With warmer weather coming fast upon us, it’s almost time to give our homes a good spring cleaning. But before you roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing away, make sure you’re not working harder than you have to.

To help, we’ve gathered a handful of useful deep cleaning tricks everyone needs to know about. Remember: Work smarter, not harder! Here’s our list of the best cleaning hacks to make your spring cleaning faster and easier.

 

Steam Clean the Microwave

Microwaves have a tendency to build up a lot of gunk from food splatters that can be hard to get off. When cleaning, make a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water. Then, put the mixture in the microwave for 3 minutes and let the steam loosen the gunk before you start cleaning.

Overall, the steam bath will make it much easier to wipe away the food splatters and you’ll save yourself a lot of scrubbing time.

Steam Clean the Oven

The same mixture that cleans your microwave can steam clean your oven. In fact, plan to clean both on the same day and you can reuse the ingredients.

First, make sure you remove all the racks and vacuum up any loose particles on the bottom of the oven. In order to give it a good clean, make sure you have enough of the mixture (one part water, one part vinegar) to fill a large bowl. Then, place the bowl in the oven on the bottom rack and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Once the oven cools down, wipe down the sides and remove food stains. You’ll be glad the caked-on food is softened and easier to get off.

Polish Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances are popular and found somewhere in practically everyone’s kitchen. Unfortunately, stubborn fingerprint stains seem to show up everywhere.

To counter this problem, wipe down your stainless steel with a mixture of water, vinegar and a spoonful of cream of tartar. It’s a surprising ingredient that will help make your stainless steel shine and prevent fingerprints from reappearing.

Reinvigorate the Garbage Disposal

Don’t forget your garbage disposal if you’re lucky enough to have one! Every so often, throw in a handful of ice cubes, a lemon wedge and some coarse salt before turning it on.

Unlike harsh cleaners, using natural ingredients is an easy way to sharpen the blades, clean out build-up, and make your disposal smell lemony fresh.

Disinfect Your Sponge

Right about now, your sponge is probably smelling a little funky from all this kitchen cleaning. Zap it in the microwave for 2 minutes to kill all the germs.

As soon as you take it out, you’ll notice any weird smells are now gone.

Recycle Newspapers as Window Cleaner

Using newspapers to clean windows is not an old wives tale. Actually, it’s a great way to get rid of streaks and leave your windows clean as a whistle.

You also don’t need to use up all your paper towels in the process. This method of window washing works best with Windex or your preferred cleaner.

 

Dust with Fabric Softener Sheets

Another great way to re-purpose dryer sheets is using them as dusters. Not only are these sheets great for getting dust to cling onto them, they’ll leave your surfaces smelling fresh.

 

Treat Water Rings with a Blow Dryer

Notice a new water ring on your coffee table? Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get rid of it.  Grab your blow dryer and blast the stubborn water ring with hot air until you see it lighten up and go away.

Afterward, it’s a good idea to give the spot a quick polish with a natural oil like lemon oil or olive oil.

 

This list of deep cleaning hacks should make your spring cleaning quicker and easier. What are you favorite tricks for deep cleaning? Share with us in the comments now!