It’s that time of year you either love or hate: Spring cleaning! (You can guess that I'm not a huge fan.) But it has to be done, so here are some ways I've found to get maximum results with minimal effort.
⇒ Wipe down inside doors and trim. You’d be surprised (or maybe not) at how grimy these can get with kids always touching them! If you have time, take a damp sponge mop and wipe down walls, too.
⇒ Start dusting from higher to lower levels so dirt particles fall down. Dust before you vacuum for the same reason. Use an extension wand to reach high places and ceiling corners.
⇒ Use the upholstery attachment and vacuum the couch cushions (don’t forget under them!), padded chairs, and the drapes, too.
⇒ Clean dust off lampshades with a sticky lint brush roller.
⇒ Wash light fixtures. They get dusty and seem to be a final resting place for bugs. This is a good time to replace burnt bulbs.
⇒ Carry a garbage bag around with you as you clean. With a purging mentality, you will be able to fill it quickly. Be brutal! Do you need it? Do you love it? No? Then toss it!
⇒ Reorganize your bookshelves. Only keep the books you love and donate the rest.
⇒ Clean votive candle holders by putting in fridge overnight. The leftover wax will shrink, making it easier to pop out and wash.
⇒ Freshen your houseplants by putting them in the bathtub and rinsing leaves with showerhead.
⇒ Use a squeegee to fight mould and soap scum in the shower daily.
⇒ Wash your shower curtain. Add it to a small load of towels to help scrub away mildew.
⇒ Remove stubborn food particles from microwave by heating water in a safe glass to create steam that will loosen stains and make it easier to clean. Neutralize yesterday's dinner odors by boiling a mixture of 3 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
⇒ It’s not fun, but purging your fridge is a necessity, and you’ll feel great once it’s done.
⇒ Sanitize your garbage bins and dust a little baking soda in the clean bottom to control odors.
⇒ Quickly scan your linen closet. Discard all ripped and stained towels. Donate them to an animal shelter. Admire your extra shelf space!
⇒ Wash your pillows, or perhaps it's time to replace them. Aim to buy new once a year to get rid of creepy microscopic mites.
⇒ Flip or turn your mattresses. It’s a good idea to vacuum them, too.
Can’t find the motivation to get started? Hire a cleaning service for a one-time visit. They will wash floors, vacuum carpets, and sanitize the bathrooms and the kitchen. Once that basic work is accomplished, you can focus on tackling all the dirty little details!
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