5 Things to (Deep) Clean this Spring

Plus the cleaning hacks you *need* to know.

There’s something special to look forward to every spring, aside from warmer temperatures and a wardrobe refresh, and that is *insert drumroll*… a clean home. That’s right, spring is synonymous with baking soda + elbow grease in our books. And we’re here to share our top tricks. So turn on the tunes and grab some gloves, ‘cause we’re about to get sparkly!
 
What You’ll Need:
– Baking soda
– Cloth
– Spray bottle
– Toothbrush
– Vacuum
– Vinegar
– Wire hanger (optional)
 
Let’s get started with our number one location: the bathtub drain. Yes, the one that is starting to clog. To deal with it, pour a ½ cup of baking soda, followed by a ½ cup of vinegar, down the drain. Then, cover the drain with a wet cloth (to prevent volcano-like froth from spraying everywhere). Wait five minutes, then rinse with hot water. If the drain is seriously plugged, it’s time to take a wire clothes hanger and dig out the hair that is likely blocking the route. It’s not a pretty sight, but your drain (and your landlord!) will thank you.
 
Next, let’s move along to the bathroom fan (you know, the one that helps eliminate mould and mildew). First, turn off the fan’s breaker(!). Then, remove the cover and unplug the fan from the ceiling. Use a vacuum to remove the dust and debris from the exhaust vent and the cover, and use a damp cloth to clean the elements. Your fresh fan will likely run a lot quieter (once you turn the breaker back on, that is).
 
While still in the bathroom, let’s talk about that mildew on the shower grout–it’s nothing a couple of ingredients can’t fix. First, mix baking soda and water to make a paste, and apply it to the shower tiles with a cloth. Then, combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution over the baking soda paste. Scrub the grout with a brush (a toothbrush works especially great here). Once finished, rinse with warm water (and admire your hard work!).
 
Now for an easy one: the washing machine. First, choose the hottest setting, the highest load, and longest setting. For a top-loading washer, let the machine fill for a few minutes and then add 4 cups of vinegar. Next, stop the machine and let the mixture soak for an hour before finishing the cycle. Repeat, replacing the vinegar with one cup of baking soda. For a front-loading machine, add two cups of vinegar to the detergent dispenser and let the machine run its course. Repeat, this time replacing the vinegar with a ½ cup of baking soda added to the drum. Say goodbye to odour and build-up.
 
And finally (if you haven’t “KonMari’d” it yet) the closet(s). Quick recap for those who missed Marie Kondo’s “Netflix episodes”: if the item(s) doesn’t spark joy, it’s gone. We suggest donating the “out” pile to your local Dress for Success chapter, or the Salvation Army. Once the purge is complete, consider some drawer dividers from IKEA and a few folding tips from the queen of clean herself.
 
Welcome spring!