“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” – Spring Cleaning Edition

Believe it or not, the first day of spring was a month ago! Considering how slowly the last year has crept by, it feels like ages since I’ve been able to throw open my windows and doors and just enjoy the benefits of letting in some sunshine and fresh air.

But now that it’s warming up a little, I’m not only letting in as much light and fresh air as possible, but I’m also getting started on my spring cleaning! I don’t exactly look forward to scouring out my oven and cleaning out the cupboard under my bathroom sink, but it’s worth it for the feeling of having reset and refreshed my surroundings. It just feels good!

For those of you who are also preparing to dive into spring cleaning projects, you’ll be pleased to know that today’s post is packed with cleaning tips and tricks! In this special spring cleaning edition of “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?”, these 11 new cleaning hacks will help you get the job done so you can spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Related: The 26 Best Cleaning Products And Supplies For Spring Cleaning

Missed the last installment, or want to revisit some of your old favorite tips? Check out the entire archive of the “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” series at the bottom of this post!

1. Make It Easy With Microfiber

Microfiber cleaning cloths produce a static charge that makes them magnets for dust and dirt. Add in the fact that they’re super absorbent and easy to wash, and you can see why microfiber cloths are one of the most useful and versatile cleaning tools you can have in your arsenal!

You can use them for everything from dusting furniture to treating upholstery stains. For more ways to utilize microfiber cleaning cloths this spring, check out this list.

And if you’re in need of high-quality microfiber cloths, I’ve got you covered! My microfiber cloths come in three sizes:

• Microfiber Kitchen Towels (16” x 23”), set of 2
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (13” x 13”), set of 4
• Microfiber Dishcloths (10” x 10”), set of 4

All three varieties are available in grey, cream, blue, and pink. As one happy customer put it, “These are the best towels I have ever used!”

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

2. Wash Windows When It’s Cloudy

While spring cleaning can be synonymous with warm, sunny days, it’s best to save your window washing efforts for an overcast day. It may seem counterintuitive, but warmer temperatures and sunnier conditions will make it more difficult (or even impossible) to avoid leaving streaks behind as you clean. Instead, wash your windows on a relatively cool and cloudy day (and use my DIY streak-free window cleaning solution!)

3. Clean The Air Naturally

I always like to open the windows to let in fresh air while I clean, but sometimes I’ll also use my diffuser to double down on air cleaning benefits. Two of my favorite essential oil blends to diffuse while I’m cleaning are Simple Clean—a crisp, citrusy blend that helps eliminate odors—and All Clear, which features eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree to support clear breathing and a fresh, invigorating atmosphere.

4. Keep Dust Contained

One of the worst things about dusting a ceiling fan is that more often than not, the dust ends up going all over the place! But there’s an easy way to keep the dust contained—just slide a pillowcase over one fan blade at a time, then apply pressure and slide the pillowcase off the blade.

The dust will stay trapped inside the pillowcase instead of flying around the room or falling to the floor. It’s fast, easy, and effective! Read more about this simple fan dusting method here.

5. Scrub Bathtubs With A Broom

If you have arthritis or limited mobility, try using a broom or mop to clean your bathtub! It’s much easier on your back, which is important when you’re in the midst of a cleaning marathon.

6. Deep Clean Your Vacuum

Your cleaning tools need to be cleaned too, and that’s especially true of your vacuum cleaner. If you’re not sure when you last rinsed your vacuum filter or cleaned out the dust cup, it’s probably overdue for a good deep cleaning.

In fact, I suggest deep cleaning your vacuum before you start your spring cleaning. Starting with a clean, fully functioning vacuum will ensure you’re getting as much dirt out of your carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces as possible.

7. Work From Top To Bottom

Following this simple cleaning rule ensures that the dust and dirt never falls onto a clean surface. This makes it easier to avoid re-cleaning things and can be a huge time-saver in the long run.

8. Save Spare Socks

Have a couple of lonely socks sitting around that have lost their mate? Use those spare socks to clean your window blinds! Slip a clean sock over your hand and you’ll be able to dust your blinds in record time.

9. Make A Schedule

If you want to make time for spring cleaning, but often forget to actually get around to it, I suggest making a spring cleaning schedule and sticking to it!

Choose a day (or a few blocks of time throughout the next week or so) to dedicate to spring cleaning. On cleaning day, wake up and have a good breakfast so you’re energized and focused, then get down to business. You can even go a step further by planning other tasks ahead of time.

For example, if you’re dedicating Wednesday to deep cleaning the bedrooms, you could recruit helpers to do some decluttering and tidying up on Tuesday. Cleaning areas that have already been decluttered can save you a ton of time and effort!

10. Prevent Future Messes

If you’re already doing a thorough job of cleaning your house, it’s worth taking an extra minute or two to prevent future messes while you’re at it. For instance, after cleaning your shower doors, treat them with Rain-X to prevent future water spots.

Or after you’ve washed and whitened your pillows, zip them into pillow protectors to make sure they stay nice and clean. While you’re already tidying up and tackling messes, you might as well go the extra mile and save time down the road!

11. Stop Dirt At The Source

When you’re finished with your spring cleaning, make sure your efforts weren’t in vain by stopping dirt and dust from entering your home unnecessarily. The three best things you can do in this regard are:

• Clean your box fans and tower fans before plugging them in
• Change the air filter in your HVAC system
• Remove your shoes at the door before coming inside

Love The Tips In This Post?

Then you’re really going to love my new perpetual daily tips calendar — “Why Didn’t I Think of That? 365 Tips & Tricks to Solve Life’s Little Problems. It’s a bit like my blog in miniature because it features “one good thing” every day!

The daily tips in this calendar cover just about every aspect of life at home, from cleaning and laundry to beauty and organization. I’ve poured all my first-hand experience and research into these pages, so you can trust that every tip has received my OGT Seal of Approval!

And now, I’ve made it even easier to bring those tips home.

I’ve permanently lowered the price from $34.99 to 24.99!  Want to grab a few as gifts? You can also buy 3, get 1 free.

And in case you’re wondering—yes, you can start using this calendar anytime. It’s a perpetual calendar, so it isn’t tied to any year. Start today, flip through a tip a day, and at the end of the year, start again.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

What’s your favorite spring cleaning hack?