Spring cleaning is like giving your home a big, warm hug after a long winter. It's that time of year when we roll up our sleeves, throw open the windows in excitement, and dive into a thorough cleaning spree that goes beyond normal day to day cleaning. From dusting off forgotten corners to decluttering closets, it's all about freshening up our living spaces and saying farewell to the winter blues. But I get it, we’re all just so busy all the time and can only do so much, it's so easy to leave tasks forgotten. So, I put together a list of common overlooked spring-cleaning tasks and some all-natural solutions that you most likely already have in your home. These are the ONLY few things you will need.
- 1 spray bottle with half vinegar and half water mixture.
- 1 jar with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil (I prefer lemongrass for the antibacterial properties and AMAZING smell)
- Cloth & scrub brush
- Dish Soap
- 1 lemon ( optional )
Here a few links to my shop where you can find some of these items:
-Large spray bottle-16oz Glass Spray Bottle with Pink Silicone Protector – Elizabeth Marion
-Small Spray Bottle- Small Spray Bottle Set of 2 – Elizabeth Marion
-Jars- 4 Piece Bamboo & Glass Storage Set – Elizabeth Marion
Acacia Glass Jar- Large – Elizabeth Marion
-Cleaning Cloths- Swedish Dishcloths 3 pack – Elizabeth Marion
-A spoon for the baking soda- Wooden Swedish Coffee Spoon – Elizabeth Marion
Now, let's get into it!
Window Tracks
Yes, we all know we have to get to those streaked, dusty windows but when was the last time you opened the windows and cleaned the tracks? They can easily harbor dirt, mold and dead insects. Don’t feel too bad, I haven’t noticed either, until last week when I was trying to fix my screen.
Stove Range Hoods
Due to the constant exposure to grease and food particles, these out of sight grease collectors can be easily forgotten about. But it's important we clean these, so our appliances run efficiently. To clean, start by soaking the filter in hot soapy water for a few minutes then rinsing. After, sprinkle baking soda all over and spray with vinegar, wipe, rinse and dry. You can do the same vinegar-water mixture to clean everything else up in there as well, add baking soda if needed!
Dishwasher
Dishwashers can accumulate grime and odors over time. To clean it thoroughly, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. This will help remove buildup and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean. Feel free to also add fresh squeezed lemon juice for an extra boost (optional ).
Baseboards
These areas can accumulate dust, pet hair, and dirt quickly, especially in high-traffic areas. How you clean baseboards will differ depending on whether they’re natural wood, painted or tiled. However, one great multi-purpose approach is to vacuum up loose debris and dust before using a basic, gentle mix of warm water and mild dish soap on a cloth and drying with a clean towel. Or you can use the good old vinegar-water mixture.
Drains
Another forgotten spot: drains. An easy, fast and efficient hack for cleaning drains is to mix baking soda and lemon juice (or you can use a few drops of lemon essential oil) and sprinkle it in your drain. Then you’ll take your spray bottle with your vinegar-water mixture, spray a few sprays and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Yes, it will bubble up! Rinse with hot water and you're ready to move on to the next task.
Vents
Air vents can collect a lot of dust and debris, which can affect air quality and HVAC efficiency. Wrap a damp cloth around a butter knife and run it through the slats of the vent. This will help you get into those hard-to-reach places and remove dust effectively.
Remote Controls and light switches.
High-touch items like remote controls and light switches are often overlooked but can harbor a lot of germs. Use your vinegar-water solution and wipe it all down.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances can show fingerprints and smudges easily. Get your handy dandy vinegar spray bottle, give it a nice spritz down and wipe it all down.
Ceiling Fans
Dusting ceiling fans can be messy, as dust tends to fall everywhere. Use an old pillowcase to clean the blades. Slip the pillowcase over each blade and pull it back, trapping the dust inside. This method keeps the dust contained and prevents it from falling on your furniture and floor.
Garbage Can
Over time, food residue and other waste can accumulate in the garbage can, leading to unpleasant odors, bacteria and little pests no one wants to deal with. Cleaning your garbage can is essential. Spray your baking soda-essential oil mixture into the garbage. Spray all over with your vinegar-water mixture, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub it with a scrub brush then rise the can either outdoors with the hose or in your shower/bathtub area. Let it dry completely before adding the bag. To keep it smelling fresh, you can sprinkle a little of the baking soda-essential oil mixture on the bottom and just leave it there.
Walls
Cleaning walls is essential for maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment in your home. Over time, walls can accumulate dust, fingerprints, grease, and other contaminants, which not only affect the appearance of your space but can also contribute to indoor air pollution and respiratory issues. Spray your cloth (or walls directly) with your vinegar-water solution and give those walls the love they deserve.
-For stubborn stains, you can add a little baking soda to the vinegar and water solution to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a sponge or brush before wiping clean.
Mattress
We often forget about our mattresses during cleaning sessions. Sprinkle your baking soda mixture generously over the mattress and let it sit for a half hour. Then, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum your mattress, removing dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens. Feel free to do this regularly when you change your sheets, you won't be disappointed.
By investing the time and effort now, you're creating a space that supports your well-being and productivity for the seasons ahead. Let's throw on some fun music and get spritzing!
Article by Elizabeth Marion Elshazly