With winter finally fading and springtime on its merry way, it’s time to turn your attention to the task of spring cleaning. For many, spring cleaning may evoke a sense of immediate dread, leading you to put it off until you simply can’t anymore.
If this sounds like you, then you just haven’t found the right approach for making your spring cleaning a satisfying and even enjoyable activity! Since spring cleaning only happens once a year, you can get creative with the way you do your list of chores. You shouldn’t simply be running the vacuum and dusting the shelves like you do every week; you should turn on some music, think outside the box, and tackle those forgotten-about areas with springtime spirit!
Luckily, you don’t have to come up with all the tasks yourself. There are some pretty creative spring cleaning tips out there, and we’ve put them together in one little organized list. Check out the 10 best spring cleaning hacks you’ve never heard of below!
1. Use baking soda to refresh stained coffee mugs
If warm mugs of hot cocoa and coffee have been powering you through the winter months, it’s high time to tackle those brown rings stained inside of them. Simply fill your mugs with one part baking soda and two parts water and let things soak overnight. This will take the stains right out!
2. Clear the gunk off your oven door
Over time, your oven door will become caked with saucy splashes and food scraps. Tackle that gunk by wetting a pumice stone, scrubbing the oven door, and wiping it clean. This approach will not only leave a clear and shiny door, but doesn’t require any harsh chemicals.
3. Vacuum your air vents
During the winter and really year-round, your vents will gather dust, dirt, and other debris, which can lead to clogged ducts. To make sure your air vents can breathe, use the attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear them out.
4. Clean your lampshades with a lint roller
If you’ve ever tried to clean lampshades with a rag, you know how frustrating it can be to clear the dust off. The most effective hack to actually dust them is to use a lint roller! The lint roller will work wonders and leave you with sparkling, dustless shades.
5. Wipe down your house plants
Plants are often overlooked when spring cleaning because many people assume they naturally clean themselves. However, upon closer look, you’ll find dirt, dust, and grime on their leaves and in their pots! Ever so carefully, use your vacuum’s attachment for an initial pass. If that doesn’t work, try dampening a rag and wiping them down gently. With a little TLC, they’ll be greener than ever and ready for spring!
6. Clean your microwave without scrubbing
That’s right, you can make your microwave squeaky clean without using any elbow grease whatsoever. Simply place one cup of water into a bowl and place it inside. Warm up the water for four minutes, or until the microwave is steamed up. The steam will loosen any sticky or stuck-on food, which you can wipe away almost effortlessly.
7. Check expiration dates
In reality, you should probably do this more than once a year, but it’s nevertheless a task that’s often forgotten about beyond the pantry or refrigerator. This spring, check on the expiration dates of your toiletries, especially makeup and skincare products. These can collect bacteria, leading to rashes and other unpleasantries, so you’ll want to confirm that your products aren’t spoiled.
8. Vacuum your mattress
You wash your sheets every Sunday, but when’s the last time you gave your mattress a little refresh? Mattresses harbor dust mites, skin cells, and other allergens – gross! Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to get rid of these. Make sure to vacuum the box spring, too.
9. Wash your reusable grocery bags
Chances are it’s never crossed your mind to clean your reusable bags that you take grocery shopping. However, transporting produce each week can result in a buildup of bacteria over time. If your bags are fabric or cloth, you can pop them right into your washing machine. Otherwise, use all-purpose wipes to scrub them down as you spring clean.
10. Declutter that junk drawer
We all know, maybe all too well, how junked-up the junk drawer can get in a manner of weeks. Rubber bands, stamps, receipts, pens, chargers, paperclips – you name it! Spring is a great time to pull out all of this junk, and categorize the like items. This way, you can get rid of any duplicates and efficiently pare down the contents.
What other areas of your home need to be cleaned as spring approaches? Here are our favorite toilet cleaning tips and tricks.
