10 Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning is the time to tackle projects you otherwise might not think of...but as the spring sun begins to shine through your windows, become more noticeable. Every house is different, but here are my top spring cleaning projects. See which ones you need to add to your list, too.

1. Clean the baseboards. Especially if you have pets or kids (or both!), baseboards can get surprisingly yucky. The easiest way to clean them is with a Magic Eraser and a little water. I put warm water in a bowl, wet the Eraser, scrub, then clean the Eraser in the warm water.

2. Clean windowsills. Again, a Magic Eraser and water makes this job a breeze.

3. Clean the molding around doors. Don't forget the tippy top! I like my Magic Erasers here, too. But assuming you don't want to use Magic Erasers for this or any other job, the next best thing is a sponge with a scrubby side and some Windex.

4. Shampoo the carpets.



5. Vacuum all the furniture, and shampoo it, too, if needed.

6. Actually, vacuum everything. I use my vacuum on the walls, ceilings, welcome mat...For tips on using the vacuum to clean much of your house, click here.

7. Clean all appliances. Wipe them down with Windex and towels (or a scrubby sponge if they are really dirty), inside and out, paying special attention to seals, edges around doors, and the backs.

8. Clean the disposal and sink. Really, the disposal should be de-stinkified as needed and the sink sanitized every day. (The kitchen sink is one of the germiest place in your house!) To clean the disposal, take a fresh lemon of two, cut them in half, and feed them to the disposal one by one. Afterward, give the sink an extra good clean. I like to spray it with Windex, then scrub with a sponge. If the sink is stainless steel, use the scrubby side of the sponge, or a Brillo pad, to make it sparkle.

9. Wash walls and ceilings, if needed. I love to use mop to do this; learn more about my method here.

10. Clean refrigerator and freezer coils. To keep these appliances running smoothly and as efficiently as possible, you should clean the coils once a year. Unplug the appliance (the food will be fine as long as you keep the door closed) and vacuum away using a brush attachment. (Don't have a brush attachment? Use your vacuum's wand with one hand, and a stiff cleaning brush with the other.)


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