4 Must-Know Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Wonderful spring, a time of renewal when lush green grass begins to sprout again, and the flowers are bursting into bloom. It’s also one of the most popular times for cleaning – after all spring cleaning has been an annual tradition for decades if not centuries.

Whatever the origin, these cleaning tips can help you make the most out of your spring cleaning job.

1. Create a Plan

Before you begin, it’s best to have a plan to follow to make sure you stay focused and tackle everything that needs to be done. It’s generally best to start with the areas you tend to skip most often during your routine cleanings and/or areas you don’t really care for cleaning to get them out of the way. When the easiest are saved for last, it increases the odds of a job well done.

2. Start Decluttering

It’s hard to clean if you have junk piled up in your home so you’ll want to begin by decluttering first. This is especially true if you’ve owned your Ottawa home for a long time. Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year, either tossing it out, giving it to friends, family or neighbors, donating it. or selling it at a yard sale. Not only will you have more space, you could make some money in the process.

3. Go Green

Who wants to breathe in toxic chemicals or waste money on pricey cleaners when there are natural ingredients that can do the trick – things like lemon, baking soda and white vinegar are not only effective but they’re affordable and non-toxic. Making simple changes like your household cleaners can make homes more eco-friendly. After all, these natural cleaning solutions were used for years until those other pricey items started appearing on supermarket shelves. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make spring cleaning products yourself so you can clean your home naturally without spending a ton!

If you use those standard household cleaners, the air in your home may be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. The chemicals are primary contributors to indoor air pollution that can lead to all sorts of health issues like headaches, fatigues, allergies and asthma in addition to potential long-term health problems that have been linked to chronic exposure.

For example, the citric acid in lemon juice does a very impressive job when it comes to eliminating all sorts of stains and grime that tends to build up. It works by breaking them down to make it easier to scrub or simply wipe away. The acidity in lemons acts as a natural antibacterial agent that cuts down mold, mildew and nasty smells while creating a hostile environment for many different types of bacteria, including those that cause salmonella and E.coli. Baking soda is great for anything you need to scrub, from the toilet to the refrigerator and your carpets.

4. Don’t Forget the Walls and Windows

While most people clean their floors regularly, many forget about windows and walls, even during an annual spring cleaning, but dust doesn’t just settle on furniture and the floors. Use a damp towel to wipe down blinds and walls, starting from the top, and then remove and wipe down the window screens outside. You may want to use a steam cleaner with a squeegee to really get those windows clean, and without the use of chemicals.