Tackling everything on your spring cleaning checklist can feel daunting, but it’s easier when you are aware of time-saving hacks — like putting kids’ toys in the dishwasher or scrubbing soap scum with lemon.
Whether you have only five minutes to freshen things up or you have dedicated an entire weekend to spring cleaning, these cleaning tips will help you move through your to-do list with ease. You may even save money on cleaning supplies — did you know you can make your own all-purpose cleaner with white vinegar?
Material required:
White vinegar
Lemon
Dish soap
Scouring pad
Salt / baking soda
Oil
Make your own all-purpose cleaner: Combine one part white vinegar, one part water, a lemon rind and a few rosemary springs into a spray bottle. Shake and let it infuse for a week before using. This natural cleaner can remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges and much more. Keep in mind: Vinegar is not safe for all surfaces, including natural stone and finished wood.
Clean over racks in the bath tub: Rather than struggling to scrub your oven racks in the sink, give them a soak in the bath tub. Scrub racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad and grease-fighting dish soap. Our advice? Lay down towels in the tub first to prevent scratching from the metal racks.
Refresh window treatments in the dryer: Put your dryer to work! Toss drapes, curtains and soft valances in the dryer for 15 minutes on air-only or the lowest temperature your model offers, then immediately rehang to avoid wrinkles.
Vacuum blinds: Attach your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment and turn the suction down to the lowest setting available. Close the blinds, hold the slats taut and vacuum slowly. (Move from left to right for horizontal blinds, top to bottom for vertical blinds.) Open and close the slats in the opposite direction, then vacuum each slat again.
Clean cutting boards with lemon: With regular use, even the best cutting boards can become stained. If you think that nasty mark on your cutting board is permanent, you could be wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells. Sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first for extra oomph. Follow up with a coating of a cutting board oil to nourish the wood.
