Since spring is the official arrival of the cleaning season; I want to get right with it and let you know some innovative and cost-cutting cleaning tips, DIY recipes, supply lists. The 2019 spring cleaning guide will make your deep cleaning much easier.
Naturally,
I have heard many cleaning tips from my mother, friends, and acquaintances, and someplace I have written them down, but, when the critical moment comes, I can’t remember, or I can’t find my notes. But one thing I know you clean from
1. Ceiling
Remove dust bunnies and cobwebs using a microfiber dust mop. Dust smoke detector. Replace the battery if necessary.
2. Blinds
Wash blinds with this handy tool. It comes with individual microfiber gloves and is a great time saver. Spray the blinds or plantation shutters with the DIY all-purpose cleaner, run the blind cleaner across each rung. Change gloves and repeat.
3. Windows and Screens
I wash my windows, mirrors, etc. with water and Everclear. Everclear is a cheap 100% alcohol and works much better than rubbing alcohol. One bottle lasts me for about up to a year.
Pour water in a spray bottle and add a small amount of Everclear. Done! You’ll love this window cleaner. No more streaks. Don’t forget to use a microfiber cloth to wipe clean.
Screens: Generously spray each screen with the DIY all-Purpose Cleaner, scrub with a scrub brush and rinse thoroughly.
4. Lights and Lightbulbs
Dust with the microfiber dust mop. Replace light bulbs where necessary.
5. Walls and Baseboards and Trim
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to clean any dust and dust bunnies off your walls and baseboards. Spray white baseboards and trim with the DIY All-Purpose Cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
6. Doors
Painted Doors: Spray doors with the DIY All-purpose cleaner and dry thoroughly, especially around the doorknobs to eliminate all fingerprints and dirt. Polish the hardware and remove any grim, paint, etc.
Wood Doors: Wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened with water and Castile soap. Apply Butcher’s wax with a cotton rag folded in a square pad. Let dry. Buff with a microfiber cloth.
7. Floors
Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpet.
Wash and wax nonwood floors.
8. Furniture
Wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened with water and Castile soap.
9. Upholstered Furniture
Remove cushions and possibly take them outside. Beat with a carpet beater to remove pet hair and dust. Use vacuum’s crevice attachment to clean under seat cushion and crevices. Remove any stain with shaving cream. Check labels.
All-purpose Cleaner
Method 1.
- 8oz Castile Soap all-purpose cleaner spray
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp unscented liquid Castile Soap
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- Pour the water into an 8oz amber glass spray bottle
- Add all ingredients and shake.
Method 2.
- 16 oz Borax all-purpose cleaner
- 2 cups hot water
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Borax
- 2 tbsp Surig EssigEssenz
- A squirt of Castile Soap
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 16 oz amber glass spray bottle
Method 3.
- 64 oz of Citrus Baking Soda all-purpose cleaner
- 1/2 gallon of water (2 liters)
- 2 Tbsp Surig EssigEssenz
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
Window Cleaners
Method 1.
- 8 oz Easy Everclear window cleaner
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 Everclear
- 1 8oz amber glass spray bottle
Method 2.
- 16oz Surig EssigEssenz Citrus window cleaner
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tbsp Surig EssigEssenz
- 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
- 16oz amber glass spray bottle
Furniture Polish
Method 1.
- 8oz Essential oil furniture polish
- 1 cup of water
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops orange essential oil
- 8oz amber glass spray bottle
Method 2.
- 8oz Citrus Surig EssigEssenz furniture polish.
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tbsp Surig EssigEssenz (disinfectant, cuts through grease and grime)
- 2 tsp olive oil (polishes wood)
- 10-15 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 8oz amber glass spray bottle
Method 3.
- 8oz Dusting Spray
- 1 cup of water
- 6 tbsp of Murphy’s Soap
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Before you start cleaning your home, make sure that you have all the supplies and tools ready to go. You need to be prepared and have your supplies in place.
Writing this post, I came across an apron I love. It saves me a lot of time, and I am catching myself wearing it daily for my everyday chores. It’s such a handy and practical item. You should try it; you too will love.
Stocking Your Carry All Caddy
Apron: I have ordered this apron from Amazon and I love, love it. It turns out saving me a lot of time. No need to run back to the kitchen seeking for yet another cleaner or cloth. The apron even has a loop on each side for your spray bottles. It comes with seven pockets, and special clips to attach more items you might need.
Scrub Brush: Another favorite of mine. The 4.6 rating and the 1969 reviews are self-explanatory.
Grout Brush: My handy gadget for my tiles. Scrub the grout, rinse and seal with a grout sealer.
Toothbrush: For those tiny areas which we often forget or don’t clean.
O’Cedar Spin Mop: Most mops do not wear out through use, but through abuse. Here are a few pointers
Microfiber E-Mop: Chemical-free mopping with this mop
Carpet Beater: Usually made of wood, rattan, cane, wicker, spring steel or coiled wire, rug beaters are commonly used to beat dust, pet hairs, and dirt out of rugs, upholstery, and clothing
Step 1. Fill a mop bucket with water and a diluted neutral floor cleaner according to directions, water temperature should be between 120º F – 140º F degrees.
Step 2. Immerse the mop head for 5 seconds & agitate, ensuring the solution is absorbed in all mop fibers.
Step 3. Wring-out, rinse and repeat the process up to 5 times if necessary.
Step 4. Dispose of cleaning solution and prepare a fresh solution for the appropriate cleaning tasks.
Borax
What is Borax?
” The Jack of all Trades” in a box.
Borax is made out of boron, a natural mineral. It is also is known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. Around for years, it was initially discovered in Tibet in dry lake beds. In the Philippines islands, it was used to extract gold. Starting in the 19th-century Borax was commonly used as a laundry booster and other cleaning purposes, and disinfectant. In house and garden, it will kill and/or detour pesty house guests inside and out, and it is less dangerous than some chemical compounds.
Known most commonly as Mule Team Borax, you can find this powder at most grocery stores, Wal-Mart and many online shops. It is relatively inexpensive, which makes it an excellent choice for many household jobs.
Is a mineral found in plants and soil? Many uses for this powerful cleaner.Laundry Booster, carpet cleaner, pest control, fertilizer, etc.
Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 tablespoon of Marseille Soap Flakes, then add 2 cups of boiling water and whisk until blended. Let it sit until it cools, and then you’ll have homemade dish soap.
Baking Soda
A “MUST” in every household for health and cleaning. For leaning the refrigerator, clogged drains, clean iron skillets, soak toothbrushes, clean hairbrushes, and combs, etc.
Stained teacups and coffee mugs: Fill with 1 part baking soda and 2 parts water and soak overnight; rub with a sponge and rinse.
Wash Soda
Wear rubber gloves, can cause skin irritations. Natural wonder cleaner and stain remover. Clean and freshen garbage cans, tablecloths, shower curtains, and small appliance covers with a solution of ½ cup washing soda dissolved in a gallon of warm water. Wash surface and rinse.
Surig Essigessenz
An effective way to have a shiny and super clean sink. Pour some Surig Essig Essenz on a dry rag and polish. You will love the result. Essig Essenz is a well-known and well-loved item in German households. Besides being a delicious addition to many recipes, due to its high concentration, it is an excellent, natural, and green cleaner and disinfectant. Read the fantastic reviews on Amazon.
Everclear Alcohol
Everclear is a brand 90% proof of grain ethyl alcohol. It’s the hero of the jungle-juice drinkers (aka college students) I use it as a power disinfectant, bug killer, window cleaner, and air freshener
Castile Soap
A “MUST” in every household. This eco-friendly soap cleans almost anything and everything in between.
Marseille Soap Flakes
Marseille soap is ideal for cleaning. Grated, shredded Savon de Marseille or blended, Savon de Marseille can be used in a variety of ways at home, such as a laundry detergent, a powerful stain remover for stubborn stains, or a natural and eco-friendly pest control solution. Plus, it lasts twice as long as ordinary soaps.
Lemons
The acid in lemon juice removes dirt and rust stains. It’s especially useful when mixed with salt, which makes “an excellent scouring paste.
Essential Oils
Extracted from plants, some essential oils can kill bacteria and mold. They’re powerful, so don’t go overboard.
Scuffed floors: Apply two to four drops of tea-tree oil to the spots. Wipe excess oil with a cloth and rub in distilled white vinegar.
Combs and brushes: Fill a container with 1½ cups water, ½ cup distilled white vinegar, and 20 drops tea-tree, lavender, or eucalyptus oil. Soak combs and brushes for 20 minutes. Rinse and air-dry.
8 Quick Steps to Always Have a Clean Home
Step 1 – Don’t Procastinate
If I procrastinate in cleaning my house, when I do finally get around to it, I am overwhelmed as to where to begin and how long it will take. I prefer to clean my entire home in one swoop, which will occupy the whole day, but once it’s done. I can relax for the week and only do the daily chores. Have a plan of attack, group your tasks, and roll up your sleeves. It’s possible to clean your entire house in one day.
Step 2 – Tidy Up as You Go
I clean up breakfast dishes, wipe counters and sink, and hang up the clothes I decided not to wear and anything left from my morning routine. Throughout the day, I incorporate this into everything I do, and I have a lot less clutter lying around and bothering me later.
Step 3 – Make Your Bed Every Morning
Making my bed each morning gives me a sense of accomplishment and productivity. Also, it makes my bedroom immediately look tidy and organized.
Step 4 – Clean Your Dirty Kitchen Sink
Here is the huge game changer. If you have a clean sink and kitchen, your house can be a chaotic mess, but that would be ok. Dirty dishes from last night are not ok unless you want to have bugs, mice and offensive odors. If you are to busy to keep your house organized and clean, do yourself a favor to keep at least the kitchen, including the sink spic and span. You’ll love to come home to a clean kitchen.
Step 5 – Empty Dishwasher in the Morning
This job only takes a few minutes, and it leaves the dishes clean and ready to start the evening meal. And you’ll come home to a clean kitchen. Sit down and have a coffee!
Step 6 – Clean Your Kitchen as You Cook
That is a pet peeve of mine. Being a host with Airbnb, I allow the guests to use the kitchen. It’s beyond my understanding that some of the guests do not clean dishes, utensils, etc. as they cook. The kitchen sometimes looks like a tornado went through.
Step 7 – Organize With Baskets
Baskets are always an easy way to organize. Create a clutter basket
Step 8 – Tidy Up and De-clutter Before You Go to Bed
Take a few minutes in the evening and tidy up, putting all items where they belong. When you get up, you will be amazed at how good you are going to feel. Brew some coffee and begin to unload your dishwasher.
Step 1. Don’t Procrastinate
If I procrastinate in cleaning my house, when I do finally get around to it, I am overwhelmed as to where to begin and how long it will take. I prefer to clean my entire home in one swoop, which will occupy the whole day, but once it’s done. I can relax for the week and only do the daily chores. Have a plan of attack, group your tasks, and roll up your sleeves. It’s possible to clean your entire house in one day.
Step 2. Tidy Up As You Go
I clean up breakfast dishes, wipe counters and sink, and hang up the clothes I decided not to wear and anything left from my morning routine. Throughout the day, I incorporate this into everything I do, and I have a lot less clutter lying around and bothering me later.
Hopefully, you found these tips to be inspirational and helpful. If you try to incorporate these suggestions, one or more (or all), into your lifestyle, you’ll instantly have a tidier home as a result. Then, you’ll be one of those people with an always clean home, and your family and friends will be wondering how your house stays so spotless!
I would love to hear from you how you are getting along with deep cleaning your home. Any comments or ideas would be much appreciated. I will publish your new ideas on August 6, 2019, giving you credit,
In the meantime, be well and save.