Spring Cleaning Hacks

Spring cleaning can be enough to make anyone beg for six more weeks of winter. From toting around unruly cleaning equipment to scrubbing stubborn stains, the task of cleaning your entire abode from top to bottom can be daunting. This year, work smarter – not harder – with a few spring cleaning hacks. These quick tips will help make those typical tasks a little easier and have you saying, “Bring on the clean!”

 Disinfect Sponges in the Microwave

Maybe you only have one sponge for your entire spring cleaning binge. Maybe you’re just eager for a way to avoid going through an entire bag of sponges in a single day. Either way, did you know you can easily disinfect your sponge with a quick spin in the microwave? Squeeze out any remaining water and microwave the sponge on high for one minute. That’s it! If only every spring cleaning task was so quick and painless.

 Reach High Spaces with a Broom

Crown molding + vaulted ceilings = tough to reach places that collect a fair share of dust. Before you bust out the commercial ladder and a rag, consider this trick. Place a towel on the end of a broom (the end with bristles) and use that extra height to reach those tough spots from the ground or a small step ladder. The towel should stay put on its own, but if necessary, affix it to the broom using a large rubber band.

This year, work smarter – not harder – with a few spring cleaning hacks.

Dust with Fabric Softener

For those easier-to-reach areas, consider using dryer sheets in place of expensive electrostatic cloths. Not only are these effective at swiping up dust, but they give the room a pleasant smell, too. When dusting any surface – and, in fact, any room – work from top to bottom. For example, start with the ceilings, then work to the ceiling fan blades, and finally flat surfaces like television screens and tables.

 Clean Stainless Steel with Lemons

If hardwater stains are making your stainless steel faucets in the bathroom and kitchen look a little worse for wear, try this simple trick. Cut a lemon in half and scrub. You’ll see the hardwater stains and rust disappear before your eyes. Added bonus – get that clean, crisp citrus smell without all the chemicals!

Looking to save a little time? Consider items that are safe to clean in the dishwasher, instead of by hand. 

Clean Unconventional Items in the Dishwasher

Looking to save a little time? Consider items that are safe to clean in the dishwasher, instead of by hand. These include refrigerator shelves, soap dishes, removable showerheads, range fan grilles and knobs, ceramic and metal cabinet knobs, mop covers, light switch plates and even small window screens. These are just the household items you can wash that will help with spring cleaning! Also consider washing plastic children’s toys, pet dishes, hairbrushes and razors in the dishwasher for a sanitizing clean.

Use Empty Egg Cartons to Organize Condiments

While your refrigerator shelves are getting a good scrub in the dishwasher, go through the contents of your fridge and toss anything you won’t use or that has expired. When it comes time to restock the fridge, consider using empty egg cartons to help keep open condiments clean and organized. Inverting the bottles into the egg carton helps keep the contents near the cap for instant squeezability and prevents messy caps from leaking into your freshly-cleaned shelves.

When your spring cleaning is through, do your future self a favor and keep that cleaning supply cabinet organized. 

Use a Lazy Susan in the Fridge

Another fridge hack is putting a lazy Susan on each of the large shelves of your fridge. With a quick spin, you will be able to see everything on that shelf. This is also helpful in preventing spills, since you can spin and grab whatever you need, versus reaching over and behind other items.

Organize Cleaning Supplies with Tension Rods

When your spring cleaning is through, do your future self a favor and keep that cleaning supply cabinet organized. One way to do this is to include tension rods (like those used in the shower) in your cabinet. This clever trick instantly doubles your space. Put larger containers on the bottom and hang spray bottles on the tension rod for easy accessibility.

Spring cleaning can become a little less dreadful if you have a few simple tricks up your sleeve. Likewise, having a devoted partner in your homebuying process can also make the daunting process a little easier. We’d even go so far as to say partnering with GCD as your homebuilder can make the process enjoyable! Don’t take our word for it; come experience the GCD difference yourself. Learn more about our great communities at https://shorelineparkcity.com/ and let us help you hack the homebuilding process for the better!