Spring is the perfect time to give your house a fresh start. A thorough cleaning can clear out winter’s dust and dirt, and provide an opportunity to get rid of unwanted clutter. This will help free up extra space, and allow you to organize your belongings. If you’re in need of help, keep reading to learn some effective and easy spring cleaning hacks. In turn, they’ll leave your house looking more pristine than ever.
Declutter Your Home
Start by setting aside a few hours (or even an entire day) to focus on decluttering one room at a time. Begin by sorting through everything and separating items you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Be honest about what you really need and use it regularly. Don’t hold onto things because you think you might need them someday. If you have bulky items to dispose of, you could hire a cheap skip bin and have same-day delivery if you order it early enough. The sizes range from 2 to 8m3, and they can remove soil, plants, white goods, and more.
Once you’ve sorted everything out, organize what’s left. Use storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves to keep things tidy and accessible. Finally, label everything so that it’s easy to find what you need.
Use Natural Cleaners
These are safer for your health and better for the environment. You can easily make your own solutions, using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. Vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can be used to remove stains, deodorize surfaces, and unclog drains.
Baking soda works well on tough stains and grime. When combined with vinegar or lemon juice, it’s able to tackle even the toughest messes. Essential oils (like tea tree oil or lavender oil) can add a pleasant scent to your homemade cleaners. They also have antibacterial properties that make them effective disinfectants.
Refresh Your Fabrics And Upholstery
Carpets are one of the most commonly used pieces of fabric, yet they’re often neglected when it comes to cleaning. Over time, they accumulate dirt, dust, and stains. This not only makes them look unappealing, but can also cause health issues. You should start by vacuuming them thoroughly to remove any loose debris. Next, use a carpet cleaner or spot cleaner to treat any stubborn stains. For a deeper clean, consider renting a steam cleaner.
Whether it’s on your couch or dining chairs, upholstered furniture can easily collect dirt and grime. Start by using a lint roller or brush to remove any surface debris. Next, go over it with a microfiber cloth (dampened with water and mild detergent solution) for deeper cleaning. If you have tough stains such as wine spills or pet urine, consider hiring professional upholstery cleaners.
Revive Your Wood Furniture
You can do this by using a mixture of (equal parts) white vinegar and olive oil. Mix the two ingredients together and apply them to your wooden furniture. Use a soft cloth, rubbing in the direction of the grain. This will help to moisturize and protect the wood, and remove any dirt or grime that’s built up over time. A commercial wood polish or wax will be designed to clean and protect your wooden surfaces. In turn, it’ll leave them looking shiny and new. Always follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying too much product, as this can lead to buildup or damage.
If you have any scratches or nicks on your wooden furniture, invest in a touch-up kit or marker set. These products allow you to quickly fill in any imperfections, without having to refinish the entire piece of furniture.
Clean Your Windows and Mirrors
When the sun shines brighter during this season, every streak and smudge on the glass surface will become more visible. To rectify this, mix a solution of (equal parts) water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray it on the glass surface generously, covering all areas. Next, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the solution. Do this in a circular motion from top to bottom, until no streaks remain.
You can additionally use a squeegee to remove excess water from the glass surface. This will add some extra shine to your windows, leaving them smudge-free. Remember to clean both sides of your windows if possible, especially if they open for ventilation purposes. If you live in a high-rise apartment building it’s safest to use professional window cleaners.
Deep Clean Your Appliances
This is essential for maintaining their efficiency, and prolonging their lifespan. The kitchen is the hub of the home, so it’s vital to keep all appliances clean. This way, you can prevent food contamination from bacteria buildup. For microwaves, use a damp cloth or sponge (with some vinegar sprayed on it) to wipe the interior walls and door. For ovens, turn off the power supply before removing any parts that need washing. Use warm soapy water – or oven cleaners for stubborn stains.
Finally, don’t forget about your dishwasher. If left uncleaned, it’ll become a breeding ground for harmful germs. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a natural cleaner. Also, run an empty cycle with this solution once every month, to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.
Maximize Air Quality
A clean and fresh-smelling house can create a comfortable and healthy living environment for you and your family. First, regularly replace or clean filters in your HVAC system. Dirty filters will circulate dust, dirt, and other pollutants throughout your home.
Secondly, invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter, to trap harmful particles that may be floating around in the air. Thirdly, use natural cleaning products (as mentioned earlier) and avoid harsh chemicals that can release toxins into the air.
Thanks to these spring cleaning hacks, your house will soon be ship-shaped and fit for purpose. It’ll look and feel better for your family, and your visitors will notice the difference too. In turn, you’ll be stewarding both your home and your health for many years to come.