As I delve into research in an attempt to uncover some fun new ways to incorporate this task for my clients, I thought I would share some of them with you. These were compiled from Martha Stewart, the Washington Post & some of my own ideas:
- Find a couple of large boxes & label them: “Donate” and “Repair” – As you’re going through your house, toss things in right on the spot.
- Empty your closet of winter clothes and store them away for Fall – Anything that doesn’t fit properly or is in disrepair, toss into those boxes.
- Flip and disinfect your mattresses with Lysol spray to kill all of those winter germs.
- Launder your pillows every 3 months (read your tags), or if not recommended, spot clean with sudsy warm water & baking soda then air dry.
- Replace your old shower liners, or give them a good scrubbing with a solution of 10 parts water & 1 part chlorine bleach with a plastic-bristled brush.
- Consider renting a carpet cleaner to hit those ugly stains on the stairs and entryways - These are very reasonable to rent & you will be amazed by how new your carpet will look when it’s clean.
- Get your family into the habit of closing the toilet lids when flushing – Did you know when toilets are flushed, moisture and bacteria are released into the air? By closing the lid, you will reduce household mold and mildew from developing in the bathroom.
- Disinfect your dishwasher by using baking soda or white vinegar – Measure out one cup, and throw into the bottom of your dishwasher. Run a short cycle on hot and notice the difference in the smell.
- Run white vinegar through your coffee maker or French press – let it sit and steam for a while and the stains should lift right off. For stubborn stains, scrub gently with baking soda & pour a little vinegar over it – this will create an impressive bubbling foam.
- Clean up grout with a little Spray N’ Wash – It’s not a cure all, but great for a quick fix.
- Sprinkle baby powder on a mildewy floor overnight – Sweep it up and mop over the next day.
- Designate a Cleaning Closet – Consolidate all of those bottles and take back your space.
- Convert from using furniture polish and change over to a feather duster – You will save time, money & the environment.
- Use socks which have lost their mates to polish furniture or to wash the car.
- Buy a wax furniture crayon in a few popular colors to fill in any chipped paint or scuffs on wood.
- Rub out marks from your leather furniture with a pencil eraser.
- Test your smoke alarms & replace the batteries.
- Buy new filters for your air conditioner
- Check the glove compartment of your car to make sure your insurance & registration are up to date.
- To avoid stress, create a file specifically for next year’s taxes – Label it’2010 Taxes’ and throw any receipts or documents in there throughout the year.
- Defragment & back up your computers.
- Remember that summer is coming - Clean & repair your patio furniture / locate all summer sports and swimming equipment.
What are some of your favorite, unconventional tips for Spring Cleaning?
(Original Article Posted 3/30/10)
