Simple Cleaning Tips to Turn Your House into a Home

Now, more than ever, people are spending their time working on home improvement projects and spring cleaning. Whether you love to clean or hate it, there's no denying that a refresh can make your house feel more like home. 

Luckily, you don't have to spend all day scrubbing to make your home look great. These simple cleaning tips will help you get the job done fast so you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

1. Gather Your Supplies 
   Gather everything you need before you get started. The last thing you want is to find out part-way through that you need to run to the store because the vacuum bag is full or you're out of paper towels. Avoid this problem by making a checklist and verifying your inventory before you start. 
2. Remove Everything You Can
   The next thing to do before you start cleaning is to clear out each room. It's much easier to deep clean a space when there isn't a bunch of clutter in the way. Start by getting rid of anything you no longer need and finding a "home" for everything else. Once you've opened the space, you can start to get down to the nitty-gritty. 
3. Tackle Built-Up Dust
   Most homeowners are surprised by how much dust accumulates in their homes. Tackling one room at a time, start at the top, and work your way down. Turn off ceiling fans and clean each blade with a pillowcase to trap the dust, then wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth. Remove the grates from your air vents and wash them to remove dust. Use furniture polish and a dust cloth to clean your furniture. This will remove built-up dust and also add a nice shine and a pleasant smell. 
4. Clean Windows and Treatments
   To clean windows and treatments, remove your drapes and wash them or refresh them in the dryer. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean blinds, shades, and windowsills. Then, clean your windows inside and out. Check your screens to ensure there are no holes or other damage. If you find problems, go ahead and fix them now. You'll find that this is an easy project that you can DIY in just a few minutes. 
5. Shine Appliances 
   No matter how clean your appliances might be, if they're stained or covered in fingerprints, they'll make your home look dirty. Use a microfiber cloth dipped in a mixture of hot water and dish soap to remove any surface dirt. Use mineral oil to buff out stainless steel surfaces and give them a beautiful shine. Avoid using food-based oils (like olive oil) as this can go rancid.
6. Clean Grimy Grout 
   Stained grout is another issue that can make the cleanest of floors look dull and worn out. To bring it back to its like-new state, start by sprinkling the grout with a thin layer of baking soda. Then, spray it down with white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for about five minutes, then use a scrub brush to remove the dirt easily. Don't let it sit too long, though, or the dirt will settle back in. 
7. Freshen Your Curb Appeal
   One of the best ways to give your home a spring refresh is to update your curb appeal. Choose a few small projects, like adding a new coat of paint, planting flowers, or replacing the numbers on your home. This will make your home look fresh and welcoming from the minute guests arrive.

Get the whole family involved, and you can tackle all of this in just a day or two. Once you've finished the tasks above, your house will look clean and fresh and will feel more like a home! 

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