Spring cleaning is not many people’s favourite thing about the end of winter, but it’s something that most of us accept needs to be done. Fortunately, there are plenty of little tricks you can use to make your spring cleaning experience a little quicker and a little cheaper. Using store cupboard ingredients as natural cleaners, as well as finding creative ways of transforming your living space, can turn what would have been an arduous task into a fun project. Follow our spring cleaning hacks and see if you can find new ways to dust off the cobwebs and bring in some much-needed light.
Make Space for Clutter
Although spring cleaning is about decluttering, we all know that it’s only a matter of days before the clutter inevitably starts to build up again. So plan for this by designating a specific space for clutter to accumulate, which will actually transform it from clutter into storage. By hanging a cloth or plastic storage rack in a large cupboard or closet, or simply designating some storage boxes, you can allow mail, toys and miscellaneous items to be organised rather than discarded.
Clean Your Showerhead
Showerheads are often overlooked when it comes to spring cleaning, possibly because they clean things themselves. Unfortunately, a quick wipe isn’t enough for most showerheads, which can carry a large number of bacteria due to the humid conditions they are often found in. Don’t go out and buy the expensive shower cleaner just yet, though, as a simple bottle of vinegar and a sandwich bag are all you really need. All you need to do is fill a sandwich bag with vinegar and carefully secure it over the showerhead, securing with a rubber band. Leave overnight and then remove in the morning and rinse.
Use Lemons on Stainless Steel
If your stainless-steel taps, handles or frames are marked with rust or watermarks, don’t use harsh chemicals on them, as it really isn’t necessary. All you need to do is cut a lemon in half and rub it over the stainless-steel surface until the marks disappear. The natural citric acid in the lemon breaks down the stains and leaves the surface looking as good as new, as well as adding a natural lemon scent that is much more appealing than the smell of bleach!
Make Your Own Window Cleaner
Clean windows can really add sparkle to your home, letting in much more light and giving an impression of brightness and high shine. If you want to go natural and make your own window cleaner that will get rid of all the stains without using any harsh chemicals, it really couldn’t be easier. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, or combine one tablespoon of washing up liquid with several gallons of water. It’s also much better to wash your windows on a cloudy days, as sunshine causes them to dry too quickly and causes streaks.
Make Full Use of Your Dishwasher
Anyone who has a dishwasher will appreciate the incredible convenience of them, but many people don’t actually take full advantage of them. There are many non-kitchen items that can be washed in a dishwasher, including toys, soap dishes, pet bowls, hair and makeup brushes, contact lens cases, tweezers and even detachable shower heads. Such an easy way to make sure that everything gets the deepest clean possible, and that you get the most out of your dishwasher.
Open Up the Space
If you really want to make a difference in your home, try opening up the space by rearranging the furniture or installing internal bifold doors. This will allow for more air circulation and make each space feel fresh and open in preparation for the warmer months. You might also try removing some unneeded furniture that could be causing your home to feel cluttered and cramped.
Remove Water Rings with a Hairdryer
Those pesky water rings on your lovely wooden coffee table can actually be removed quite easily with the simple assistance of a hairdryer. All you need to do is blast the rings on high heat until they start to disappear, and once they’ve gone rub the area with olive oil to keep the wood in good condition. Who’d have thought there would be such a quick fix for something that seems to be so permanent!
Need to clean your oven? Here’s how we clean ours without using harsh chemicals and detergents. It can be done.