In the northern hemisphere, the vernal equinox marks the start of Spring where the sun favours its presence above the equator. At this time, our days become longer, the trees and flowers begin to bud and everything around us begins to re-awaken. Similarly, our homes receive a little TLC known as spring cleaning to invigorate a fresh new start.
Getting your home spring ready is not an easy task and requires some dedicated time and a few helping hands. Not only that but there is a tremendous amount of items to consider and it may be overwhelming to find just where to start. Here are some early spring cleaning tips that are tried and true at getting the job done right to accomplish your fresh and clean spring home.
Soak shower heads and faucets in a bag of vinegar
This is one of the best ways to remove all the build up from your shower head especially if you get hard water where you live. You will want to use a quart-sized bag filled with one part vinegar and one part water and submerge your shower head. You can use some electrical tape or a rubber band if it is not removable to keep it in place and let it sit for a few hours. For shower nozzles made of nickel or chrome, don’t soak them for over 30 min.
Use a magic eraser to clean baseboards, walls and tiles
The magic eraser is one of those tools you won’t be able to go without once you have used it as it is a very versatile cleaning solution. To clean your baseboards, use a bucket of warm water and a couple of magic erasers. If you’re working on painted baseboards, add dish soap. If you have stained wood baseboards, add distilled white vinegar. Use this mixture to scrub down the baseboards and wipe dry when cleaned.
Remove sweat stains from your pillows
Even if you change your pillowcase, you should also consider cleaning your pillows from the stains that build up from sleeping. To do this mix together 3 cups of hot water; 1 cup of dishwasher detergent, arm & hammer super washing soda, arm & hammer baking soda, borax, distilled white vinegar, bleach and laundry detergent. Pour the solution into your washer's tub, add pillows, and run a very hot (sanitizing) cycle. When done place pillows in the dryer on air dry or with a dryer ball to keep them fluffy.
Deep clean your washing machine & dishwasher
After you’ve cleaned your pillows and any other items in your washing machine, run 1 cup of white vinegar through a hot, sanitizing cycle which will dissolve any mineral build-up in the pipes and keep them clean. The vinegar will also provide an effective way to eliminate any unpleasant odours. You can do the same for your dishwasher.
Unclog the kitchen sink
Add a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice to your drain for a more environmentally-friendly cleaning technique. Let this solution sit and fizz for a few moments before running it through with soap and water.
Clean your stove range hood filters
Safely remove your stove range hood filters and soak them in baking soda and dawn dish soap. Let them sit in the solution for 30 min and then use a dish brush to remove stains, rinse, dry, and then reattach.
Remove dust with coffee filters for screens
Since coffee filters are lint-free and won’t scratch your screen, they’re the perfect tool for cleaning your LCD TV or PC screen. Use the dry coffee filter to dust by wiping it gently across the screen in a sweeping motion to cover every inch.
Clean your tile floor grout
For this cleaning tip, you can use Resolve stain remover for dirty grout. Spray resolve directly on the grout and then use a cleaning brush to lift the dirt. Let it sit for 10 minutes before mopping the floors.
Use baking soda to deep-clean window tracks
Generously sprinkle the baking soda over the window tracks, spray with vinegar and let it stand for 5 minutes before wiping it off clean.
With all our cleaning tips listed, you now have enough items to get your home's spring fresh cleaning started! Gather all your cleaning supplies, turn on your favourite tunes and work your way from top to the bottom, room by room. There is no better feeling than having your house clean and ready for early spring just in time for a fresh new start!
