6 Spring Cleaning Hacks

It’s that time of year again… The sun is out for longer, illuminating dusty corners, and awakening an urge to get the house spic and span, ready for hosting. But before you get the marigolds out, read our spring cleaning tips. Deep spring cleaning doesn’t have to take all weekend (it could even be done in a day), and sometimes the best way to spring clean involves some very simple methods:

1. Use household ingredients

Before you buy new cleaning products, raid your kitchen cupboards for non-toxic super-cleaners: lemon, vinegar, and baking soda.

Rubbing a halved lemon, cut side down, can be a quick fix for:

• Stained chopping boards
• Tarnished brass
• Dull chrome fixtures
• Grout
• Hard water stains

A mix of equal parts vinegar and water will clean:

• Windows
• Coffee makers
• Blinds
• Microwave
• Bathtubs
• Shower doors
• Copper
• Showerheads

Baking soda mixed with water will take care of:

• Smelly fridges
• Greasy kitchen surfaces
• Bathroom mildew
• Clogged drains
• Dirty patio furniture
• Dull jewellery

2. Save and reuse dryer sheets

Next time you use your tumble dryer, keep hold of dryer sheets when you empty  a load. Dryer sheets can be used in surprising ways to keep your home clean. Simply iron a used dryer sheet to clean the bottom of your iron and swipe across rugs and carpets to pick up pet hair. Dryer sheets are also ideal for dusting skirting boards as they pick up dust well and leave a dust-repelling residue behind!

3. When in doubt, steam clean

Not only is steam cleaning kinder to the environment than harsh chemical detergents, it’s a great way to disinfect and sanitise with a fast dry-time. So, what can you clean with steam? The list is quite extensive! Upholstery and textiles such as rugs and curtains, tiles, ceramic and metal, glass, work surfaces, and bins can all benefit from a steam clean. Just make sure to wipe after loosening dirt particles with steam.

4. Go back to the essentials

Essential oils have so many uses it’s no wonder they are a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away! Simple tricks with essential oils can be a game changer in the home. For example, a few drops of essential oil on the inside of a toilet paper tube can keep your bathroom smelling fresh. If your mattress, curtains, rugs, or upholstery are smelling musty, add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and spritz lightly across the offending fabric to give it a new lease of life. To really freshen up your rugs, add ten drops of your favourite essential oil to 200g baking powder. Mix together well and sprinkle the blend over the rug, leaving it for a few hours before vacuuming the powder up. For more tips on cleaning your rugs, read our blog post on cleaning shaggy rugs or sheepskin rugs.

5. Re-purpose odd socks

We all have those orphan socks… The ones sat in our drawer waiting to be reunited with their lost match. Did you know socks can be used for cleaning? Instead of buying expensive Swiffer cloths, buy cheap fuzzy socks and stretch them over the Swiffer. You can also use cotton socks to clean blinds by wearing them on your hand like a glove and swiping between blinds – the same technique can be used to clean house plants! Fill a clean sock with coffee grounds and place inside your fridge or wardrobe to absorb musty odours.

6. Make the most of your dishwasher

Dishwashers are a lifesaver when it comes to everyday dishes, but they also serve as a fast and hassle-free way to disinfect other household items, such as kids’ toys, pet chew toys, refrigerator shelves, light fixtures, vases, toothbrush holders, dummies, teething rings, keys, and even more! Read the whole list here.

We hope these spring cleaning tips make your 2019 spring clean quicker and more effective! Once your home is sparkling clean, why not complete the look and freshen up your interiors with a new rug? If you’re deep cleaning to prepare for a house sale, have a read of our 10 interior design tips to sell your house faster.