While the temperature outside is still chilly here in the Northeast, the calendar does say Spring. Which means it is time to do our annual Spring Cleaning. While this task may seem to be overwhelming, it is a great opportunity to clean and get rid of the clutter that you might have collected and need to remove. After doing so, you will feel a weight is lifted off and you can start the Spring and Summer off right.

So, open the windows and join me for some tips to make Spring Cleaning easy. Remember you can’t do it all at once it takes time and baby steps.

Before you begin any project it is a good idea to get the tools that you will need. Here is a quick guide to the tools that I think every Spring cleaner needs. This will make your tasks easier.

Must Have Tools

1. Microfiber Cloths-These attract dirt. Use them wet or dry to remove dust from furniture, blinds, and more. Lightly douse one with white vinegar to clean stainless-steel appliances and wipe away messy fingerprints. Also they are machine washable.
2. Distilled White Vinegar-This removes odors and inhibits the growth of mildew, and kills some bacteria, such as salmonella. Add a cup to laundry to get rid of mildew odors, or use it to clean your coffeemaker, remove stains from plastic, and make scrubbing the mineral deposits on your showerhead a snap.
3. Dryer Sheets-Run an unused dryer sheet along your baseboards to repel dust. After doing a load of laundry, use the dryer sheet to wipe out the lint filter in the dryer.
4. Scrigit Scraper-This pocket size tool is a very safe way to remove food, candle wax, paint, stickers, and soap from from any surface.
5. Dawn Dishwashing Detergent-It works on clothing stains that are oily and it is tough enough to clean the bricks in your fireplace and great for soap scum in the bathtub.
6. Wine Way-I never heard of this product until recently, but it is a miracle at removing red wine from fabric, carpets, and upholstery, and will lift other red stains like cranberry juice and tomato sauce from table cloths and linens.

Now that we have out essentials let’s start with one room.

Why don’t we tackle the Kitchen first. You can split these tasks over a few days depending on the size of your kitchen.

1. Clean out and scrub down your fridge. I am sure there is alot of stuff left over in there that needs to be tossed out. Check the expiration dates on everything, throw out half used bottles of dressing, and condiments.
2. Tackle the microwave and let it clean itself. Fill a mug with water and set it inside. Nuke on hight for one minute and let the steam loosen the debris. You will be able to wipe it off much more easily afterward. Also if your microwave has a smell, fill the teacup with lemon juice and run the microwave on high for a minute to get rid of it.
3. Have stains on your pots, pans and coffee mugs, well you can get those clean with denture cleaner. Just rub it on your kitchen items and watch the stains disappear.
4. The Pantry. Toss out all the expired food. Wipe down the pantry and take stock of what you need to purchase for the future.
5. The kitchen sink. Clean around the faucet , clean out the dish holder and replace your sponge. If you are having issues you can use some lemon juice to get the grime off.
6. Don’t forget your garbage can. Wash it out, wipe it down and spray it with disinfectant. You want to make sure it is bright when you are finished.
7. The Kitchen Floor and Countertops. Move everything out of the kitchen so that you have space to work. Get a bucket full of hot water and vinegar and scrub it all down, wipe it clean, and make sure you get in all the corners. It takes me extra long with my floor because I have so many creases, but when you are done the kitchen will shine.
8. Store appliance that you are not going to be using in the cabinet so that you have more countertop space.

Well our work in the Kitchen is done for now. Take a rest and then let’s tackle the next room.