Spring Cleaning: 25 Helpful Tips On How To Tackle Every Room

9. Bathroom: Make doors shine

Mold and mildew attacking your shower curtain liner? Throw it in the wash with a few towels, which will help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry.

11. Tame the toilet

Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the bowl. The citric acid acts as a scrubber…and it’s nontoxic, in case the dog takes a sip. Let it sit for a few minutes, then swish and flush. And if you cringe at the idea of getting splashed by toilet water (ugh!), Donna Smallin suggests pushing the toilet brush in and out of the trap before you begin. This lowers the water level, allowing you to safely swish away.

12. Corral strays

While the kids are washing up at night, wipe down the tub, toilet, and mirrors, and toss out clutter. When they’re finished, quickly wipe down the sink and floor. Bathroom done.

14. Sweeping Solutions: Pick the right broom

Cleaning should always be done a top to bottom. That way, any crumbs or dust that fall to the floor while you’re working get picked up last. And believe it or not, there’s a right way to sweep.

For indoors, choose one with finer bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles. For outdoors, go for stronger, stiffer bristles, which work better to clear porous surfaces.

15. Get swept away

To sweep, hold the broom like a canoe paddle, with one hand on top of the handle and the other toward the middle. Push your hands in opposite directions to get the most out of every sweeping stroke. Sweep from the outside in so that you don’t miss any spots, and move the dirt to the center of the room, where it will be easy to pick up.

16. Super storage

Store brooms with the handle down. It makes them easier to find and protects the bristles.