Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks to Refresh Your Home

1. Keep Crumbs Out of Hard-to-Reach Places 🍴

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 👟

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 🥤

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 🏠

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 🚪

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 🪟

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 🧽

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 🧼

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 🍋

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 🌬️

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 🛍️

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 🧽

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! 🌸

Explore ways to organize, declutter, and makeover any room with downloadable guides from Good Housekeeping.

14. Revive Stained Cutting Boards 🍋

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 🧼

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 ✨

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 🧽

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 🪣

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/