8 Often Overlooked Home Spring Cleaning Tips

If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve had spring cleaning on your mind recently. It’s definitely the season to clear out the cobwebs and spiff up your home after a long, dreary winter. However, there’s no question that a deep seasonal house cleaning takes a lot of time and energy. 

Fortunately, there are ways to shorten that time and reduce the energy required to get your home cleaned. If the mere thought of spring cleaning your home is making you feel exhausted and in need of a long stay on a warm beach somewhere far away, take heart. Use the following eight tips to get the job done quickly and easily. 

Enlist the Whole Army

You don’t have to do the whole house yourself, nor should you. If you live with anyone else, insist they all pitch in. If it’s just you, consider hiring some help, or form a spring-cleaning mutual aid society with close friends so you can all help each other. 

Tackle Windows and Blinds on a Cloudy Day

Sunlight can lead to streaks, so start on the side of the house opposite the sun, and for even better results, wait for an overcast day. Then raise any blinds and fully open the curtains while you clean the glass. Vacuum your drapes and dust the blinds after the windows are cleaned. 

Invest in Microfiber Cloths

You can grab a package of microfiber cloths for a relatively small chunk of change. Use them to wipe down walls and baseboards. They’re also great for dusting furniture and ceiling fans. Toss them in the wash at the end of your cleaning day so they’ll be ready to go for the next session. That’ll save you time and money, as well as being a more sustainable choice than paper towels. 

Use Natural Ingredients Instead of Harsh Chemicals

While there are definitely times and places for strong cleaners like bleach and ammonia (though never at the same time!), you can get a whole lot done with ingredients you already have in your pantry. Baking soda makes a great deodorizer for carpets, in lieu of pricey carpet products. White vinegar makes a great window and glass cleaner. Use lemon rinds to clean out and deodorize your disposal and cutting boards. Your wallet will thank you, and so will your home. 

Give Food Surfaces Extra Attention

For your refrigerator, your counters, and your cooking appliances, it pays dividends to take a little extra time and deep clean these items. Food-borne bacteria can wreak real havoc with your family’s health and safety. Clean out your freezer and fridge of expired foods, and give every inch a thorough scrubbing. Use warm soapy water or white vinegar and hot water spray mix to clean the inside surfaces, then rinse with clean warm water. 

Vacuum Upholstered Furniture

Freshen up your sofa and chairs with your vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. It’s a faster way to remove loose dirt and dust than removing covers and laundering them—not to mention being much faster. 

Replace or Clean Filters

If your air conditioner has filters that can be cleaned, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Otherwise, replace them, along with your HVAC filters. Clean filters are crucial for keeping your home’s air healthy. 

Clean Toys in Your Dishwasher

If you have a dishwasher, it’s a great way to clean all kinds of things, but especially toys. Use the quick cycle, but skip the heated dry cycle. You may also be able to toss stuffed animals into a lingerie bag and wash them on the gentle cycle in your washing machine. 

A Clean Home Is a Healthy Home

A clean home will help you and your family stay healthy and may even help you optimize your home’s appraisal value. With some smart planning and a few time-saving tricks, you can get your home spring-cleaned without the exhaustion.