We all know that one person who just adores cleaning. But for the rest of us, it’s a necessary evil that gets old very quickly.
Before you tackle that long list of spring cleaning tasks, try some of these cleaning hacks designed to make these chores faster and easier. When cleaning is fun and even effortless, you’ll feel more energized and gain the momentum you need to knock out your list of chores.
Afterward, your house will sparkle from top to bottom, which is its own reward.
• Find smarter tools. Throw out the messy bucket and mop and reach for a smarter floor solution that’s efficient and fun to use.
For example, the O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System has a built-in wringer that offers superior moisture control of the mop, which makes it safe and easy to use on all hard floor surfaces – even hardwood.
The hands-free wringer requires a simple press of the foot pedal to easily spin out the water and help finish the job with less mess and faster drying times.
• Try natural solutions. Why not experiment with everyday pantry items? These often cost less and are just as effective in their cleaning power.
A simple solution of warm water and vinegar removes built-up grime from your floors, while leaving a clean, rinse-free finish. Just add a half cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of warm water and start mopping.
If you dislike the smell of vinegar, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil – the fresh scent will be like a small reward!
• Shortcut to shining windows. If you want streak-free mirrors and clean windows without the hassle, Cas Aarssen, author of “Real Life Organizing: Cleaning and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day” and the YouTube channel ClutterBug, has this expert tip:
Add a teaspoon of corn starch to your favorite glass cleaner, and shake until dissolved. Cornstarch improves the cleaning power of the solution and makes streaks a thing of the past, so you’ll get the job done more quickly.
• Use a cleaning method that also protects. Aarssen has an easy tip that will not only shine up your kitchen appliances, it will repel fingerprints and food splatters often left behind:
Just spritz on a little wood furniture polish and rub in with a soft cloth until the surface shines like new.
• Clean up top. Dust can collect on those high, hard-to-reach places, such as decorative molding and ceiling fans, making cleaning day more difficult. To clean your ceiling fan without showering dust bunnies everywhere, an old pillowcase is your best tool.
Spritz the inside of the pillowcase with a vinegar and water solution and slip it over the blades of the fan, pulling it back to trap the dust.
For those tough-to-reach moldings and corners, use a sturdy rubber band to wrap a microfiber cloth around the end a broom, and give those hard-to-reach areas a clean sweep.
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