5 Simple Steps to a quicker clean

I'm all about efficient and effective action. Spring is around the corner and that typically has me start Spring Cleaning. Thanks to RightatHome's newsletter, there gave me 5 spring cleaning shortcuts that I thought you would appreciate.

1. Remove dust now.

 Household dust is made up of tracked-in dirt, sloughed-off skin cells, pet dander and dust mite excrement and corpses. For a thorough dusting, work your way from top to bottom so you don’t have to go over surfaces more than once.

2. Master microwave messes now.

 Boil a cup of water in the microwave. The steam will help loosen dried-on food particles so you can easily wipe them away using a paper towel. 

Keep it mess-free later.

 Use a microwave food cover to keep your microwave clean and free from food splatters. Most covers cost between $2 and $10 and are dishwasher-safe.

3. Tackle laundry now.

 Spring-cleaning brings loads of extra laundry. As tempting as it may be to try to get the job done quicker, don’t overload the washer or dryer. Clothes need to move freely in the machine to come out clean and wrinkle-free.

Lighten the load later.

 Enlist the help of family members by divvying up laundry chores like loading, folding and ironing. 

4. Clean window treatments now.

 Window treatments are often overlooked when cleaning, but dirt and dust can build up over time. Give them a thorough cleaning using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner or wash according to the label directions.

Keep them clean later.

 To avoid dirt and dust buildup, open and close your window treatments often and gently shake them. Give dust a few minutes to fall to the floor so you can easily wipe it up with a dust mop or towel.

5. Banish bathroom grime now.

 Wash your shower curtain according to its label and replace the shower curtain liner, which can harbor mold and grime. 

Keep it at bay later.

 Traditional bar soaps have binders that are the main cause of soapy residue. So try switching to a liquid shower gel or glycerin bar soap to help prevent soap scum buildup.