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Spring Cleaning Hacks: Get a Head Start
Winter might still have its grip on the season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead on your spring cleaning.
Starting early means less stress when the warmer
days roll in—and you’ll get to enjoy a fresh, organized space all season long. Here are some fun, practical cleaning hacks for both indoors and outdoors to inspire you to get started.
Indoor Cleaning Hacks: Shake Off the Winter Dust
Start Small: The "One Drawer a Day" Rule
Tackling clutter in bite-sized pieces. Cleaning out one drawer or shelf a day keeps the task from feeling overwhelming. By the time spring officially arrives, your home will already feel lighter.
Tackling clutter in bite-sized pieces. Cleaning out one drawer or shelf a day keeps the task from feeling overwhelming. By the time spring officially arrives, your home will already feel lighter.
Steam Away Microwave Gunk
Goodbye, stuck-on spills.
Goodbye, stuck-on spills.
Place a bowl filled with equal parts water and vinegar, plus a couple of lemon slices, in your microwave. Heat it for 5 minutes, let the steam loosen grime, and then wipe clean. It’s like a mini spa day for your microwave.
Reboot Your Mattress
A fresh start for your sleep space.
Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress to neutralize odors, let it sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum it off. For extra freshness, mix in a few drops of essential oil with the baking soda. Lavender, anyone?
Dust With Socks
A sock puppet adventure.
Grab a mismatched sock, slip it over your hand, and spritz it with a little water or dusting spray. It’s perfect for blinds, baseboards, and even those hard-to-reach spots where dust loves to hide. Plus, it makes cleaning weirdly fun.
A sock puppet adventure.
Grab a mismatched sock, slip it over your hand, and spritz it with a little water or dusting spray. It’s perfect for blinds, baseboards, and even those hard-to-reach spots where dust loves to hide. Plus, it makes cleaning weirdly fun.
Tidy the Pantry
Prepping for all those spring recipes.
Take 15 minutes to check expiration dates and group similar items together (canned goods, baking supplies, snacks). Bonus: This makes grocery shopping easier and prevents you from buying another jar of peanut butter.
Prepping for all those spring recipes.
Take 15 minutes to check expiration dates and group similar items together (canned goods, baking supplies, snacks). Bonus: This makes grocery shopping easier and prevents you from buying another jar of peanut butter.
Outdoor Cleaning Hacks: Early Bird Edition
Prep Your Patio Furniture
Even if it’s still too cold to sit outside.
Give your outdoor furniture a quick scrub using a mix of warm water and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. Store cushions indoors or in a weatherproof bin until the warm weather returns.
Even if it’s still too cold to sit outside.
Give your outdoor furniture a quick scrub using a mix of warm water and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. Store cushions indoors or in a weatherproof bin until the warm weather returns.
Check Your Tools
A winter check-up for your gear.
A winter check-up for your gear.
Before gardening season begins, inspect your tools. Soak any rusty items in a vinegar-water solution overnight, scrub with steel wool, and coat with vegetable oil for protection. You’ll be ready to dig into spring planting.
Rinse the Winter Grime Off Your House
Because your siding deserves love too.
Because your siding deserves love too.
Attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose and give your siding, windows, and porch a rinse to wash away dirt and salt buildup. It’s like hitting “reset” on your home’s exterior.
Gutter Prep
Stay ahead of those spring rains.
Stay ahead of those spring rains.
Use a spatula to scoop out debris, or create a DIY gutter cleaner by attaching a small hook to a broom handle. Clearing your gutters now will save you a soggy headache later.
Driveway Refresh
Tackle those winter stains early.
Tackle those winter stains early.
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup dish soap, and a gallon of warm water. Use a stiff brush to scrub away salt and dirt from sidewalks and driveways. It’s not as intimidating as a pressure washer, but just as satisfying.
Why Start Now?
Getting a head start on spring cleaning means you can take your time and avoid the last-minute rush when the weather turns warm. Plus, it’s a great way to beat the winter blues and feel productive even on those cold, gray days.
So, grab your favorite playlist, put on some comfy clothes, and get to work. By the time the first flowers bloom, you’ll already have a sparkling home—and more time to enjoy the season ahead.
Bonus Tip: Make It Fun
Recruit the whole family or a few friends for a “cleaning party.” Assign roles, blast some music, and turn the chores into a group effort. Offer rewards like homemade lemonade or a cozy evening by a freshly cleaned firepit.
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes
