Spring is finally here, and that means spring cleaning for most of us—that process of thorough post-winter cleaning and decluttering that gives us not only a spotless, shiny home but also a higher level of well-being.
How’s your spring cleaning game? Well versed on your hacks?
If you tend to end up spending a lot on cleaning products and find the task particularly tedious, we’ve compiled # cost-saving and minimum-fuss ways you can carry out you spring cleaning with one of your pantry staples: vinegar.
1. Freshening up your dishwasher
Vinegar or baking soda is really all you need to freshen up your dishwasher. Fill one mug with vinegar, or one of each. Place the mug(s) right side up in the top rack of an empty washer and then run it for a normal cycle.
To get rid of any smell permeating your plates, run a normal cycle with detergent, with an additional two cups of vinegar.
2. Clearing out residues in your coffeemaker
A 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, it turns out, is all it takes to remove any greasy residue or hard-water deposits on your coffeemaker.
Saudia Davis, founder and CEO of Greenhouse Eco-Cleaning recommends turning off your coffeemaker for at least 30 minutes halfway through the cycle to allow the mixture to steam-clean the machine. Then turn it back on to finish, with two or three cycles of just water
3. Sanitizing your mop
Rinse your mop until the water runs clear. Then put the mop in a bucket filled with 1 to 2 gallons of water, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow to soak for 15 minutes, then rinse with water and air-dry.
4. Cleaning grout
Want to clean out grout like a boss? Follow these five steps courtesy of Maid Sailors:
– Sprinkle some baking soda on the grout, making sure to cover all affected areas.
– Wipe away any excess powder.
– Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, and spritz the powdered part of the grout.
– Allow the mixture to bubble for a few minutes, making sure you don’t allow the grime to settle back in.
– Scrub with an old toothbrush.
Have ample, but not too much, water on hand because this process can get messy. The solution should stay gritty for easy scrubbing.
Wipe up, vacuum any leftover powder, and then clean the area as usual.
5. Unclogging shower heads
Kim from A Real-Life Housewife recommends pouring distilled white vinegar in a plastic bag and fastening it to the shower head with a rubber band. Then let it soak for an hour before wiping clean with a wet cloth.
6. Sprucing up shower curtains
Merry Maids advises using distilled white vinegar to pretreat new plastic shower curtains in the wash on a warm rinse cycle.
As for an older shower curtain, give it more TLC. Hand-washing under warm water with a microfiber cloth and baking soda does the trick. Or you can put it in the wash with either vinegar, baking soda, or a gentle detergent—never all three at once.
7. Removing soap scum in the shower surface
Coat the shower surface with a 1:1 mix of baking soda and water. Then spray with a 1:1 combo of vinegar and water before wiping it down.
8. Giving carpets a fresh look (and smell)
Don’t panic if you can’t find any carpet powder in your cleaning supplies closet. King of Maids recommends simply sprinkling baking soda on your carpet and then vacuuming after at least 30 minutes. For an extra fresh touch, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains, blot the area with club soda on a cloth. Then spray it with a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar.
Rinse using only water, and then use your hands to readjust the carpet hairs in their natural direction. Dry with a paper towel.
9. Caring for your hardwood floors
Before anything else, vacuum or dust your floor. Then come the bucket with warm water and ¼ cup of either white vinegar or all-purpose cleaner. Dip a microfiber towel in the solution, wring it out, and attach it to a mop handle.
Be sure not to get your floor too wet while cleaning, and wipe away any excess water when you’re done.
10. Cleaning windows sans Windex
Your windows need washing on a cloudy day to avoid streaking. However, instead of using traditional window cleaners, mix 8 parts water to 1 part vinegar for a DIY solution. Wipe the panes down afterward with a coffee filter or newspaper. MyClean swears it works.
Whether you’re selling your home this spring or this is your first spring in your new home, spring cleaning done well can go a long way in amping up your sense of well-being, thanks to the absence of clutter, funky smells, stains and streaks, grimes, and other signs of a home lacking the attention it needs.
Contact Team Clancy today to talk about listing your home or to explore our offers, including our Concierge Services.