Winter is for nesting so deep in your sofa that you're practically inside of it. But Spring? Spring is for flipping those crumb-coated cushions over and giving them some much-needed TLC. It's for dusting the shelves you haven't touched since last year and finally addressing that pile of unopened holiday gifts in the corner. It's the time of year when we all give up our couch potato titles and turn into professional organizers and cleaning gurus overnight.
It's Spring, baby — and we're cleaning.
Now, sweeping the kitchen and wiping the counters are everyday chores we're all familiar with. But if you really want to give your digs a deep clean (dishwasher included), you're going to have to go beyond the basics and tackle those not-so-obvious problem areas. You know, the ones that require moving furniture and elbow grease. Because spring cleaning isn't a chore, like deep cleaning the sink with Bar Keepers Friend, it's a job. And an intimidating one at that.
If you avoid any cleaning tasks that require fancy tools or take longer than five minutes, you're not alone. But you don't have to splurge on expensive gadgets or spend hours scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush to get your home looking spick and span. If we look to TikTok for BookTok recommendations, you better believe there are some solid cleaning hacks out there as well. The good people of #CleanTok have come to the rescue with their clever hacks to tackle every neglected nook and cranny this Spring.
Read on for 15 time-saving tips you'll want to add to your deep clean routine ASAP.
Use a pillowcase to clean your ceiling fans
Hate getting rained on by dust bunnies when you wipe down those ceiling fans? Us too. Instead of risking an impromptu dirt shower, grab an old pillowcase, slide it over each blade, and pull back to collect the grime. The fabric will trap the dirt, and you can say goodbye to spring-cleaning sneezing fits. Just shake off the pillowcase outside or in the garbage when you're done and toss it in the wash for next time.
Lint roll that fabric headboard
That same TikToker, @maizimmy, shared another game-changing hack for cleaning headboards. If you have a fabric one like hers, all you need is a lint roller to remove pesky hair and dust. You might have to go over it a few times, but the adhesive paper will collect all the gross stuff that accumulates.
Take a dryer sheet to those dust-covered faux plants
Just because fake plants have a lot less upkeep than real ones doesn't mean they're maintenance-free. They can collect dust like nobody's business, and a quick way to clean them off is by wiping them down with a wet dryer sheet. The anti-static properties will remove dust and make them smell like a spring breeze. It's a win-win.
Stop bending down to wipe those baseboards
Cleaning baseboards is a total pain — especially if you have back problems. Save yourself the struggle with @cleanthatup's clever hack: attach a damp microfiber cloth to a broom using rubber bands or hair ties and swipe away. You'll be done in no time, sans back pain.
Tackle doors and cabinets with the three-towel system
If you put off deep cleaning those white doors and cabinets because you genuinely have no idea where to start, @cleanthatup has a simple solution. All you need are three towels: one damp with a cleaning solution to clean, one wet with water for rinsing, and a third for drying. Just wipe away the dirt and grime with the first towel, rinse it off with the second, and dry it off with the third. Easy peasy.
Go from top to bottom in each room
In that same vein, it helps to have a system in place when tackling each room. We love how @brunchwithbabs starts at the top with ceiling fans and light fixtures, follows with cleaning windows and furniture in the middle, and finishes with the floors. It's efficient and saves you the hassle of re-cleaning dirty floors.
Brighten all those dingy white sheets and towels with baking soda
Another great @brunchwithbabs hack? Add half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine and run your white towels and sheets through the wash. It'll help brighten up any whites that have become dull over time.
Don't machine-dry your curtains
Check your labels, but most fabric curtains are actually machine washable. Throwing them through a wash cycle at least once or twice a year can help remove dust and allergens. But don't throw them in the dryer. According to @lifeonstacylane, hanging them back up to air dry will help remove any wrinkles.
Try cleaning with kitchen staples first
You could spend hundreds on super-specific shower cleaners that may or may not work. But before you do, try tackling messes with things you already have at home. Apparently, a mixture of equal parts water, vinegar, alcohol, a little bit of Dawn dish soap, and your preferred essential oil can clean showers and bathtubs just as well as any store-bought cleaner.
Clean your walls with your Swiffer
Who said Swiffers were just for floors? According to @digomezlife, attaching a microfiber cloth to your Swiffer and wiping down your walls is a game-changer for removing dust, cobwebs, and other dirt. Plus, it saves your arms from having to reach up high. You can use whatever wall-cleaning solution works best for you, but she opts for a mixture of water, vinegar, and fabric softener.
Wipe stainless steel appliances with baby oil
Say goodbye to streaky stainless steel appliances. Take a cue from @ellentheblogger and use a few drops of baby oil on a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and give them a shine.
Tackle dirty showers and tubs with shaving cream
Need to deodorize your shower? That same TikTokers says shaving cream is the answer for removing musty odors that tend to accumulate. Simply spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub away using a sponge or brush. Rinse it off with water, and your shower will smell as fresh as a daisy.
Strip all those couch blankets
Even blankets that get a semi-regular run through the washing machine need a deep cleaning now and then. This gross yet highly satisfying hack involves filling your bathtub with hot water and using a mix of Oxyclean, Borox, and baking soda to soak your blankets for at least an hour.
Don't be alarmed at how murky and brown the water gets. It just means all that dirt and grime is being drawn out of the fabric. Once you're done, simply wring out the blankets and throw them in the washing machine for a final rinse cycle. They'll feel as soft and clean as new again.
Get rid of hard water stains with parchment paper
If you've been scrubbing your faucets and shower heads to no avail, drop the cleaning solution and sponge ASAP. According to @fromhousetohome, all you need is a piece of parchment paper to rub over the stains, and they'll disappear in seconds.
Don't forget to disinfect your cleaning tools too
And finally, @homewithkyria doesn't want you to forget to clean the things that help you clean. That's right, we're talking about your brooms, mops, and sponges. Give them a good disinfecting after each use with a mixture of hot water and bleach to keep them from spreading germs all over your house. Remember to let them dry completely before using them again.
