Ah, spring cleaning! It's that time of the year when we finally get to say goodbye to the gloomy winter days and hello to sunshine and flowers. But before you can fully embrace the joys of spring, there's one important task to tackle – giving your home a deep clean.
Spring cleaning isn't just about dusting off surfaces and vacuuming the floors. It's about giving your home a fresh start and making it a comfortable, welcoming space. So, if you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning, here are some tips to help you give your home a deep clean this spring.

Tip #1 Start with a Plan
Before you dive into cleaning, it's important to have a plan in place. Make a list of all the areas you want to clean, and break them down into manageable tasks. For example, instead of putting "clean the bathroom" on your list, break it down into smaller tasks like "scrub the toilet," "clean the shower," and "mop the floor."
Having a plan in place will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. It will also help you track your progress and ensure that you don't miss any important areas.

Tip #2 Declutter Your Space
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter your home and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Start by going through each room and getting rid of items that are broken, worn out, or no longer serve a purpose. You can donate items that are still in good condition, recycle anything that can be recycled, and throw away anything that can't be salvaged.

Once you've decluttered your space, you'll have more room to work with and a clearer mind to focus on cleaning.

Tip #3 Tackle the Dirtiest Areas First
When it comes to cleaning, it's best to start with the dirtiest areas first. This will help you avoid spreading dirt and dust to other areas of your home. Some of the dirtiest areas in your home may include the bathroom, kitchen, and floors.
In the bathroom, start by scrubbing the toilet, sink, and shower. Use a disinfectant cleaner to kill germs and bacteria. In the kitchen, clean the countertops, appliances, and cabinets. Don't forget to clean the inside of your oven and microwave!

When it comes to the floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, mop the floors with a cleaning solution to remove any stubborn stains and bacteria.

Tip #4 Use the Right Cleaning Products
Using the right cleaning products can make a big difference in how effective your cleaning is. Make sure you have the right products for each area of your home, and follow the instructions on the label.

For example, if you're cleaning the bathroom, use a disinfectant cleaner to kill germs and bacteria. If you're cleaning the floors, use a cleaning solution that's safe for your flooring type.

You can also make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Not only are these ingredients effective, but they're also safe and non-toxic.

Tip #5 Don't Forget About the Details
When it comes to deep cleaning, it's the details that can make all the difference. Don't forget to clean areas like baseboards, door frames, and light switches. These areas can often collect dust and dirt over time and can be easily overlooked.

You can use a microfiber cloth or a small brush to clean these areas. You can also use a vacuum attachment to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Tip #6 Take Care of Your Home
After all your hard work, it's important to take care of your home to ensure it stays clean and tidy. Here are some tips to help you maintain your clean home:

• Wipe down surfaces regularly to prevent dust and dirt buildup.
• Clean up any spills or messes as soon as they happen to prevent stains and odors from setting in.
• Use doormats at all entrances to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked into your home.
• Open windows and let in fresh air to improve air quality and reduce musty odors.
• Use air purifiers and humidifiers to keep your home comfortable and clean.
• Establish a cleaning routine that works for you and your family to ensure your home stays clean and tidy.

Spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task, but with a plan in place and the right tools and products, it can be a breeze. Remember to declutter, tackle the dirtiest areas first, use the right cleaning products, and don't forget about the details. Taking care of your home after the deep clean is just as important as the cleaning itself. With a little effort, you can give your home a fresh start and enjoy the beauty of spring in a clean and comfortable space.

Most stain-removal products are fairly costly and are some of the most toxic household products out there. Aside from parabens and sulfates, most of those products also contain artificial fragrances and colorings. Below, I have comprised a basic (although not all-inclusive) list of natural ways to remove stains from your laundry. 

NOTE: Always treat stains from the back to prevent pushing them further into the fabric.

Just for reading this post, I have made all of you a quick-reference guide that you can print out and keep in your laundry room. Just click the download link below the infographic!

 I can't stand that yucky mess that builds up around the base of the kitchen sink faucet, so I always like to have scouring powder on hand to get rid of it. Commercially-produced products contain so many chemicals, irritate my skin and have an obnoxious odor. Making my own scouring powder with natural ingredients and a bit of essential oil is a much safer (and better smelling) way to get a sparkling sink.

To store my powder, I used a mason jar topped with the lid from a Parmesan cheese container. I use mason jars for many things, so you may want to go ahead and stock up on some too. Their uses are endless!

What you need:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup Borax (found in the laundry care section of most stores)
1/2 cup washing soda (also found in the laundry care section)
1/2 cup fine salt (Not iodized. I use fine sea salt.)
20 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

Put it together:
This is simple. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl, then pour into the mason jar. Add the lid and you're done!

How to use it:
For tough cleaning, pour a bit of the powder onto the area, dampen a sponge or cloth with white vinegar, and scrub away. For regular cleaning, dampen the sponge or cloth with water. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly when you're done to make sure no residue is left.

If you're dealing with a really grimy mess, sprinkle a bit of white vinegar on the area, sprinkle with the powder, and let sit for 5 minutes. Scrub, then rinse.

NOTE: This powder is pretty heavy duty, and has some massive scouring power. If you're using it on a surface that is easily scratched, leave out the salt. If you're not sure how a surface will react to the powder, try a small amount on an inconspicuous area first.