It’s high time I updated you on my spring cleaning progress. Though I’ve strayed from the list a lot, I did get a lot of stuff done since my last update.
I finally managed to sort Boy’s toys. A couple of pointers here.
- Periodically rotate the kids’ toys. This way, old ones get played with and there are less things lying around to trip on!
- Use colorful baskets to hold small toys like cars, Lego blocks, toy people and animals.
- Teach them to clean up after themselves. Younger ones may not be able to sort all the toys as we would like them, but encourage them nevertheless.
- I was holding onto ALL his baby toys and as you can imagine, it took up a lot of space. I then decided to keep a few sentimental pieces, like his first rattle and a few other favorites, and donated some of the rest. I have a few big ones like walkers and ride on toys and am thinking of consigning them.
Cleaning the furniture.
- We have a microfiber couch. It is not the easiest to clean. Every time I spot cleaned it, the water left marks after it dried. The label said not to wash the cushion covers and to use professional cleaning services. Really? Anyhow, one day I felt particularly daring and disgusted at the grime. So I unzipped them and washed them on the gentle cycle in cold water. As good as new! And since then, I’ve been doing that every month.
And right now, I very much feel like Kevin.
- Last week I came across this old post from Chris and Robin’s Nest on using rubbing alcohol to clean the parts that can’t be washed (the arms, back rests, etc).
- I shine wooden furniture using this simple homemade polish.
Cleaning the appliances.
- For the refrigerator, I use a diluted solution of vinegar in water. Spray it inside and rub dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Let the solution saturate any stubborn stains like ketchup or mustard. If it doesn’t work, try rubbing with a little baking soda. The stains will lift right off.
- Wash all shelf dividers and trays. Dry them completely and put them back.
- For the washer, I ran a gentle wash cycle with some bleach and hot water.
- Clean the other surfaces, knobs and stuff using the vinegar spray.
- Remove and wash the lint collector and wipe the dryer clean with a cloth.
- As for the dishwasher, I rarely use it and when I do, I make sure to load the dishes after I’ve rinsed them. Stuck on food is what causes most dishwashers to smell.
- Also, I found this great tip on how to use a frugal rinse aid here.
- I use the vinegar spray and baking soda to scrub the stove top clean.
- For the microwave, heat a small bowl of vinegar or lemon juice and wipe away the stains. Easy!
- Vinegar works well on greasy kitchen cupboards too.
Finally, I dusted the walls and ceiling corners of cobwebs (yuck), wall hangings like photos and paintings, light fixtures, fans, etc. I cleaned and arranged the kitchen cabinets and counter tops too.
That leaves me with the oven cleaning only. I use vinegar and baking soda here. No more harsh oven cleaners.
And then I will be free to tackle the new cushion covers and some spring decor!
Do you spring clean? How is it coming along?
I am linking this up at the Clean House link Party at I Heart Organizing.
coconutcraze says
Very good tips for spring cleaning. I am neck deep into cleaning, especially a catch-all micro fiber couch in the family room.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Ha! Good luck with that!!
Frugal Fish says
I like using homemade cleaning products also. I even make my own laundry soap! I get the recipes from debtproofliving.com. Thanks for liking my post, “Perfectly Level Pictures Every Time.”
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Wow, that’s great!
Thanks for visiting here.
Lauren@Momhomeguide says
Great tips! I am going to try washing the covers on my sofa.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you. With a 3 yo at home, being able to wash the couch covers makes all the difference!
Jamie says
Does the couch thing work on all microfiber couches?? I have to get mine clean because I have a dog who likes to drool 🙂