The kids are already back in soon and fall is upon us. Use the following 10 hacks to help jump start your fall cleaning. 

1. Disinfect your sponge in the microwave.

Say goodbye to 99% of bacteria by putting the sponge in the microwave, saturating it in water, then heating it on high for two minutes.

2. Sanitize your mop with vinegar.

According to Julie Bradshaw from Super Maids, Start by rinsing the mop until the water runs clear, place the mop into a bucket filled with 1-2 gallons of water, followed by a cup of vinegar.  After letting it soak for 15 minutes, rinse with water again and air dry.

3. Bang out your broom.

Whip your broom against the tree, which, as a bonus, is pretty therapeutic. And you can also comb the broom or use a vacuum hose to clean the bristles if there’s too much dust or hair to shake off. Once a month, soak the broom in a solution that contains warm water and dish soap. Then rinse it off and dry with a cloth or place it bristles-up in the shower.

4. Go for a reusable, eco-friendly wipe.

They last up to 300 machine washes, which makes them an environmentally-friendly alternative to paper towels, and they also reduce the amount of waste you produce.

5. Freshen up your fridge with a natural mix.

Martha Stewart recommends combining two tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of hot water. Dip a sponge in the mix, and wipe your fridge’s interior. Wipe the surfaces again with a separate damp cloth, and dry with a towel.  Do not use soap or detergent, because they can leave behind a scent the food will absorb.

6. Wash your windows.

According to greatdayimprovements.com, mix one-part hot water to one part distilled vinegar. Sponge cleaning: Moisten the window, using the solution, then clean. Squeegee cleaning: Always dampen the squeegee first and clean from the top-down, wiping the squeegee’s edge after every stroke.

7. The secret to a clean coffee maker.

According to Saudia Davis, founder, and CEO of Greenhouse Eco-Cleaning,  here’s the secret combo for clearing out any oily residue or hard-water deposits your coffeemaker has accumulated over the years: A 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar. Yep, that’s it. “Halfway through the cycle, turn it off for at least 30 minutes — allowing the mixture to steam-clean your machine — before turning it back on to finish,” she says. Finish with two or three cycles of only water.

8. Freshen up your carpet’s look – and smell.

According to King of Maids, you can sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and vacuum after at least 30 minutes. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an extra fresh touch. For particularly stubborn stains, blot the area with club soda on a cloth, then spray it with a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar. Rinse with just water, and use your hands to readjust the carpet hairs in their natural direction. Dry with a paper towel.

9. Clean your mattress with baking soda. 

According to lifehacker.com, use a sifter or fine mesh strainer to sprinkle about a cup of baking soda directly onto your mattress. Let it sit for about an hour to soak up the odors, then vacuum it up. And if you like, you can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda. 

10. Clean your iron.

Baking soda can also be used to iron’s soleplate. This method is a great way to dissolve any gunk that made itself at home on your iron! All you need to do is mix some baking soda and a little bit of water to create a paste. Then, rub this paste on the iron’s soleplate using a soft brush or towel to scrub.

If you want a sparkling clean home to follow our expert guide and ten hacks for spring cleaning your home, but if your schedule is too tight and can’t block a day to clean your house, we are here to help. Book with us when only the best will do at bestinclassmaids.com.