What’s a better way to clean house this spring?
Photo by libraryman 
Spring has officially sprung! In our house, the celebration of spring includes opening up the windows to let in fresh air, switching out the winter clothes for the summer clothes, and — the least glamorous tradition — spring-cleaning. Did I just hear you groan? Before you assume that I’m a neat freak on par with those “How Clean Is Your House?” ladies — I’m not. Starting the spring with a clean house just seems appropriate for the season of rebirth. After all, it’s easier to keep an already-clean house tidy.
But let’s face it: When the sun is shining, I would rather be doing pretty much anything else than cleaning indoors. Since I don’t like cleaning (but do like living in a clean environment), I have devised a few ways of making the whole process more manageable, and a little less tedious:
I’ve swapped my commercial cleaning products for homemade solutions . I’ve found that simple household items like vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia are very effective in place of their more-expensive commercial counterparts. For example, cleaning my windows with ammonia and newspaper gets them cleaner and less streaky than Windex ever has! With homemade concoctions, it is incredibly important to follow the directions carefully. After all, chemistry is not for wimps. The “chemical” smells that come with cleaning products — homemade or otherwise — are unpleasant, and occasionally dangerous, so I open all the windows to maximize ventilation.
In our house we start the spring-cleaning process by dividing up the chores based on preference. While I may not love scrubbing floors, I loathe dusting; the chores get divided up on that basis. I put this to-do list someplace where it will be visible, along with a red pen for crossing off completed tasks. Is there anything more satisfying than proof of a task completed? Pardon my wistful sighs; I love lists. And pens.
Next we schedule the chores from our lists into manageable time frames. (Doing a marathon house-cleaning session may be effective, but can also cause serious burnout. Setting reasonable expectations when approaching large tasks is key — that way you can feel good about what you have accomplished, rather than disappointed in all the tasks yet to be done. We crank up the tunes and set forth working on our ascribed tasks. Sure, spring-cleaning takes a week or so from start to finish, but over the course of that week the house gets progressively cleaner.
What are your spring-cleaning tips and tricks?
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I shuddered when I read your suggestion to make cleaners at home using ammonia and vinegar. Yes, you did comment on the smell, but these can be more dangerous than you think. Windows open or not, ammonia or strong vinegar can cause an asthma attack. People with respiratory problems should not use these products, no matter if they are commercially prepared or made at home. Cleaning might not be fun, but it is better than spending your time in the emergency room. There are lots of soy-based cleaners out there. They are “greener” and safer and work just as well if not better.
We do this at my house weekly.
We call it mom’s hour of power. We have weekly chores written on slips of paper and we keep them in a bowl. Each week each member of the family, there are 4 of us, draws three out of the bowl, and we turn up the stereo and get it all done. We have a one hour time limit. Keeps the house clean and keeps us motivated…….
What I have on my right arm is a plate and 8 screws. The Plumber changed my main bathroom u, and when the electrician gets on new shades my electricity will be done, took 12 years, cause I have a self correcting system, I am a low electricity user. I have ordered a new garden jacket and all new garden clothes. At the city office I got permission to finally cut down 2 posts that a dog with dog cancer rubbed up against for years. Finally it will be gone. I’ll do some house cleaning but not as good as yours. Have a good day. Susan D. Snavely
When I have had to get health card it was my understanding bleach water was best for getting rid of germs on surfaces. I have tried this for bathroom tile but doesn’t seem to work as well as Tilex. I do prefer window cleaner and furniture polish with cheap paper towels that can be thrown away. I do use bleach water for refrigerator and freezer,walls,doors etc. but try to wear old white shirt when using it. I have mopped with it also. Cleaning products don’t have to be expensive to work, but bleach must used carefully as to ventilate and avoid getting on carpet or fabric.
I wish my son were old enough to help, but at 5, he can’t do a lot of cleaning well. So, it’s kind of up to me and I really hate cleaning–a lot. The house hasn’t been cleaned much all winter, either, because either my husband or myself as well as my son have been sick for most of it with those incredibly annoying “colds” that seem to keep coming back around as soon as you get over them. Besides that, my husband doesn’t think spring cleaning is necessary. sigh So, it’s up to me. It will get done. I’m actually fantasizing about cleaning actually since my new job is more frustrating than I expected.
I’m all for the “green movement” but, I’ve used the new green cleaners from CLOROX and they are horrible they don’t clean they just leave a waxy residue on everything… I guess I just like my chemicals.. I have however paired things down quite a bit. I use WINDEX I get it really, really cheap from Bj’s wholesale using COUPONS a gallon container with FULL refill will cost me when I’m done about .80 cents or less! It works well for windows, mirrors and countertops/appliances as well as glass surfaces!
I also buy PLEDGE, and SCRUBBING BUBBLES, and SOFT SCRUB in bulk for under a $1 for 2-3 large or extra large containers.. Pledge is good for woodwork, stainless, leather, pleather, vinyl and granite as well as other surfaces.. I only use it once a week… I have older furniture.
I DO like LYSOL 4-in-1 concentrated cleaner. It works GREAT on floors vinyl, tile etc.. I can also use it to disenfect countertops, toilets and other surfaces. It smells like LEMON which I LOVE! A little goes a long way…!
I also buy a multi-purpose spray like FORMULA 409 or FANTASTIK for tubs, sinks, appliances, inside the fridge etc…
I use BLEACH sparingly- I use it once a month to declog my drains…. To freshen my toilet.. Or to mop my vinyl flooring in the basement.
Baking Soda- I use to freshen up the fridge especially after I clean it inside/outside….
I use it in the washer 1 cup per large load and 1/2 the amount of reg. detergent.. Clothes get clean with LESS soap..
To freshen the carpets.. Mixed with iodized salt and left on the carpets overnight.. It will pull out dirt/debis in the carpet and freshen/eliminate odors! It also repels/kills fleas, larve and eggs…. Along with vacuuming! I also give my dog a dry bath with baking soda… The uses are endless!
BEFORE spring cleaning I take my vacuum in for it’s annual clean/check. To make sure it’s in tip top condition…. I have a HOOVER SAVVY it’s about 6 yrs. old but, I LOVE it.. I’ve used other vacuums and when I used to clean houses. It worked better than most even the DYSON at half the cost…. I’ve run it through many tests and it’s passed with flying colors! We have two toddlers and a large-breed dog so it’s important to vacuum.. I vacuum EVERYDAY! We also have a mudroom to take off shoes/coats etc.. It helps keep the carpets cleaner NOT wearing shoes in the house… Though our berber carpet has seen it’s fair share as well…. It still looks pretty good…
I also use my WET/DRY shopvac for some of my spring cleaning.. .It has more POWER and longer attachments than my reg. vacuum.. It makes short work of vacuuming the mattresses, ceiling corners and other hard to reach areas… It’s also GREAT if you get a WET spill just remember to take out the paper filter! I also use it to vacuum the fridge coils and BEHIND appliances! It’s also good for extracting wet messes.. Like when my two yr. old dumped a brand new bottle of liquid foundation on the BERBER carpet and left a dinner plate sized puddle! The shopvac worked like a charm!
I also have a list on our computer I print out around this time with a list of every room and what goes on in them.. It goes from the TOP of the room to the BOTTOM…. That way when a task is complete it gets checked off the list… Also, if I’m not home my husband can help and not screw up the order of things.
In the fall I wrap my ceiling fans with saran wrap after I dust/clean them so that in the spring I just unwrap them…. It keeps them nice and clean for the winter season…
Or to clean them I’ll use and old pillowcase and put it on the blade and pull off slowly to catch the dust…!
Hope this helps someone….Good luck
MICROFIBER cloths are a must have since they TRAP dirt and debris instead of sloughing it all around and they work well wet or dry and clean very, very well with just water!
A good MOP is key- I simply LOVE the LIBMAN WONDER MOP it’s been around FOREVER. Since I hate when I buy the latest/greatest mop and when it’s time to find refills there’s none to be found anywhere OR worse they are terrible to replace…! The mop heads are washable and replaceable… It’s lightweight and easy to wring.. No hands in the mess…It’s also not expensive…
My children are 3 yrs. and 4 yrs. and they help with some of the house cleaning.. I’m not talking about slave labor camp but, they are in charge of putting toys and clothing away or in the hamper.. They help me put clothing in the washer and dryer and they even dry dust with socks on their hands when I’m cleaning. They also hold the dustpan for me and they LOVE to run the small hand vac on the couch and furniture ! I think teaching them to clean and be clean will help them be responsible adults in the future. It also helps me a little. Even though it’s faster when I do it myself. I work part-time in the morning cleaning a retail business so the last thing I want to do when I get home is clean but, it has to be done… .So, EVERYONE pitches in even the little ones. They get to help sort their toys in the basement and keep it clean….
If you make cleaning a routine it’s easier to keep up with on a daily basis…
Good luck everyone…
Spring has certainly not sprung in my neck of the woods – tonight is -3C with freezing drizzle thrown in just to make driving interesting.
Not that it matters; the only real spring cleaning task is washing curtains and hanging them out on the backyard line – one warm sunny day, Lord, is all I ask.
The house gets a cleaning every week, top to bottom. Since there’s just my husband and me and the faithful hound, the place isn’t hard to keep clean.
I plan to clean out my closet/room and donate as much as I can over spring break, I like my room to be neat and tidy especially the carpet!
yep..i’m with the friend who offered up micro-fiber cleaning cloths. I have a cleaning service, 23 years now, and these cleaning cloths are awesome!! But, they must have 20% polymide or they are not the “real” McCoy!! Do you know that these cloths were originaly invented in Germany for hospital use, because they will clean..CLEAN without ANY product and they will kill up to 99% bacteria and other germs!! How cool is that!? Also, you can buy them for about 50 cents apiece in bulk at Sams Club and probably ANY of the wholesale clubs! I pay about a dollar each at the Dollar Tree outlets and you will not BELIEVE how clean you can get your face with these cloths..I never use soaps cuz I have older skin and break out from over-drying..BUT you can use clean water and every drop of make-up comes off..and..even a toner or witch hazel on a cottonball will not show ANY residue if you want to PROVE it to yourself! Anyway..yep these cloths are a real “gift” to asthma sufferers and us greener earth lovers..I would love to get a penny for all the cloths I have ‘helped’ my friends discover!!! good luck!
You are right going green is better in more ways than just for medical reasons. Going green cuts down on envormental waste problems. Where do you think that junk is going when you through it out either down a drain or out on the ground. It widnes up in the ground water, The area where you pour it will not grow anything for quit sometime. And it is dangerous to small children as well.
My spring cleaning consists of cleaning my patio and opening windows to air out the rooms. Otherwise I do all my heavy cleaning in the fall when I’m ready to shut the heat in and the dust from outside out. Because I do this after I’ve turned the heat on and closed and locked the windows (and also keep my furnace filter clean), I have very little dust in my house all winter. So don’t waste your time with spring cleaning just to let the dirt in all summer — do it in the fall when it counts!
please help me and show me the corret and be save on line also to clean my lap top please help me
I actually take time off work to do spring cleaning! I’ve lowered my standards somewhat but I still get a strange joy out of having an extremely clean home. I actually do this twice a year. Having central air means the house gets stuffy over the summer as well.
One tool that I have found to be invaluable is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. That thing cleans everything!
And Goo-Be-Gone is great to have on hand too. I use it to remove scuff marks from the vinyl kitchen floor. That alone is enough justification to keep it around. But it’s also great for removing grimy grease. I don’t have ventilation in my kitchen so when I fry, the surfaces above the stove get coated and it’s very difficult to clean thoroughly.
I have also been investigating old-school cleaning solutions. I really enjoy the sight of baking soda bubbling under vinegar’s influence! I keep my drains clean by doing this about once per month.
Another thing I try to do is start with a neat house. Before getting in depth I make sure everything is in place and things put away. That way the task of thoroughly cleaning a room isn’t so daunting.
Bon-ami is a very cheap, environmentally safe cleaning solution my mom introduced to me quite some time ago, it promises to never scratch and cleans everything well, I clean my entire kitchen and bathroom with just this and a scrubby pad.
Before my mom was introduced to the Swiffer Sweeper, me and my sister were mopping the old fashioned way with water and vinegar, it may smell bad but it cleans everything and its safe for kids, animals and the environment too. Ont top of it all, it gets the job done and the smell is gone with an open window.
If you dont want to have dust going everywhere when you try to clean, wet a cloth and put that down before anything else like wood polish.
I live in Minnesota. Can we talk about this three months from now?
Our laptop & desk computers get cleaned by using a dry swifter duster (no cleaning agent added) on the screen/monitor. Canned air dust remover is used to blow dust & crumbs out from under the keys of the keyboards. Clean, dry makeup brushes sweep it away from the keys & cotton swabs dipped in alcohol are used for cleaning around the keys.
I really like your cleaning ways! Its also cheaper!
Changing my habits starting today!
I wonder what people mean when they say chores like dusting, mopping, etc. are on their Spring Cleaning lists. Don’t you do that stuff all year round? I call Spring cleaning windows on the outside, porches, sun rooms, basements, garages and other infrequently used areas of the house during the Winter.
Very nice way to clean the house in spring. It is rather more safe to use echo friendly products to clean the house than toxic chemicals. Great post..