Renew and Start Fresh with Spring Cleaning
With many people around the world stuck indoors as we wait for the last of the cold weather to move out, never has “home” been more important. We have a few DIY hacks, from germ-free surfaces to clean closets for you to try out as we get ready to embrace a clean start with spring around the corner!
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the best spring cleaning hacks for around the house like steam cleaning the microwave.
- Find out best methods for reorganizing book shelves, closets, and junk drawers.
- Discover ways to rid your home of germs and take on the spring feeling better mentally and physically.
Table of Contents:
- Spring Cleaning Hacks
- Reorganizing Hacks
- Germ Fighting Hacks
Spring Cleaning Hacks
Clean & Dust Windows
If it’s been years since you’ve cleaned your windows both inside and out, now is the perfect time to take them on. Starting from the inside, thoroughly dust blinds with a vacuum or cloth or pop curtains in the dryer. After you’ve dusted, clean windows with a microfiber cloth and cleaner.
To tackle outdoor windows, pick a cloudy day. If it’s too bright, the sun will dry up the cleaner before you can get to it, leaving streaks. With clean windows, soon you’ll be able to see all the flowers and trees in bloom as spring approaches!
Steam Clean Your Microwave
While microwaves are notoriously tricky to clean, there is an easy hack that involves minimal work. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine one cup of water with citrus slices, essential oils or a few tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar. Place the bowl inside the microwave and turn it on high power for several minutes. Let cool for five minutes before opening the door, then remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean with a sponge. And while you’re at it, go ahead and stick your sponge in the microwave for two minutes to disinfect it!
Rid Coffee Mugs of Stains
If you’ve washed your coffee mug a million times and it still looks dirty, we have a simple hack for that. To get rid of coffee and tea stains, simply mix one-part baking soda and two parts water. Let the mugs soak overnight, then rub with a sponge and rinse.
Reorganizing Hacks
Junk Drawer Organizing
This catchall drawer is begging to be organized! First, clean it out and toss out anything you don’t need, like old receipts or pens that don’t work. Once the drawer is empty, wipe it down with a multipurpose cleaner. Then, choose an organizer based on the size of your drawer. Search online for an organizer that best fits your items and watch as your “junk” drawer transforms into a one-stop-shop for all of life’s necessities.
Book Organization
If your bookshelf or little library is strewn about haphazardly or in disarray, a reorganization will feel great! You can alphabetize, coordinate by color, or sort by size or subject. Whatever method you choose, an organized bookshelf will be pleasing to the eye and make reading a book that much easier and accessible.
Closet Organization
Organizing a closet may seem daunting, but with a few simple hacks, you can turn your disorganized mess into a streamlined success. Before organizing, designate a giveaway bag and get rid of any worn out or ill-fitting items. Hang scarves, hats, and bags on the doors to free up space and invest in either a vertical shoe rack or one that fits nicely in your closet. If you’re someone with tons of jewelry, hang up your items on a pegboard. Color coding is a great tip for a visually pleasing closet. Start with your most-used items and work from there.
Germ-Fighting Hacks
Wash Reusable Bags
After a few trips to the grocery store, your reusable bags would benefit from a thorough wash. After being packed with food items and dragged through checkout lines and stores a few times, they make collect germs that you’re then bringing into your home. Stick them in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes and let them air dry.
Put Kids’ Toys in the Dishwasher
Kids’ toys are a magnet for germs. For an easy cleaning hack, stick rubber or plastic toys in the dishwasher! Make sure to choose a quick cycle (skip the heated dry) and sit back and relax as those toys get squeaky clean, minimizing health threats that come from playtime.
Wipe Down High-Traffic Surfaces
One of the best things you can do to limit germs is wipe down any place that is touched and used on a regular basis. Wipe all high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, TV remotes, your phone, and light switches with an alcohol wipe (look for sprays or wipes that promise to kill 99.9 percent of germs). Do this daily to keep surfaces germ-free. If you don’t have wipes, soapy water will do!
Spring cleaning can have beneficial effects on your mental and physical health. Cleaning reduces stress and anxiety and helps keep your immune system healthy. You’ll feel accomplished and renewed and ready to embrace a season of growth!
