So I’m a little late with this post. But given the topic, I’m sure you can understand my procrastination. We’re talking about spring cleaning and I’ll just come out and confess, I hate it. Now don’t get me wrong – I love a clean house and I’m pretty good about keeping up with the daily and weekly cleaning chores. You won’t see me on an episode of Hoarders: Buried Alive.
However, I do not like the major cleaning chores that every homeowner must tackle at least once or twice a year. You know the ones I’m talking about. Cleaning behind and under the refrigerator. Cleaning ceiling fans. Washing windows. Cleaning out the inside of the refrigerator and freezer. Cleaning heat and air-conditioning vents.
Thankfully, the May issue of Real Simple magazine has put together a fantastic article full of tips and tricks for making these tasks, well, simple! In addition to explaining the simplest way to tackle these chores, the article includes recommendations for inexpensive tools to help you clean up.
For example, did you know Rubbermaid makes a long, thing tool known as a refrigerator-coil brush that will help you dislodge the dust around the coils. Then, just vacuum up the dust!
Cleaning the ceiling fans? Fill a spray bottle with water and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and spritz the inside of a cloth pillowcase. Slip the pillowcase over each blade and pull back to trap dust. Then dust the base and light fixture with a cotton cloth. Cool!!
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are, well, magic, when it comes to cleaning stubborn dirt out of grout lines. Get rid of soap scum in the shower by spraying the walls with an all-purpose cleaner and go at them with a stiff-bristle scrub brush.
The editors of Real Simple also road tested a variety of cleaning supplies, from all-purpose cleaners and wipes to cleaning gear (glam rubber gloves?)and concentrates.
So I’m feeling inspired to dive into my Spring (ok, maybe Summer) cleaning and get my home sparkling! After all, there really is nothing better than a really clean home whether you are staging to sell or designing to dwell!
Happy Cleaning!
