Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Cleaning CaddySpring is in the air.  Finally!  Tulips are coming out of hibernation, green blades of grass are poking their way to the surface and the air has a fresh scent.  Spring is a time of new beginnings – a time to clear away the winter blahs and start fresh.

Let’s face it, cleaning isn’t necessarily the most fun thing to do.  But once or twice a year, it’s great to tackle areas we don’t get to during our normal cleaning routine.

So from a variety of sources, SOS Facebook fans and my own routine, here are some Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks (and a few ideas that work for everyday cleaning)!

I NEED music playing and playing loud when I’m cleaning the house or organizing things. It’s a must!!Sara Strawser
It gets tea stains out of cups and other stains on dishes.  Hydrogen peroxide is good for sanitizing drains–probably better for the environment than bleach.Sherry Mayberry
At least twice a year, I disinfect all of our garbage cans inside and out.  If the cans are small enough, I run them through the dishwasher.Jill Fleming
Instead of buying Swiffer cloths all the time, I use microfiber towels and attach them to the base. They can be washed over and over.  I use them on the floor and to dust my walls. The long handle can reach high places.Denise Kryka Peloso
I use Mr. Clean Magic Erasers on my ceramic tiles & grout.  I tried lots of other cleaners, but nothing else brought up the grime.Julie Erfle
Run white vinegar through the washer to sanitize the inside and clear away soap scum. Also, wipe the interior walls of the dryer with a cloth dampened with dish washing liquid and warm water.Sally Mayberry
Deep clean your drains.  Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.  Then pour ½ cup white vinegar.  Wait for it to foam.  Cover the drain with a stopper and let the solution sit for a few minutes.  Flush the drain with a gallon of boiling water.Better Homes and Gardens
I picked up a cleaning caddy to tote my cleaning supplies around.  It’s great to have everything in one place and it makes it easier to go from room to room.  Before I had one I used to lug all my bottles around in my arms.  It was not fun and super clumsy.Michelle M Dillavou
Mix 1 TBSP of distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water in a bowl. Bring it to a boil in the microwave and let it sit for a few minutes. The steam will loosen dried-on food so it’s easy to wipe away.Mary Findley, goclean.com
Since I have a cat, I sweep my wood floors and then follow with Swiffer to get the dander.  When I’ve used up the Swiffer sheet, I carefully reverse it and use the other side so I can get the most for my money.  Swiffer rocks!!Lyn Jenkins
Save water and time.  When you take a shower, take a moment before scrubbing yourself to scrub the shower.  Then you can rinse together!Maddie Potter
Slip a pillowcase over ceiling fan blades, one at a time, then wipe.  Dust falls into the pillowcase, not on your furniture and floors.Leslie Reichert, greencleaningcoach.com
Ceiling Fan Titled

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean blinds and drapes.  If window treatments can be machine washed, toss them in the washer a bit of extra cleaning.Jill Fleming
I have a black lab…I never knew they SHED sooooo much.  I use a squeegee to remove the dog hair from our carpeted stairs. Denise Kryka Peloso
Using fewer chemicals for cleaning keeps them out of our homes and offices!Shawna Hawkins
My secret is in the cloth!  Norwex rocks my cleaning schedule.Wendy Callaway
Save time and energy (and the stink of self-cleaning ovens) by placing sheets of aluminum foil at the bottom of your oven.  When things drip, just replace the piece of foil!Jill Fleming
Foil Oven Titled

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to suck dust out of vents.Jill Fleming
To de-gunk your dishwasher, remove the utensil holders and racks, check for stuck-on food, then wipe down. Grab a handful of paper towels and press them onto the base of the washer to pick up any shards, bones, metal or food gunk. Add 2 cups of vinegar to the bottom and turn the machine on Energy or Low Wash. Stop mid-wash, so the vinegar can sit on the bottom. Let stand for 20 minutes, then turn on to finish cycle. When done, wipe out the inside.goodhousekeeping.com
Wash windows on a cloudy, but not rainy day. Working in direct sunlight causes streaks because the cleaning solution dries before you can wipe it off. This is the best time to vacuum the frames and sills. Cool, clear water is the choice of most professional window washers. If windows are very dirty you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of vinegar per gallon of water. Use horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical on the outside so you know which side the streaks are on. for drying windows, a wad of crumpled newspaper works just as well as expensive paper towels. Wear rubber gloves to keep your hands free of ink.allabouthome.com