Top 10 spring cleaning hacks

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Some simple routines can make everything different

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Spring cleaning is a pass-through ceremony for many, but what if you can give up on harsh chemicals this year?

Molly maids and do-it-yourself enthusiasts and cleaning experts at Molly maids franchise partners in northern Toronto and downtown Toronto offer cleaning solutions that promise to transform everyday items into cleaning power rooms:

1. Clean windows. Spray the white vinegar into a portion of warm water with a portion of it and wipe it with a coffee filter. The soft texture ensures a scratch-free, hairless shine. Don’t like the smell of vinegar? Add a few drops of essential oils you like.

2. Remove the crayon wax. Mayonnaise effortlessly breaks down crayon wax with its oil-based solution. On the mark, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe. “Mayonnaise is a relatively mild cleaner that can be used safely on most wood furniture and floors.”

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3. Refresh the lampshade. Dust and pet hair clinging to the lampshade? Lint rolls provide a soft, versatile solution. As an additional bonus, a clean lampshade can illuminate the room and reduce allergens.

4. Clean long-necked vase. Pour the rice and soapy water into the vase and rotate. “Uncooked rice, especially crystal rice, has a proper texture and can be used as a gentle abrasive.” Rinse thoroughly.

5. Clean shower head. The mines are blocked from the shower? Fill the plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the shower head, and soak it. The acetic acid in the vinegar dissolves the accumulation and restores the water flow. “The immersion time can be adjusted according to the accumulated severity.”

6. Remove pet hair. Pet hair clings to furniture? Put on the dishes and gloves and reach your hands on the surface. Static electricity attracts hair, making it easy to collect and dispose of. “This is the perfect solution for quick cleaning between vacuums.”

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7. Refresh the cutting board. “Lemons are powerful disinfectants and deodorants.” Simply slice the lemon and rub them heavily on the surface of the cutting board. Let the citrus juice work on magic for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. For stubborn stains or odors, sprinkle coarse salt before rubbing the lemon, adding gentle abrasive enhancement.

8. Buff device. Tired of dull, fingerprint-covered stainless steel appliances? Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and polish the surface gently. Natural oils in olive oil create barriers, making fingerprints and watermarks harder to paste.

9. Remove wear marks on the walls. Create a paste by mixing the baking soda with a small amount of water and gently rubbing it into the worn area. “The exquisite abrasive texture of baking soda allows the scrub to not damage the surface of the paint.”

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10. Clean ceiling fan blades. Slide the old pillowcase through each blade and gently slide it to clamp the dust inside. After cleaning the blade, wipe the motor case with a pillowcase or a separate cloth and wash the pillowcase. For deeper cleaning, gently spray the interior

Organize like a professional

“Spring is about starting fresh, nothing is better than a lightweight, ventilated and easy to maintain home,” said Katherin Creighton Taylor, founder of DeCantt Organized Living, a Toronto-based home organization company.

“After all, even the most beautiful home can feel overwhelmed when chaos lingers. But before you get deeper into the cleaning, take a step back because the real update starts with tidying up.”

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Here is her tip:

Step 1: Start with vision

• Before you pull out everything, consider the overall aesthetics and functionality of each space. Do you want an effective pantry that makes weekday dinner easier? A closet that simplifies your morning? A game space that promotes creativity?
• Try the following: Walk through your home, as if it was the first time you saw it. Where does visual chaos accumulate? Which areas feel intuitive and which areas feel confused?

Step 2: Start small results

• Instead of opening the entire room, no longer start with a quick victory, such as a single drawer, nightstand or kitchen counter. A tiny success builds momentum that makes the process feel meaningful, not overwhelming.
• Try the following: Set a 15-minute timer and select a high-flow area, such as a garbage drawer or entrance. Delete anything that doesn’t belong.

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Step 3: Useful Edit

• A clutter-free house is not about getting rid of everything. It is about keeping support and enhancing your life. Intentionally edit, choose quality rather than quantity.
• Try it: Ask yourself: Do I need, use and love this? Is this suitable for my life and style today? Is this worth the space it takes? Will I buy it again at full price?

Step 4: Create a simple system

• To keep your home organized, create an easy-to-maintenance system.
• Try the following: Invest in storage solutions that simplify and enhance your day-to-day work, whether it’s the designated location of the key, a set of baskets of mail, or a label container for a pantry.

Step 5: Keep it simple

• The real magic is not to organize oneself. Daily habits keep your home fresh and organized. Some simple routines make everything different:
• One-minute rule: If it takes less than a minute, do it.
• Quick Win: Set a 15-minute timer every night to reset the high traffic area.
• One-time, one-time: If something new comes in, the old goes out.
• Remember: Don’t let it go. Throw it away.
• Try it: Develop family habits. When everyone plays a role in organizing it, keeping it organized becomes easier and more sustainable.

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