in paper sheets and store them in a trunk or box. Now, use a microfiber cloth to dust your closets. Organize your wardrobe to accommodate only current season clothing items.
Start by wiping off all countertops with water and dish soap solution. Next, disinfect all countertops. You can either choose to buy a disinfectant solution or create your own at home. To make your disinfectant solution, mix baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Only a few drops of hydrogen peroxide will suffice.
When people think of cleaning their curtains, they often think of either washing them or getting them dry-cleaned. Vacuuming works too. If your curtains aren't too dirty, try vacuuming them. Once done with vacuuming, spray a fabric freshener to make them smell fresh. Unfortunately, if they have stubborn marks, washing them is your only option.
Maintaining cutting boards is a challenging but essential job. Some marks and smells are stubborn and do not give up easily. We recommend using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. Bleach also kills bacteria efficiently. Use lemons to get rid of any pungent smells.
First, use a toothbrush to get rid of dirt stuck in tighter spaces. Once done, add a cup of vinegar to the top rack of the dishwasher. Make sure the dishwasher is empty when you do this. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle. Your dishwasher will be as good as new in only a few minutes.
Doormats take a lot. People always rub dirt into them. Thus, it is essential to clean all doormats att the start of the season. A vacuum cleaner is your best friend for the job. Properly vacuum the doormat. Once done with vacuuming, use a soapy solution and a toothbrush to get rid of all the dirt.
Remove the lint trap from the dryer and clear it of any debris using a vacuum cleaner. To clean the dryer drum, use a solution of vinegar and water. You can also use a mild detergent in case you do not have vinegar at home. When cleansing your dryer, also remember to clean the dryer exhaust.
You must get rid of anything that has been in your fridge for too long. This includes cheeses, condiments, marmalades, drinks, etc. Take out everything else and put it on a counter. Next, use a multi-purpose cleaner to clean all shelves and compartments. Use a paper towel to get rid of any cleaner left. Reorganize everything back into the fridge.
Deep cleaning your furniture requires you to go through three processes. Dust all furniture pieces using a microfiber cloth and then vacuum everything. Next, get rid of stains and make sure any repairs, if needed, are taken care of. Last, polish all wooden pieces and use a leather conditioner to reinvigorate leather upholstery.
With the environment giving us warnings now and then, it is a good idea to shun discardable bags and switch to grocery bags completely. If you are already doing this, you would know the importance of clean grocery bags. The best way to clean most types of reusable grocery bags is to wash them with a soapy solution. If you are using a bag that cannot be washed, utilize a disinfectant to clean them.
To get rid of grout, use washing powder. Once done with the initial washing, use a spray bottle to spray vinegar and water solution on it. Use a toothbrush to scrub it out.
When it comes to junk drawers, the most crucial thing is decluttering and organizing. Take out everything in your junk drawer and discard anything you think you can do away with. Next, organize everything back. Make small stacks or compartments and label them so that you know where each small thing is going. Maintain a junk drawer organizer to keep things easy.
If you are dealing with a toddler, disinfecting all toys every season should be a task on the top of your to-do list. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe clean all wooden toys. For non-absorbent toys, use a soapy solution and dry using paper towels. All stuffed toys must be washed.
Take out everything and make a list of everything you don't need. Discard all such items. Next, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any debris from the drawer. Wipe off using a cleaning solution. Replace any tattered liners and make sure any repairs, if needed, are taken care of. Put everything back. Finish by wiping off all knobs and fronts.
Before you start cleaning your kitchen sink, make sure you have these three things: rubber gloves, microfiber cloth, and castile soap. Pour some castile soap into your kitchen sink. Wear rubber gloves and scrub each section properly. Once done, wash the sink with hot water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the kitchen sink.
First, throw out all the expired products. Next, clean all your brushes. Immerse all brushes in a soapy hot water solution for thirty minutes. Once done, rinse each brush with water and leave to dry. Next, get a summer-appropriate moisturizer and sunscreen. Finally, reorganize everything so that you have everything you plan to use within your hand's reach.
A good vacuum cleaner would efficiently do the job. If you see any spots, use an upholstery cleaner to get rid of them. Finish by sanitizing the mattress with a disinfectant spray.
Take a lemon and cut it into two pieces. Put these pieces inside the microwave and heat it. Once you notice, steam forming inside the microwave, take out the lemons and the glass plate. Wipe off the glass plate using either a dry towel or a microfiber cloth. Wipe off the inside of the microwave in a similar fashion. Put the glass plate back in its place and throw away the lemon pieces.
There are many oven-cleansing solutions readily available in the market. However, these solutions contain many harsh chemicals and thus, must be avoided. We recommend using a baking soda paste. Add two to three drops of liquid soap to about a tablespoon of baking soda. Add hot water. Apply this paste to the inside of the oven and use a brush to scrub off all dirt.
Cleaning walls can be tricky. You don't want the paint to come off. Thus, for walls, always stick to hot water and a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner. Make sure you are using a microfiber cloth as it will not leave any marks on the wall.
Before you start, make sure you have dish soap, bleach, glass cleaner, water, sponge, and a soft cloth by your side. Start by dusting off the furniture. Use the glass cleaner to clean all glasses. If you use cushions, put them in the washing machine. For wooden furniture, use a mixture of bleach and water. For wicker or iron furniture, reach out for the bottle of dish soap.
When people think of spring cleaning their phones, they think of getting rid of the dirt. However, there is a lot more to be taken care of. First, delete photos and videos that you don't need. Next, update your phone to make sure you have the latest version of all apps and software. Next, clean cache. Once done, clean the phone using a microfiber cloth.
Fill all the pots and pans with water and let the water boil. Once the water is sufficiently hot, add about a tablespoon of baking soda. Take a wooden spoon and scrub off all the dirt and marks. Rinse the pots and pans with warm water and leave them to dry.
No man or woman can do without a wallet or purse. First, get rid of everything that has been in that purse and never been used. If you use a cloth purse, you can wash it. However, if you use a leather purse or bag, mix a spoonful of mild soap with water and clean the purse using a soft cloth. Once done, wipe off using a dry cloth.
Switch off the refrigerator and first take care of all baskets and glass panels. If you have time, we recommend washing all the glass panels and baskets. If you suffer from a lack of time, clean them using a wet cloth. Clean all gaskets and hinges using a soft cloth. Close the refrigerator and clean the exteriors. Now discard everything that you don't need. Organize everything properly back into the fridge.
If you want to wash shower curtains at home, remember to wash only two shower curtains at one time and add two towels to the washing machine load. Make sure the machine is on the gentle setting. To make sure all dirt goes, add either baking soda or bleach into the load while washing the curtains.
If your shower drain isn't all messed up, pour boiling water into the drain to wash off the dirt. However, if you are dealing with a clogged drain, use a drain cleaner. You will also need a plumber's snake to take off all the dirt clogging the drain.
To give new life to your silver jewelry or silverware, prepare a paste of cornflour and water and apply it to the silver piece you wish to clean. Leave the paste for a few minutes and wipe off with a soft dry cloth. The paste will bring back the shine.
Here's a stainless steel cleaning trick: use a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil. First, dab vinegar on a piece of cloth and wipe off all appliances with this cloth. Next, pour just a little bit of olive oil on a soft cloth and use it to polish all stainless steel objects.
Preheat the tiles first. Then, sprinkle hot water on tiles and leave them as is for a few minutes. Next, pour either a mild liquid soap or a tile cleaner and scrub off the tiles mildly using a brush. Once done, clean with warm water. The tiles will look as good as new.
You will need cotton pads, rubbing alcohol, and paper towels for the job. Completely dismantle your vacuum cleaner. Next, clean the beater bar using a toothbrush or your hands. Pour some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and thoroughly disinfect the body of the vacuum cleaner. Finally, finish by washing the canister.
Add about a cup of baking soda to the machine and wash it with hot water. Next, add two cups of vinegar and a few drops of essential oil to the machine and run another cycle with hot water. If your washing machine has a self-cleaning mode, you can use that to clean the machine.
You will need a commercial window cleaner, soft-bristled brush, sponge, and a microfiber cloth. Wash and scrub the windows using the sponge and window cleaner. Wipe off all windows dry using the microfiber cloth. In case you do not want to use a commercial cleaner, prepare your solution by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar.
Cleaning wooden floors can be tricky as wooden floors must be kept away from water, vinegar, wax, or soap-based cleaners. Some people may recommend using steam cleaners, but heat can damage wood too. If you are planning to spring-clean your wooden floors, consider vacuuming and using a dry mop to sweep off any dust or debris. Finish off by using a polish to add back the shine.
