Cleaning Advice: 10 Spring Cleaning Tips

Historically (and even today) spring cleaning occured because it was necessary to keep homes closed throughout the winter to keep in the warmth and heat. They were heated with coal and oil and wood and one the first day day of spring, homes were cleaned out from top to bottom. Soot and ash were removed from furniture and decor was polished. Floors were swept and scrubbed. Does all this sound familiar? It probably does since the practice of spring cleaning, or starting fresh in the spring season, has continued to this day!

Pace yourself. Do your spring cleaning in short intervals (15-20 minutes). It will make household cleaning less overwhelming than trying to tackle it all in one day. Assign every member of your family a small area to clean. This will help streamline your spring cleaning. You will accomplish a lot more in a smaller amount of time by splitting up the work. Plus, if you make your homemade cleaners, it's safe and easy even for kids to use! 

"My favorite part of infusing vinegar with lavender is the pretty pinkish color. But you can infuse with leftover orange or lemon peels or use up extra fresh herbs. Adding essential oils helps offset the strong vinegar smell. The result is safe, inexpensive and easy to use - which is great because my 3 kids love to spray and wipe down every surface in the house."


--Stephanie Gerber, Hello Glow

Using homemade cleaning solutions will save you money and keep you and your family safe. You can make efficient and safe cleaners for every room and cleaning task you need. Whether you need a homemade shower cleaner, or a way to clean your microwave, you can use DIY recipes and hacks to make budget-friendly, customizeable homemade cleaners to suit your family's needs. 

Spread of your cleaning throughout the year. Following a schedule and chore list throughout the year will make spring cleaning a less burdensome task. It also helps to keep yourself organized. Check out this collection of DIY organization and storage ideas; you will thank us once spring cleaning season comes around! 16 DIY Organization Ideas

If you haven't used an item in six months, throw it away or donate it. If it's needed later down the line, you can replace it; but, keeping everything leads to piles of clutter.

Start your cleaning by focusing on areas of your home that are prone to clutter. Gather all the things that end up resting there and find a temporary place for all of them. Every time you use one of those items, return it to its normal spot. After 1 month, anything left over toss or donate. For closet cleaning, consider placing your hangers backward in your closet then turning them around each time you wear a piece. Follow the same cleaning tip and toss or donate items of clothing on the hangers that have not been turned around within a year.

Start your spring cleaning by making 4 piles: donate, keep, garbage, sell. Go through your entire home and decide which items go into what piles.

Use under the bed storage to keep extra clothes, craft supplies, and other items out of sight and tidy. You can also use zippered storage bags for completed craft projects and items you want to keep protected and also easily keep track of.

Think ahead! Always work from the top to bottom; dust rises to the top and you don't want it to fall on areas you already cleaned. Keep trash bags in the bottom of trash can then they are always there. Keep cleaning supplies (especially your homemade cleaners!) in your kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms then you always have them when needed.

Here's a cleaning hack: You can mop a carpet like a hardwood floor or kitchen linoleum: Use a sponge mop and rinse between each time you mop. Use one part ammonia to one part water.  It takes the dirt, stains and dust off the carpet resulting in a clean carpet. Doing this often keeps it fresh, prevents it from looking older sooner, and will also help the smell of the carpet.

There are many benefits to keeping your home clean and reasons to love spring cleaning. Cleaning can be good for your mental health. De-cluttering helps you stay organized and know where your things are (leading to less worrying). Plus, once your home is clean, you'll be able to relax more, which will give you more time to rest, be creative, and try out other DIY projects!

It is also can be good for the environment (when you make your own cleaning products). You can control the chemicals in your home and your garden and feel the calm of knowing that you are protecting your family and the Earth. 

After cleaning an area, set out a clear glass, water, and a cut flower. You can also add a dash of food coloring in the water to match your décor. Soon you will have a garden of beauty, not just a clean home.