Spring Cleaning Shortcuts with Big Impact

Warmer days, pretty flowers, birds chirping…the change of season is the perfect time to throw open the windows and clear out those winter blues.  And with the arrival of spring comes…

SPRING CLEANING!

A good clean and declutter is something you either love or hate. Or if you’re like most of us, you love the end result but hate the process!

Unfortunately, there aren’t any magical Cats-in-the-Hat that will do the hard yards for you, but we have put together these hacks that will help make the job easier. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of a deep clean!

Here are our top #11 tips to check off your spring cleaning list:

1. Planning

‘Well begun is half done’ … we’ve heard that dozens of times but taking the time to physically plan out your spring cleaning is a great way to start.

Go through each room or living zone in your home and jot down all the cleaning jobs that need doing.  Include all those little things that you skip on your weekly cleaning routine – cupboards and drawers that need a good cleanout, window treatments that could use a wash, tapware that has collected some stubborn stains…

Don’t worry if your list is long and daunting – it’s better to have it all out on paper so you can enjoy the satisfaction of crossing off each task as you complete it!

Now the ‘fun’ starts!

2. Sort Out and Declutter

Getting rid of all that extra ‘stuff’ that you’ve accumulated over the past 12 months is a great way to clear your mind, as well as make a bit more room to move!  This is especially important at the moment, when we’re spending more time than ever in our own four walls.

Take it a room at a time – sort out drawers, cupboards and shelves and get rid of anything that’s broken, not used anymore or clothes you no longer need.

Remember, your trash might be someone else’s treasure, so donating to your local op shop is a great way to get rid of your junk and help someone else in your community too!

3. Doormats

Wondering where to start? Why not start where the dirt first comes in!

Doormats trap an incredible amount of dust and grot, so bang yours out (away from the house) and give it a good clean with the hose. A jet end on your hose might be the best way to remove any build-up of dirt.

Air dry wet doormats completely before using again.

4.  Shine up your Stainless Appliances

We’ll let you in on a little secret – baby oil! Yes, baby oil! Put a few drops onto a soft cloth and use it to polish up your stainless-steel appliances.  Fridges, ovens, kettle… it works wonders and takes away all those greasy little fingerprints.

5. Pantry Bugs?

Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a cup of white vinegar and use this solution to wipe down your pantry shelves – peppermint and vinegar are both natural pest repellents and will help to keep those bad guys away.

6. Microwave Magic

If you’re dreading attacking the microwave, never fear – you’re probably not alone, and this job just got a whole lot easier!

• Place a cup or two of water and a few drops of lemon oil into a microwave-safe jug and microwave it for about 3 minutes.
• Remove the jug of water and the lemon-scented steam will have loosened up those nasty splashes and bits of junk, making them easy to remove.
• Repeat the process if necessary to remove more stubborn food bits.

You’re welcome 🙂

7. Windows that Sparkle

There are loads of opinions about the best solution for cleaning windows without streaks, but here are two never-fail mixes that will leave your glass sparkling:

• Mix 1-part distilled vinegar to 10-parts warm water in a spray bottle. Remove any dust or dirt particles using a soft cloth then spray solution directly onto the glass. Wipe clean using a lint-free cloth or paper towels.  Newspaper is also a good old faithful for rubbing down windows.
  – or –
• Mix 2 cups of water, ¼ cup white vinegar and ½ teaspoon dish washing liquid together and use the solution to scrub the windows. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before the solution has a chance to dry. (Thanks to She Wears Many Hats for this hack!)

8. Window Track Hack

Who doesn’t hate cleaning window tracks?!  But they’re a job that has to be done, otherwise they just become a graveyard for flies and a place that mildew builds up!

Firstly, use the vacuum cleaner to remove any dead insects or bits of loose dirt. Then use a simple detergent and warm water solution (you could add a few drops of your favourite essential oil too for a refreshing fragrance) and an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush to get into all those little cracks and grooves. Wipe out with a clean cloth.

9. Smelly Cutting Boards

Are your chopping boards stained and a bit on the nose? Rub the cut side of a lemon onto the board to remove stubborn stains and odours from your boards.

10. Shower Curtain Freshen Up

Freshen up your shower curtains by putting them through the washing machine along with some of your towels.  Either line dry or simply hang them back onto the rail and allow them to dry that way.

Hydrogen peroxide and water (2-parts HP to 1-part water) is a great mix for removing mould from shower curtains.  Spray the solution directly onto the curtain and let it sit for about 10 mins, then rinse with warm water.

For more stubborn mould, using baking soda and a brush and scrub to remove.  Rinse thoroughly.

11. Living Room Love

It’s time to show your living room some extra love – after all, this is the place where you and your family spend lots of time!

Pull your furniture away from the wall and vacuum under it. Remove cushions from the couches and vacuum away all the crumbs and bits that somehow end up there (you might find some long-lost treasures here too!). Take the covers off your cushions and wash them along with your favourite throws and rugs. Clean light fittings and switches and replace any blown globes.

And hey presto!  You’ll love the feel (and the smell) of your super clean and shiny living room!

Also don’t forget to visit our recent article Essential Oils for a Clean and Healthy Home which covers how essential oils have very effective antiviral and antiseptic properties that make them a fantastic choice for many household cleaning chores.

Whether you’re a clean freak or not, there’s no denying that a good old-fashioned spring clean makes all the difference to the feel and the smell of your home.  So, roll up your sleeves and get stuck into it!  The results will be well worth the effort and don’t forget to reward yourself once done 🍷🍫