Spring cleaning is a difficult task. As the weather warms up and the sun shines into all the nooks and crannies that used to collect dust bunnies in the dark, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Before you think you’ll never get all of your spring cleaning done, take a moment to breathe and grab a pen and paper. Time to make a list!
Create lists to categorize and prioritize
First, categorization is the best way to tackle spring cleaning as a whole and break it down into smaller tasks that can be checked off daily and weekly. For each room in your house or apartment, identify specific items that need to be washed, dusted, polished, cleaned, etc.
For example, each room may have blinds or curtains that need to be taken down and washed. You may need to get an upholstery cleaner on various pieces of furniture. Or, multiple junk drawers are crying out to be organized. It is much easier to categorize the items by the cleaning method and do all these items at once.
Next, it’s time to prioritize. If you have guests coming over, rooms and bathrooms take priority. But if you don’t have time constraints, we recommend doing up your master bedroom, bathroom and kitchen first. When you can see the impact of your spring cleaning as you go about your day, you’ll be motivated to keep going and check more items off your list.
Tips for cleaning streak-free glass
From windows to mirrors to doors, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of smudges that need attention. And now that the sun is shining more often, it’s time for those of you with furry friends to make sure to take care of all those nose marks before you have guests over.
When you undertake the task of cleaning glass, you must time it so that you are working in the shade. Cloudy days are great because they give you time to really work in the cleanser and wipe it off streak-free. When you try to clean the glass in direct sunlight, the glass cleaner dries very quickly and leaves very unpleasant streaks.
Another pro tip for cleaning glass is to use old newspapers instead of cloth. Why; Because there is no fluff left behind. Microfiber cloths are the next best thing if you can’t get your hands on old papers.
Natural cleaners you didn’t know you had
There are some natural cleaning products available around your home that you may or may not know about, and using these natural, organic cleaners will help protect your hands and nails as you’re busy scrubbing. (Shameless plug: use Nail Magic’s nail strengthener to maintain strong, natural nails before starting the spring cleaning process. Brittle and weak nails do not hold up well to soaking and scrubbing.) After you finish scrubbing sinks and tubs, continue with one hand and SKIN oil to soften the skin and add moisture again. Even natural cleaning products can make your hands and nails drier than usual.
Let’s start with dish soap. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and grime, making it the perfect tub and tile cleaner! Simply apply the soap to a brush with strong bristles and start scrubbing. With minimal wear and tear, it will cut through mold and mildew buildup and freshen up grout between shower tiles. You don’t need to buy expensive bathroom cleaners that use harsh chemicals like bleach to make your tub shine.
Next, our favorite natural disinfectant, vinegar! Vinegar cleans almost anything – check this out article in Really Simple. Say goodbye to harsh drain cleaning chemicals by using vinegar to clean and freshen drains First, pour (how much?) baking soda down your drains, then add (how much?) vinegar. The combination will bubble and foam, so be prepared. This action is actually cleaning the pipes! To finish, squeeze some lemon juice into a cup of warm water, pour it down the drain to add a fresh scent to your sink and shower!
Finally, another amazing natural cleaning product is lemons! We love lemons, they smell good, they make our food taste great and now they help us clean. Spruce posted one article about the many ways lemon can be used for cleaning purposes. Our favorite hack is to use lemon to remove counter stains! After a long winter season of cooking hearty stews and other comfort foods, you’ll notice plenty of gravy spots staining your counter. Soak these spots in lemon juice and then use baking soda to scrub the area clean of the stains!
Organizing your beauty bag
Yes, it’s time to take a look at all those products that have been thrown into your beauty bags and drawers to determine what should go where. Keep the products that work for you and get rid of the ones that don’t!
Look for expiration dates. They do exist in makeup and skin care products and should be followed just like food. If you have old mascara, foundation, sunscreen, check the dates on everything. Expired sunscreen and lotion can have negative effects with continued use.
We’re all guilty of hanging onto a makeup brush longer than we should, but this is your season to freshen things up. Retire the really old ones and revive the newer ones. They can be easily cleaned and restored to good condition with a little spring love!
Do you have some Nail Magic products in your makeup bag? We certainly hope so! The good news is that our products are built to last! We couldn’t say that Nail Magic is the best nail strengthener if it wasn’t built to last, right? Nail Magic it will retain its effectiveness for about 2-3 years if kept closed. Once opened, it is best used within 12 months. It may begin to set just from contact with air. You can dilute it by simply adding a few drops of acetone remover to the bottle and shaking.
A home that looks good, feels good and smells good
Adding fresh scents throughout your home will not only complement your hard work but also make you feel better. an inexpensive oil diffuser to put in your bathroom and bedroom. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, and orange are all wonderful scents to fill your home with, and each one offers various benefits that boost your state of mind and well-being. Some help you relax while others are more invigorating. Find a variety to balance any room.
Other ways to add gorgeous scents and elegant sparkle? Add flowers and herbs to different rooms. For example, plant a pot of basil in your kitchen. Not only will you enjoy the convenience of having fresh Italian herb handy as you prepare your meals, but you’ll also enjoy the aroma in your kitchen. Flowers like lavender and lilies add a fresh, floral scent to your rooms. Add a snake plant to your master bedroom – they are known to help purify the air, perfect for the room you sleep in!
Another way to create a wonderful aroma throughout your home as well as add a decorative touch is with cinnamon sticks! Find some cute plates at a local thrift store and arrange some cinnamon sticks in them. They will look cute and help your home smell great!
Final touches that make the difference
The best part about spring cleaning is seeing your hard work afterward and showing it off! If you have overnight guests, surprise them with something special in the room. Leave a diffuser and some essential oils to create their own fragrance. Leave out some of your favorite beauty products such as SKIN oil, face mask and lotion for your guests to try. It’s these little touches that make a house a home.
