Blog > Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks to Refresh Your Home
1. Keep Crumbs Out of Hard-to-Reach Places π΄
If there's a gap between your stove and kitchen counters, food bits likely end up there. Use a vacuum's crevice tool to clean the space, then place a stove gap cover to prevent debris from falling in.
2. Freshen White Sneakers π
White sneakers look great but attract dirt. Clean them with a DIY mix: combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda, ½ tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and ½ tablespoon of warm water to form a paste. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the shoes, rinse with a damp cloth, and air-dry. Skip the peroxide for leather sneakers.
3. Organize the Fridge π₯€
Large fridges can get cluttered quickly. To keep it organized, remove packaging from drink multipacks and single-serve yogurts. Use roll-out bins for small items and rotate older food to the front to reduce waste.
4. Keep Storage Spaces Organized π
For garages or sheds used as storage, follow these steps for spring cleaning: sort items into keep, donate, and toss piles. Clean the floor, then organize the kept items into labeled bins on shelves to maximize floor space.
5. Clean Your Doormats πͺ
Use two mats at exterior doors: one outside and one inside. Vacuum indoor mats on both sides to remove trapped dirt. For outdoor mats, hose them off and air-dry.
6. Clean Windows and Dust Blinds πͺ
On an overcast day, clean windows using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Dust blinds or shades, and vacuum fabric shades and drapes for a thorough clean.
7. Wipe Down the Walls π§½
Remove greasy fingerprints, dust, and stains from painted walls with a damp microfiber cloth or mop. Wipe from top to bottom, including doorframes and baseboards. For tile walls, use a disinfecting cleaner. Be cautious with wallpaper: use a well-wrung cloth for vinyl and avoid water for paper or fabric wallpaper.
8. Freshen Up Musty Carpets π§Ό
Use a portable carpet cleaner with a rotating brush for in-between deep cleanings. Sprinkle baking soda or carpet deodorizer on the carpet, work it in with a soft brush, let sit, then vacuum. For stubborn stains, consult a guide or invest in a carpet cleaner.
9. De-Stink the Kitchen Sink π
Freshen your sink by dropping lemon rinds into the garbage disposal and running it for 15-30 seconds. Follow with cold water to clear out remaining bits.
10. Steam Clean the Microwave π¬οΈ
To clean your microwave, microwave a bowl of water with lemon, lime, or orange slices, or several tablespoons of vinegar until it boils and steams. Let it cool, then wipe the inside and outside with a sponge.
11. Wash Reusable Bags ποΈ
Reusable grocery bags can get dirty over time. Check care labels for washing instructions. If not machine washable, clean them with soapy water, rinse, and air-dry.
12. Spruce Up Granite Countertops π§½
Restore granite countertops with granite polish. For daily cleaning, use specialized granite cleaners that cut grease and remove stains without damaging the surface.
13. Give Your Home a Refresh! πΈ
Explore ways to organize, declutter, and makeover any room with downloadable guides from Good Housekeeping.
14. Revive Stained Cutting Boards π
Remove stains and odors from cutting boards by rubbing them with a lemon half. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle salt or baking soda before scrubbing.
15. Deep-Clean the Fridge π§Ό
Deep-clean removable bins and shelves from your fridge with warm, soapy water. Rinse well before reinserting them to maintain a hygienic environment.
16. Shine Up Pots and Pans β¨
Soften burned residue by simmering water and dish soap in your cookware. After cooling, scrub with a sponge. Use ketchup to dissolve tarnish on copper pots.
17. De-Gunk Your Oven π§½
Use your oven's self-cleaning function or soften grime with a hot, wet cloth. Apply oven cleaner, let it sit, then rinse and wipe dry for a sparkling oven.
18. Scrub Down Kitchen Cabinets πͺ£
Remove kitchen grime with a cabinet cleaner that cuts through grease and moisturizes wood. Pay extra attention to door and drawer pulls for a thorough clean.
References: 43 Spring Cleaning Tips From Cleaning and Organizing Experts
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3345/spring-cleaning-tips/
