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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! And with today’s coronavirus crisis, it’s never been more important to keep everything clean so your home can sparkle this spring. 

For COVID-19 specific cleaning tips, check out this article from the Cleveland Clinic.

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 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!

1. Try Natural Solutions

Commercial cleaning solutions can add extra costs to your deep cleaning session, not to mention that harsh chemicals can leave behind unpleasant odors. 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 for your nose!

2. 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 simply pressing a foot pedal that easily spins out the water and helps finish the job with less mess and faster drying times.

3. Shortcut to Shiny 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 star of the YouTube channel ClutterBug, has this expert tip: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch 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.

4. Use a Cleaning Method That Also Protects

Aarssen has an easy tip that will not only shine up your kitchen appliances but will also repel fingerprints and food splatters often left behind: just spritz some wood furniture polish on your appliances and rub in with a soft cloth until the surface shines like new.

5. 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 then slip it over the blades of the fan and pull 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 of a broom, and give those hard-to-reach areas a clean sweep!

Your Home Can Sparkle This Spring