We might not exactly look forward to our chores the rest of the year, but we have to admit that spring cleaning is different. Call us weird, but it feels great to use a little elbow grease and give our homes a deep scrub. But we know this isn't everybody's favorite activity, so we thought we'd make it a little easier by putting together a stress-free spring cleaning checklist, starting with the kitchen. So go through these tasks step by step, and your "heart of the home" will be sparkling in no time.
Start with your freezer.Unplug it or turn off the power to let it defrost. Then, remove all of the contents and wipe it out thoroughly using a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda per one quart of hot water. If there are still lingering odors, this post will help you determine the root of the problem.
Get your oven and stove gleaming. Remove all of the appliance's knobs and burners and soak them in vinegar to loosen debris, rinsing them well before replacing them. We even have a little trick to make the inside smell delicious.
Clean your refrigerator to make it more efficient. Move it out from against the wall (if you can) to sweep behind it, and remove the grill to clean the coils. This will boost energy output, saving you money in the long run. We also have a creative tip to remove grime using... pantyhose.
Buff your stainless steel appliances. To make your metal look good-as-new, we have a great tip for mixing a DIY cleaner using a surprising baking ingredient.
Scrub the sink. This is one of the dirtiest spots in your home, so make a paste with baking soda and water and get in the nooks and crannies using a toothbrush.
Make your floors shine. First, sweep up loose crumbs and dust. Then, with a damp mop, give it a deep clean with a great natural floor cleaner made from olive oil and lemons.
Don't forget the ceiling. Cooking grime from smoke and moisture builds up over time, so give this surprising surface a scrub, too.
For other amazing cleaning tips and tricks, click through our slideshow below.
The Best Cleaning & Organizing Tips
Clean Your Stove Top...(02 of111)
using a baking soda and water cleaning solution. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remove Rust From Your Garden...(04 of111)
using crumpled aluminum foil. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use Paper Coffee Cups To..(08 of111)
catch the debris when using a drill. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use Salt To...(09 of111)
remove coffee and tea stains on your cups. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remove Skunk Odors(10 of111)
by wiping your space down with vinegar. (credit:Shutterstock)
Prevent Glasses & Silverware From Breaking...(12 of111)
by using rubber bands to keep them in place.
Prevent Your Headphones From Getting Tangled...(13 of111)
Clean Your Windows...(18 of111)
and six other home tasks you've probably been neglecting. (credit:Shutterstock)
Replace Nearly Every Household Chemical...(20 of111)
using baking soda. (credit:kafka4prez/Flickr)
Prevent Spills In Your Refrigerator...(22 of111)
by placing your items on cutting boards.
Keep Track Of Your Shades...(23 of111)
by using a clothing hanger. (credit:Raydene Salinas)
Spring Cleaning: Bring More Light Into Your Home...(29 of111)
by dusting your lightbulbs.
Spring Cleaning: Jumpstart Your Process...(34 of111)
Prevent A Garbage Leak...(36 of111)
Organize Your Pantry...(37 of111)
with these stress-free organizing tips by 'A Bowl Full Of Lemons' blogger.
Tea Leaves Can Help You ...(52 of111)
eliminate litter box odors. (credit:Shutterstock)
Bathroom Items That Expire(58 of111)
Browse through these surprising bathroom items that have expiration dates.
How To Clean Your Vacuum(64 of111)
Check and clean your vacuum without making a mess.
Clean Your Dog's Toys(70 of111)
Make sure you aren't exposing your best friend to any harmful chemicals.
How To Clean A Light Switch(74 of111)
It's the dirtiest part in your home, so make sure you're cleaning it thoroughly!
Remove Gum From A Carpet...(75 of111)
with plastic bags filled with ice (credit:ACE Hardware)
Use A Safety Pin To...(76 of111)
reduce static cling on your clothes. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remove Mold From Your Bathtub...(77 of111)
with this beauty salon product. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use Bread Clips To...(80 of111)
attach pairs of socks so you'll never have a mismatched pair again! (credit:Flickr Photo)
Deodorize Smelly Shoes By...(82 of111)
filling them with baking soda and putting them in the fridge. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Rid Of Deodorant Stains...(83 of111)
with foam rubber, which can be found on dry-cleaning hangers. (credit:YouTube)
Use Petroleum Jelly To...(84 of111)
increase suction of a toilet plunger and keep it in good shape. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use Artificial Sweetener To...(85 of111)
help remove wine stains from your tablecloth. (credit:Shutterstock)
To Get Rid Of Burnt Popcorn Scent...(86 of111)
place a teabag in water in the microwave. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/skaty222/404186384/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr/skaty222" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/skaty222/404186384/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="40" data-vars-position-in-unit="50">Flickr/skaty222</a>)
Use Toilet Paper Rolls To...(89 of111)
safely store candles. (credit:Flickr/Alex Yorke)
Use Apple Cider To...(90 of111)
create a yummy (and all-natural!) home fragrance. (credit:<a href="http://randaorchards.com/shop/index.php?cPath=39" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="R & A Orchards" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://randaorchards.com/shop/index.php?cPath=39" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="35" data-vars-position-in-unit="45">R & A Orchards</a>)
An Eraser Can...(91 of111)
help clean the keys and buttons on your cell phone, laptop and remote control. (credit:Shutterstock)
Chalk Can Help...(92 of111)
remove grease stains from clothing. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use An Onion To...(93 of111)
remove paint odor from any room. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/inottawa/3828125408/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="inottawa" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/inottawa/3828125408/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="31" data-vars-position-in-unit="41">inottawa</a>)
Use A Banana Peel To...(94 of111)
naturally polish silver. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/keepon/15288615/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="keepon" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/keepon/15288615/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="29" data-vars-position-in-unit="39">keepon</a>)
Use Butter To...(95 of111)
silence squeaky door hinges. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordsutch/3538321820/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="lordsutch" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordsutch/3538321820/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="27" data-vars-position-in-unit="37">lordsutch</a>)
Aluminum Foil Is Great For...(96 of111)
protecting doorknobs and other hardware while painting. (credit:Shutterstock)
Cooking Spray Can Also...(97 of111)
help you clean soap scum from your shower. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/infowidget/2413617257/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="infowidget" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/infowidget/2413617257/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="24" data-vars-position-in-unit="34">infowidget</a>)
Use A Salad Spinner To...(99 of111)
help dry your delicate sweaters. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/whiskeytango/369381935/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="BruceTurner" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/whiskeytango/369381935/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="21" data-vars-position-in-unit="31">BruceTurner</a>)
Use A Grapefruit To...(100 of111)
clean your bathtub. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paleolit/2822811512/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="sophie.z.j." data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paleolit/2822811512/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="19" data-vars-position-in-unit="29">sophie.z.j.</a>)
Potato Skins Can Help You...(101 of111)
remove mineral stains from glasses. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/78364563@N00/16103810" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="estherase" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/78364563@N00/16103810" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="17" data-vars-position-in-unit="27">estherase</a>)
Use A Shower Cap To...(103 of111)
collect particles from your broom. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisinplymouth/3275165376/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="chrisinplymouth" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisinplymouth/3275165376/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="14" data-vars-position-in-unit="24">chrisinplymouth</a>)
Boiled Water And Lemon Can...(104 of111)
turn discolored socks white again. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use Bread Crusts To...(106 of111)
dust Venetian blinds. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28009451@N03/4431585815/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="dmjarvey" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28009451@N03/4431585815/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="20">dmjarvey</a>)
Hair Conditioner Can...(107 of111)
clean the dust off your houseplants. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use A Spatula To...(108 of111)
clean burnt food out of your oven. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doyland/5430296226/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Jude Doyland" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doyland/5430296226/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="17">Jude Doyland</a>)
Helium Balloons Can Help To...(109 of111)
get rid of spiderwebs in your home. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamaleaver/2171626502/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Tama Leaver" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamaleaver/2171626502/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="15">Tama Leaver</a>)
Try Using Peanut Butter To...(110 of111)
remove gum from the soles of your shoes. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mahalie/416987309/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="mahalie" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mahalie/416987309/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="13">mahalie</a>)
Salt Can Help You...(111 of111)
clean up an egg spill. (credit:Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39747297@N05/5230326264/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Samuel M. Livingston" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9cefc4e4b03a1dcc8316f1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39747297@N05/5230326264/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">Samuel M. Livingston</a>)
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