Spring Cleaning Tips & DIY Products

It’s time to get out of bed, put away those extra winter blankets, and begin the spring cleaning process. It may seem daunting, but once it’s all over and the clutter is removed, you’ll feel much better. Whether you are the type to spend an entire Saturday cleaning every nook and cranny, or spread out the cleaning tasks over several weeks, we thought we’d help give you some tips on how to get started and what products to use.

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

There are some great DIY cleaning supply tips provided in the blog A Typical English House that are simple and easy to make with everyday household items.

For the shower:

Equal parts water, white vinegar, and dish soap

For glass & windows:

Equal parts white vinegar and water

All purpose cleaner:

2 cups water, ½ cup white vinegar, 1 tsp dish soap, 1 tsp baking soda

It’s recommended that each of these combinations be mixed in a spray bottle, for the most effective, even spray.

Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical

Often Forgotten Spots That Need Some Attention

We know the obvious spots that need attention–the toilet, bathroom sink, dusty shelves on the tv unit, but what areas do we often forget about?

• Fans: Ceiling fans often are full of dust, and the dust spreads each time we use them. Although we can’t see the top of them very often, little dust mites love hiding up there. Grab a ladder and dust them off with homemade all purpose cleaner and a microfiber towel. While you’re up there, check the light cover for any spiders or bugs that might’ve found their way in there.
• Behind the fridge: This one might require a little help, but it’s worth it. Grab someone with muscles to help you inch the fridge forward while keeping it plugged in and put some elbow grease into scrubbing up any sticky spots that might’ve landed back there. Use a broom or vacuum to get any forgotten crumbs that have been sitting back there for who knows how long, and celebrate when you find that condiment lid you dropped and saw roll under there last fall.
• In the oven: The oven deserves our attention. It is our friend. It helps us create delicious gooey cookies, our favorite enchiladas, and even bake a scrumptious plate of sweet potato hash. Unfortunately with each recipe, there seems to be a crumb or two that get left behind. Remove each rack individually and scrub with a wire brush. Use a wet wipe or paper towel to grab the little crumbs that have attached themselves to the sides of the oven, and your homemade glass cleaner to get rid of all of those splash marks on the door.

Where to Get Rid of The Things You Don’t Want Anymore

That pair of pants that you swear you would wear this winter but never did, and that bathing suit you know you are going to replace this summer, and what about that extra dresser you were going to refurbish but never got around to? These all sound like the perfect candidates for a give-away. Clear your mind and your closets of all your unused good, and let them find a new home.

• Garage Sale: Host a garage sale and think of a cause to donate to, something to save up for, or a bill to pay off. Let all of your unused gifts turn into a commodity you can actually use. Don’t have enough for a whole garage sale? Ask your neighbors if they’d be interested in a community sale, and sell your goods together!

• Buy Nothing: If you haven’t heard of BuyNothing yet, I’d encourage you to look it up. Each neighborhood in San Diego is broken up into different segments of this gift economy, where neighbors are encouraged to meet one another and share their excess goods. Take a couple of photos of the things you no longer need, and see if one of your neighbors has been looking for just that thing. Both parties leave happy and you get to meet someone who lives in your neighborhood. Win-win!

• Thrift Store: Sometimes you don’t have time to buy or give away your goods, and that’s okay! Find a local thrift store to donate all of your unwanted items to, and let the profit from their sales help support a greater cause.

We hope these tips help you have a fresh mind as well as a fresh house, as you enter into the cleansing task of spring cleaning!