With spring comes cleaning, and with cleaning comes a fresh opportunity to take on tired interiors and welcome the light and liveliness that summer ushers forth.
To make what might otherwise be a daunting undertaking manageable, attack it room by room. For each space, organize and declutter first, sorting items to be kept out, stored away, donated, or trashed as needed. This might be a great opportunity for children to become involved, particularly in sorting toys and taking responsibility for their spaces with age-appropriate chores and rewards.
It is also an ideal time to switch out wardrobes, bedding, and decor for seasonally appropriate choices. Deep cleaning carpets and any heavy linens or upholstery that makes the seasonal cut might be best done now, when clutter is at a minimum and any transitions in clothing, etc. have yet to be unpacked.
Flip mattresses in bedrooms and clean blinds throughout the home. Wipe down surfaces with a solid all-purpose cleaner, and sweep, mop, or vacuum under beds and furniture. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, those spaces that might have been neglected during winter months, and around dust-distributing heating vents and the like.
For cleaning deep dives, consider a few of these time-tested household solutions to the most bothersome of cleaning conundrums.
- Cut through hard water stains on faucets and fixtures with half a lemon.
- Use baking soda - add salt for additional scrubbing power to achieve sparkling stainless steel sinks.
- Soak showerheads in white vinegar to clean mineral deposits.
- Spray a combination of ¼ cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and 2 teaspoons liquid soap on glass and wipe clean with newspapers for surprisingly streak-free surfaces.
- Wet dryer sheets and leave on ceramic cooktops for at least 15 minutes to loosen burnt-on food and gunk.
- Remove fingerprints and dust from TV, tablet, and computer screens with coffee filters.
- Create a paste with cream of tartar and a little water to bring the shine back to stainless steel appliances.
- Repurpose a window squeegee to remove pesky pet hair from carpets and rugs.
- Recycle old socks for use as dusting mitts or slip them over broom handles and spritz with cleaner to tackle cobwebs and hard-to-reach spots.
Finally, open windows and let the fragrant springtime breeze clean out any lingering musty odors in your sparkling new digs.
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