Happy first day of Spring! It’s such a nice day here, and I’m hoping it’s a nice day where you are too!

Spring cleaning is upon us and I am trying to get my list together! I’ll admit that I am not the best housekeeper…far from it! But when I clean, I really clean! And I generally always do a thorough spring cleaning! Or, at least it starts off thorough, until I get to the second floor or second day. Then I usually lax off a bit and do it “good enough”. Ha ha!

I have always been a fan of Martha Stewart! She is the epitome of domestic goddess in my opinion! She has long been my inspiration for being a well-rounded do-it-your-self know-it-all do-it-all make-it-all grow-it-all run-it-all woman. I have accepted the reality that I will never come close to Martha’s knowledge or abilities, but I do still strive to be better than I was before, and Martha has so many resources to help with that!

I downloaded these spring cleaning and maintenance checklists from Martha Stewart a few years ago. They are my go-to guides when I do my cleaning to make sure I’m not overlooking some area that should get attention!

Prepare for Summer Checklist
Seasonal Clean Checklist
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Weekly Cleaning Checklist

Do you have a checklist that you use? Any tried-and-true cleaning tips?

I don’t have many, but here is what I know…

1. One part warm white distilled vinegar paired with one part blue Dawn dishwashing soap in a spray bottle. Spray it on glass shower doors and let it sit for 10 minutes to get rid of hard water spots and soap scum! It is also the only thing that cuts through the thick slick slobber that coats my dogs’ food bowls!

2. Bath and kitchen towels loose their absorbency and fluffiness over time. And do you ever notice sometimes they smell when they get wet? This is caused from build-up from detergents and fabric softeners. To combat this, and reveal towels that are like new, wash them in a hot load with only 1 cup of vinegar (no detergents or softener), followed by a second hot load with only one 1/2 cup of baking soda–no drying in between. You will have fresh, soft, great smelling towels again! Repeat every 3-4 months.

3. Distilled vinegar diluted in warm water to mop floors. I did this almost religiously in our Arizona house. I was so sick of the film that was left behind from cleaning products! This was the only solution that got our laminate really clean with no leftover film. One cup per gallon of water, and you will get used to the smell!

4. Throw a half of a lemon in the garbage disposal with a light stream of hot water to clean and freshen.

5. Combine 7 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on tile grout, let sit for a minute or two, and scrub grout clean. I got this recipe from my friend Lisa. I have not used it yet, but I plan to!

I’m sure I have more cleaning hacks that I just can’t think of right now. What about you? Have any tips to share?