Even if spring doesn’t seem like it’s right around the corner, we all know from experience that the weather doesn’t always fit what the calendar may indicate. Either way, it’s never too early to start what we also know comes with this season: spring cleaning. It’s not as pleasant as basking in warm weather, but these hacks will make it a little easier so you can spend more time catching up with friends you haven’t seen since winter hibernation began.
Clean your toilet the unconventional way
It turns out that the household beverage Kool-Aid can be used for more than just staining white carpets. According to cleaning guru, Maxwell Gillingham Ryan, the classic red, cherry Kool-Aid is non-toxic and full of citric acid that will thoroughly clean your toilet as a traditional cleaner would. Simply flush and pour a packet into your toilet bowl and let it sit overnight (it won’t stain this surface!).
Wash your windows on a cloudy day
You can clean your windows with different solutions as well, including a homemade window washing solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. You can also add one teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid to several gallons of water. However, it is crucial that with whatever mixture you use to time it well; the sun can cause windows to dry quickly, leaving streaks. Stick to cloudy, spring days to clean your windows.
Dust with fabric softener sheets
Be super efficient and use your fabric softener sheets for more than just the laundry. These pieces of cloth are perfect for buffing out water spots on your mirrors and bathroom/kitchen fixtures. They can take on water spots on your shower doors and even get rid of the off-putting ring in your toilet that won’t budge. They can also be used as an alternative to more expensive electrostatic cloths when dusting the house and tight spaces, like in between Venetian blinds.
Use your dishwasher for more
Another great hack that will save you time is your dishwasher. You thought it was only for dishes? It can also be used for washing other items, like contact lenses cases, hair brushes, makeup brushes, pet dishes, plastic kid toys, refrigerator shelves, soap dishes, tweezers, various knobs and even your removable showerhead. After more intense usage, be sure to clean it with a cup of white vinegar on a hot water cycle, followed by another hot water cycle with baking soda.
Use a hair dryer to banish water rings
For all of those times that guests didn’t use coasters on your coffee tables, you can use a hair dryer to get rid of the leftover water rings! If you blast the hair dryer on high heat and hover it over the offending water ring, the mark will start to disappear. Once it’s mostly gone, rub some olive oil on the area to recondition the wood.
Sources:
http://www.momtastic.com/life/510547-spring-cleaning-hacks/?slideshow=1221#/slide/4
http://mentalfloss.com/article/62170/15-brilliant-life-hacks-speed-your-spring-cleaning
https://electrosawhq.com/simple-hacks-to-clean-your-house
