Hello friends!
The weather this week has been AMAZING! I know its early but doesn’t it feel like spring? With these warmer temperatures and sunny, clear blue skies I’m convinced spring has come early! (Maybe wishful thinking?)
It has definitely inspired me to start my spring cleaning! This year I wanted to do a little research, get some extra motivation and really get things clean and organized!
I found this article and LOVED it. It definitely has more of a reusable and non-toxin vibe which I can totally appreciate, especially with grand-babies roaming around the house!
I was shocked at some of the cleaning techniques and tools they shared, and who knew vodka had more than one use! haha I added a few of my favorite tips below but for the full list click the link! CLICK HERE!
“Longer days, sunshine, and blossoming flowers can only mean one thing: It’s time to bust out the cleaning supplies. Though no doubt rewarding (spring cleaning can even help you manage stress!), the annual sweep and purge is a daunting task. Where do you even start when you have a closet in serious need of organizing and stained carpets, plus a whole host of other things on your to-do list? Consider the following your unofficial checklist. It doesn’t matter where you start—follow these spring cleaning tips, pick the item that calls to you the most, then go from there, tackling as many mini projects as you can each day. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
First, Overhaul Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you get started, consider giving your cleaning supplies an overhaul. Tossing the toxins is the first step to creating a cleaner, healthier, and safer home, says Marilee Nelson, co-founder of Branch Basics. According to the American Lung Association, it’s particularly important to avoid air fresheners and choose products that do not contain (or have reduced amounts of) VOCs, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients.
Then, Start Small
If your microwave has stains and residue buildup, lemons can help give this workhorse kitchen appliance a thorough cleaning, says Michael Dimopoulos, Thumbtack pro and founder of Lazy Susans Cleaning Service. In a bowl, combine one cup of water, one cup of vinegar, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Place the bowl in the center of an empty microwave and set on high for two minutes. Wipe down with a damp cloth.
Freshen Your Musty Wardrobe With a Vodka Spritz
Ready to make the seasonal swap? If your summer clothes have been tucked away all winter, combat any musty smells with a homemade vodka spray. Simply put vodka (any inexpensive brand will do) into an empty spray bottle, then spritz onto clothes to dampen, says Nelson. Let it sit, then wash the garment as usual.
And Don’t Forget Your Jewelry
Vodka is a great cleaning solution for your accessories, too, says Nelson. Soak gold and silver jewelry (never delicate pearls or precious gems!) in vodka, then use a clean toothbrush to loosen any debris.
Use Old T-Shirts to Wipe Down Mirrors
When sorting clothes, set aside any old cotton T-shirts—they are excellent for giving mirrors a streak- and lint-free clean, says Larry Patterson, franchise owner of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company. For a chemical-free clean, mix white vinegar, distilled water, and a few drops of an essential oil. Shake, spritz, then wipe dry.
Give All Old Shoes the Baking Soda Treatment
Have a pair of smelly sneakers you simply can’t part with? Or maybe the kids’ cleats are causing a foul odor in your front hall closet? For an easy fix, simply sprinkle baking soda inside the offending shoes and let sit overnight, says Nelson. The next morning, all you have to do is shake out the powder.
Gently Use Coffee Filters on TV Screens
If your TV screen is littered with fingerprints and smudges, it can affect the picture quality. But these expensive pieces of tech require a delicate hand. For a streak-free clean that won’t scratch, glide a coffee filter over the screen, says Nelson. This trick works for computers and tablets, too.
Disinfect Your Knife Block
The best way to prevent bacteria growth within your knife block is to thoroughly clean and dry knives before returning to storage, but it’s also a good idea to do a more vigorous cleaning once a year, says Viola Wüsthof, CEO of WÜSTHOF. For a deep clean, submerge the knife block in a mixture of one gallon of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of household bleach. Let the wooden block soak in the mixture for two minutes, then turn upside-down onto a dry towel to air dry completely.
Run White Vinegar Through Your Dishwasher
Even appliances that exist to clean other items in your home need their own cleaning from time to time—particularly if you have hard water, which can cause calcium buildup. To give your dishwasher a refresh, dump a couple of cups of white vinegar in the machine and run a hot cycle, says Nelson. This does more than make the appliance sparkle; it keeps things running smoothly for longer.
And Your Tea Kettle
You can also use white vinegar to remove any hard water stains from your tea kettle, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. Pour equal parts water and vinegar (about one cup each) into the tea kettle. When water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let the mixture sit undisturbed for a few hours. Pour out the mixture and clean as usual with dish soap.
Deep Clean Your Coffee Maker Using Denture Tabs
If coffee is more your speed, a basic drugstore item can give your dutiful machine a heavy clean. Fill the back of the auto-drip tank with warm water, then drop two denture tablets into the liquid and let them fully dissolve, says Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer at The Cleaning Authority. Run the coffee pot through a regular cycle, then repeat the entire cycle using just warm water.
Clean Windows on a Shady Day
For best results, clean your windows on a shady day—when windows are warm, the cleaning solution will streak, says Lyle Kvarnlov, product services manager at Marvin Windows and Doors. And to cut down on scrubbing, soak the glass surface with a mixture of clean water and mild soap to break down any dirt or debris. Then apply a mild cleaning product with microfiber cleaning cloth. Pro tip: A deep-cleaning brush (or a toothbrush!) works well to reach cracks and crevasses where buildup may occur.
Disinfect Your Trash Can
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol and 20-40 drops of tea tree or lemon-eucalyptus essential oil. Then, use a soft microfiber rag dipped in the mixture to clean every crevice. Pay particular attention to the hinges for the lid and foot pedal, using an old toothbrush or Q-tips if necessary, suggests Natalie Wise, author of The Modern Organic Home.
Flush Kitchen and Bathroom Drains
To help keep drains clog-free, pour a cup of white distilled vinegar down them once every two weeks, Stapf. Allow the mixture to sit for a half-hour, then run cold water to flush it out. When addressing the kitchen sink, don’t forget the garbage disposal, says Jennifer Gregory, brand manager of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. Disconnect the power to the unit, wear a pair of rubber gloves, and spray a paper towel with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down the unit until debris is removed.”
Hope you enjoyed these! I guess its never too early for spring cleaning!