20 Hacks and Tips to Make Your Spring Cleaning a Little Easier
- Hit your garbage disposal with some sliced lemon to rid your kitchen of stinky smells and add a fresh scent to the room.
- DIY a quick cleaning solution with a quart of warm water and four tablespoons of baking soda.
- Freshen up pet beds by dusting with baking soda and vacuuming after 15-20 minutes.
- Your lint roller can do double duty-use it to give stuffed animals a quick once-over as well roll over a dusty car interior.
- You can use a vinegar solution, followed by a dab of olive oil, to clean and shine stainless steel appliances.
- Dip a cotton swab in vinegar to give a computer keyboard a quick cleaning.
- Clean and deodorize a microwave by placing sliced lemons, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and water in a shallow dish. Place in the microwave for a few minutes then let sit with the door closed for 10 minutes. Wipe with a damp sponge.
- Clean a cutting board with just salt and half of a lemon.
- Avoid soap scum on shower walls and floors by swapping in glycerin- or vegetable-based soaps.
- When in doubt, toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher. Experts say if it’s ceramic, glass, metal or hard plastic it’s a go.
- According to the Molly Maid company you can reuse dryer sheets as dusting rags for baseboards, blinds and TV and computer screens. “Their anti-static qualities actually repel dust, reducing the frequency of dusting work in your home.”
- Don’t neglect your mattress! Experts advise cleaning it once a year with a thorough vacuuming and wipe down with mild house cleaning solution.
- Tackle a big room by clearing out any clutter before you get to work. You’ll eliminate the temptation of wiping around big items.
- Speed up bed-making by remembering that tags always go to the bottom. King tags are on the left, queen on the right.
- Invest the time to make sure your surfaces are truly clean- most cleaners will do the heavy lifting if you leave them be for a few minutes.
- Be prepared by stocking cleaning supplies such as microfiber cloths, rubber gloves, solution and rags under every sink.
- Clean during the day with the blinds open and light on, waiting until its dark will prevent you from seeing dirt and dust as clearly.
- Do the largest and worst task first. If you put off cleaning a range, shower or toilet to the end you probably won’t give it your all.
- Make it interesting. Turn up some music or throw on an audio book to keep things upbeat and motivating. Enlist family to help pass the time.
- Give your showerhead a quick upgrade by tieing a baggie of vinegar around it and leaving it overnight. Just rinse in the morning.