Treetops that were dusted with the reddish hue of leaf buds are now bursting with vibrant spring colors. We welcome the fresh spring air by throwing open our windows and… hey, what is that all over our windows? Can dust be simultaneously dusty and greasy? Where the heck did all this dirt come from?! Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a headache, so go ahead and throw open your windows and the cabinet under your sink. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to tackle spring cleaning in your pajamas, without breaking a sweat.
7 Best Spring Cleaning Shortcuts
1. Rugs and Carpets. Take a minute to clean your vacuum. Yes, you read that correctly. Cleaning out the filter and brushes — which are often tangled with a mess of hair — will make it as powerful as the day you bought it. This is especially true of robotic vacuums, like the Roomba. With your machine in tip-top shape, you’ll spend less time going over the same area again and again. For an extra boost, generously sprinkle your rugs and carpets with baking soda and leave overnight. The baking soda “traps” moisture and smells. Thoroughly vacuum the baking soda the next morning.
2. Windows. For the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time, focus on the outside of the windows and don’t sweat the details. Pick up a preferred window or exterior cleaner that is approved for the outdoors. Brands like Scotts and Windex have created cleaner that will attach to your garden hose, so you can skip renting the pressure washer. Just spray and done!
3. Walls and Doors. Some people wash their walls and doors annually. We’re not those people. Spot clean high-traffic, high-touch areas with a product like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. The areas around door handles and door jams gather a layer of grime. The “Magic Eraser” lives up to its name. With little effort, you can erase this tricky layer of dirt. It also removes scuff marks from doors!
4. Oven. If your oven has a “self clean” option, use it. Plan to be out for the day while it works its magic and be sure to crack a window so the house doesn’t smell like gas. After it’s done self-cleaning simply wipe it down. “Self-cleaning” means that the oven reaches its peak temperature for a long period of time, rendering everything inside to ash. If the oven doesn’t have a self-clean option and your scared of the chemicals in harsh spray-on oven cleaner, a thick layer of baking soda and vinegar can remove most of the grime. Leave the solution on for 30 minutes and wipe the paste away with a sponge and water. Easy peasy.
5. Refrigerator. The worst part of cleaning the fridge is taking everything out and putting it back in… and the cleaning. With a little planning, you can cut a lot of time off this process. Simply clean the fridge when you know you will be low on groceries. If you’re concerned about cleaning with chemicals in an area where you store food, use baking soda and vinegar as you would to clean your oven. It will quickly remove any stains and food gunk!
6. Bathroom. Everyone’s least favorite room to clean! Instead of scheduling time to clean the room, spot clean with these handy bathroom cleaning hacks. If you’re using baking soda and vinegar to clean other rooms in the house, sprinkle both in your toilet and let it sit for 15 minutes — flush and done! While you’re shaving, you can rub shaving cream on your fixtures, rinse, and they’ll sparkle. If you’re a tea drinker, you can take the tea bag from your morning cup and wipe down your mirror for a streak-free shine.
7. Tile. The grout between tiles is one of the hardest parts of your home to clean — and the most tedious. Scrubbing apart sponges or spending hours scouring with an old toothbrush are not appealing approaches. If you have a lot of tile in your home and a drill, consider purchasing a drill brush. This is a scrub brush attachment for a drill, originally designed for auto detailing, that allows you to power through your grout cleaning! After you’re finished, use a candle made of wax that is similar to your grout color. Gently rub the candle over the grout. The light wax coating will keep your grout clean for longer!
We hope these spring cleaning tips help you spend less time cleaning and more time in your pajamas this weekend! For more tips for easy living, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.