Now that it's finally beginning to feel like Spring, we thought it would be a good idea to post some tips and tricks for cleaning around your home! A good, deep Spring clean promotes wellness by keeping your home clean and organized and it helps rid your home of all the allergens that developed over the winter months. Below we've listed out some of the best tips, some are very common while others you may have never heard before!
Always work from top to bottom
When starting, it's important to start cleaning from the ceiling down. By doing this, it will force debris downward and will keep you from having to re-dust your space. Check for cobwebs and always dust ceiling fans first.
Don't forget the walls
Most dust settles on the floor and other surfaces, but dust also accumulates on walls. Wipe down walls and blinds from top to bottom using just a damp towel.
Clean dirty windows and mirrors with newspaper
Mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap. Add this mixture into a spray bottle and spray the mixture onto glass surfaces and scrub with newspaper. The ink on the newspaper acts as a mild abrasive which gives your windows and mirrors a streak-free shine and it also helps make use of any old newspapers laying around.
Look out for cleaning codes on furniture
Upholstered furniture can easily be ruined by using the wrong cleaner. Manufacturer labels should state how the furniture should be cleaned, but not all do. The cleaning codes below are the main ones that can be found on furniture labels.
W: Use water-based cleaning solutions
S: Use dry-cleaning solvents. Do not saturate. Do not use water.
S-W: Use water-based cleaners or dry-cleaning solvents.
X: Use a vacuum or brush only.
Beat showerhead buildup with white vinegar
Vinegar is a great, natural way to dissolve the mineral deposits that accumulate on showerheads over time. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, use a rubber band to secure it over the showerhead and leave it on overnight to get rid of the buildup. The next morning, carefully remove the bag and run the shower for a few minutes. You should notice an immediate difference in water pressure and flow.
Use a HEPA Vacuum
A high-quality HEPA vacuum is the best option if you aren't looking to shampoo your carpet or have it professionally cleaned. The HEPA filtration will remove dust and dirt along with allergens and impurities from your air. Most vacuums come with a number of attachments like crevice tools and dusting brushes. Make use of these tools for hard to reach spaces.
Use towels when moving furniture
If you're rearranging furniture, avoid scratching floors by placing clean towels under them. By placing folded towels under each end of the furniture, this will allow you to slide heavy pieces like couches and tables easily and without any damage.
Clean your microwave with water and lemon
In a microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, lemon juice and the rinds (cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from both halves into the bowl, then drop both rinds into the bowl). Microwave the bowl for 3 minutes and then let it stand for 5 minutes without opening the door. The steam will be trapped inside the microwave which will help loosen the grime so you can easily wipe clean your microwave.
Use lemon to clean faucets
Ever wonder how people get their faucets so clean and sparkly? They likely use lemon. Cut a lemon in half and rub half the lemon on faucets to remove water stains. The lemon contains citric acid which helps remove hard water marks.
Replace HVAC and furnace filters
This is one of the most overlooked parts of spring cleaning, but it can have the biggest impact on improving your indoor air quality. It's recommended to replace standard filters with one with a high MERV rating. During the winter, dust builds up on these filters, so it's important to change them out often. To go above a beyond replacing your filters, you can also get an air purifier to help with allergens, indoor chemicals or odors.
Use an onion to clean your grill
There's nothing like grilling outside when it's warm! Get your grill ready for warm weather by first heating it up. Spray white vinegar onto the grates to help loosen the residue. Cut an onion in half and use one half to scrub the area firmly. The acid from the onion will help rid your grill of any leftover remnants.
