Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips

Piggy-backing on last week’s column about keeping kid’s rooms clean, I thought I would give some quick and easy cleaning tips to use at your home. After all, spring is only 14 days away. Now you can get an early start on Spring cleaning!

Baseboards get dusty and grimy but usually get ignored when mopping or vacuuming. The best solution is to get on your hands and knees and wipe down the baseboards with a dryer sheet. It will remove the grime PLUS leave a dust repelling residue that will keep your baseboards staying clean longer!

To clean your mattress, combine 1 cup baking soda with 4 drops of lavender essential oils in a mason jar and shake to combine. Using a kitchen strainer, sprinkle the mixture evenly all over the surface. Let sit for at least an hour or more. Finish by using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum hose and thoroughly vacuum the mattress. Dirt, odors, and dust mites will be gone and your mattress will be lightly scented to encourage a good night’s sleep. No chemicals necessary!

Spider webs and dust can get stuck in the details of crown molding. To easily remove it, simply wrap a microfiber cloth around a standard broom and secure with a large rubber band. This allows you to get into the corners easily without the need of a ladder.

Cleaning blinds and shutters is probably one of the least favorite jobs around the house, but our solution makes it easier and makes all those “orphaned” socks useful again! Combine 1 part water with one part white vinegar, slip your hand inside the sock, dip the sock into the water/vinegar solution and wipe down the slats. Switch socks when one gets too dirty.

Do you have any qucik and easy Spring Cleaning tips you’d like to share with the readers? Please leave them in the comments section below.

Barbara Green is the owner of Sensibly Chic Designs for Life and the host of Ask the Design Diva radio show. She believes you CAN have it all: kids, pets, and a beautiful home. Her showroom, located at
830 Lamar Avenue in Charlotte is open by appointment only. If you mention Charlotte Parent Magazine when you call 704-608-9424 to schedule an appointment your first 30 minutes are free!