Blue Mountains Library

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning has been yearly for quite some time, but why do we do it? When the weather gets nicer and the days get longer we find ourselves motivated and with more energy. With the new found energy, we are pressured to clean our space to break free from winter in a way. Here are some tips to get your spring cleaning journey started.

1. Make your own all-purpose cleaner – You can combine one part white vinegar, one part water, some lemon juice, and a few rosemary springs into a spray bottle. Shake and let it sit for a week before using. This natural cleaner can remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges and much more. However, vinegar is not safe for all surfaces, including natural stone and finished wood.
2. Clean oven and oven racks – Not very often do we clean our ovens and we don’t realize how much grime is actually there. Crumbs and oil are all over the oven and it might be a good idea to clean it before it’s too late. A way you can easily cleanse your oven racks is to soak them in the bathtub.
3. Refresh curtains in the dryer – Put your dryer to work by tossing your drapes and curtains in the dryer for 15 minutes on air-only or the lowest temperature possible. Rehang immediately after to avoid wrinkles.
4. Vacuum blinds – Attach your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment and turn the suction down to the lowest setting. Close the blinds  and vacuum slowly. Open and close the slats in the opposite direction, then vacuum each blind again.
5. Clean cutting boards with lemon – With regular use, even the best cutting boards can become stained. Sprinkle the board with salt or baking soda first then run the cut side of a lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells.
6. Wash pillows in the washing machine – Most bed pillows can go straight into the washing machine! You need to clean these items only two or three times a year, so they should be at the top of your list during spring cleaning season. Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s label for care instructions.
7. Clean soap scum with lemon – Lemon juice acts as a natural acidic cleaner, so it can tackle soap scum. Mix it with water and spray it on tubs and showers, then scrub. Keep in mind: Never use this mixture on marble to avoid damaging the surface.
8. Dust with dryer sheets – Collect dust on furniture, air vents, ceiling fans, baseboards and much more. The anti-static properties are also great for wiping down TVs, mirrors and computer screens.