20 Top Spring Cleaning Tips for a Refreshed Home Amy Smith, March 26, 2024July 8, 2024 Spring cleaning is not just about dusting off the winter cobwebs; it’s about rejuvenating your home to bring in a fresh, clean start. These top tips go beyond the usual advice, focusing on effective methods and the reasons behind their effectiveness. They are brought to you by the cleaning specialists Diamond Home Support. Declutter Before Cleaning: Start by decluttering each room. This means going through items and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Decluttering makes cleaning easier and more effective because it reduces the amount of stuff you have to clean around and organizes your space, making future cleaning quicker. High-to-Low Dusting Technique: When dusting, start from the highest points in a room, such as shelves and top of cabinets, and work your way down. This method ensures that any dust that falls while cleaning higher surfaces will be caught as you make your way down to lower surfaces, preventing the need to dust areas twice. Steam Cleaning for Deep Clean: Utilize a steam cleaner for carpets, upholstery, and curtains. Steam cleaning kills bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens without the need for chemicals. It also penetrates deep into fabrics and carpet fibers, removing dirt and odors more effectively than vacuuming alone. White Vinegar for Limescale: Use white vinegar to tackle limescale around taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar, wrap it around the affected area, and leave it overnight. The acidity of the vinegar dissolves limescale, making it easy to scrub away the next day. This method is eco-friendly and avoids harsh chemicals. Baking Soda for Odor Removal: To remove odors from carpets and upholstery, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface. Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight for strong odors, then vacuum it up. Baking soda absorbs odors naturally, leaving your fabrics smelling fresh. Lemon for Natural Disinfectant: Lemon is a natural disinfectant that can be used to clean cutting boards and kitchen surfaces. The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antifungal, making it great for killing germs. Plus, it leaves a fresh scent without the harshness of chemicals. Organize Cleaning Supplies: Keep all your cleaning supplies in a portable caddy or bucket. This makes it easy to carry them from room to room, ensuring you have everything you need on hand. It saves time and prevents the frustration of forgetting something and having to backtrack. Window Cleaning on a Cloudy Day: Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the cleanser too quickly, which can leave streaks. Use a mixture of water and vinegar for an eco-friendly window cleaner that leaves glass sparkling. Microfiber Cloths Instead of Paper Towels: Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels for cleaning. Microfiber cloths are more effective at trapping dust and can be washed and reused, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective than disposable paper towels. Implement a Maintenance Plan: Once your spring cleaning is complete, implement a maintenance plan. Divide chores into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Regular maintenance prevents the buildup of dirt and clutter, making next year’s spring cleaning easier. Use a Pillowcase for Ceiling Fan Blades: To clean ceiling fan blades without getting dust everywhere, use an old pillowcase. Slip the pillowcase over each blade and pull it back to trap dust inside. This method contains the mess and makes cleanup a breeze. DIY Fridge Deodorizer: Place a bowl of activated charcoal or a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of essential oils in your refrigerator to eliminate odors naturally. These substances absorb bad smells, keeping your fridge smelling fresh without the use of harsh chemicals. Declutter Digital Spaces: Spring cleaning isn’t just for your physical space. Take time to organize digital files, delete unneeded emails, and unfollow or mute social media accounts that don’t bring you joy or value. This can help reduce digital clutter and make your online time more pleasant. Refresh Your Garbage Disposal: Freshen up your garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes made with vinegar and lemon slices. This not only sharpens the blades but also uses the natural cleaning properties of vinegar and lemon to eliminate odors and build-up. Deep Clean the Dishwasher: Clean your dishwasher by placing a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and running it on the hottest cycle. Follow up by sprinkling a cup of baking soda on the bottom and running a short cycle. This combination removes built-up grease and odors, ensuring your dishwasher works efficiently. Wash Walls and Baseboards with a Damp Cloth: Walls and baseboards collect dust and scuffs over time. Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wash surfaces. For stubborn scuffs, a bit of baking soda on a damp sponge works wonders. This refreshes the room and makes the entire space feel cleaner. Sanitize Light Switches and Door Handles: These high-touch areas are often overlooked but can harbor germs. Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth with disinfectant spray to clean light switches, door handles, and cabinet knobs. Regular cleaning can help prevent the spread of illness. Clean Window Tracks with a Toothbrush: Window tracks can accumulate dirt and grime. Use an old toothbrush dipped in a solution of water and vinegar to scrub these hard-to-reach areas. This can improve window function and prolong their lifespan. Use Essential Oils for a Natural Fragrance: Instead of using synthetic air fresheners, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a spray bottle of water and use it as a natural room spray. You can also add a few drops to your vacuum cleaner’s filter to spread the scent as you clean. Create a Donation Station: As you declutter, set up a designated area for items to donate. This makes it easier to see what you’re parting with and ensures that items don’t get mixed back into your space. Regularly taking these items to a donation center can help keep your home clutter-free and support your local community. Adding these tips to your spring cleaning routine can enhance the cleanliness and comfort of your living space, making it a true sanctuary for you and your loved ones. If you’re finding there is always no time for cleaning because you have a stressful job, or a busy family, invest in professional housekeeper to remove the burden from your shoulders. 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