Easy Spring Cleaning

Even if you keep up with regular cleaning on a weekly basis, your space can probably benefit from a good old-fashioned spring cleaning.  Cleaning and organizing your living space can serve as a symbolic fresh start, helping you shake off the stagnation of winter and welcome the energy of a new season.

 

Spring is a good time to tackle those big jobs that you’ve been putting off, like cleaning your oven or refrigerator. Neither is very difficult, you just need to block off some time and get yourself motivated. So take a deep breath, put on your favorite music, and get started!

 

Cleaning an oven feels like a major undertaking, but you can do it with some everyday pantry staples and a little elbow grease. It’s worth the effort when your oven looks like new!

 

Finish the job by degreasing your stovetop. Mix a cup of baking soda with half a cup of water and a few drops of citrus essential oil. Soak paper towels in the mixture and carefully place them around the heating elements to soften grime. (If your stovetop has grates, remove them first to clean underneath.) Then add more of the mixture and scrub with the abrasive side of a sponge as needed. Wipe clean and return grates before reuse.

 

You’ll have to do it eventually, so you might as well do it right. Here’s how:

 

First, take everything out and toss any food that’s gross or expired. Remove drawers and shelves (including the shelves in the door) and wash them in the sink with dish soap and a sponge. When they’re dry, remove streaks on glass shelves with spray-on glass cleaner. Dislodge stubborn crumbs from underneath trim with the pointy end of an orange stick, that little wooden tool made for nails and cuticles, then wipe with a damp paper towel.

 

Clean the interior of the fridge with all-purpose cleanser and a damp sponge or cloth, using a butter knife to gently scrape off any sticky goo. Replace drawers and shelves. Wipe sticky food containers (hey there, balsamic), then replace everything neatly in the fridge.

 

Feeling better? How about one more quick cleaning job? Tackle the microwave.

 

If your microwave looks like a kid’s art class painting—and eventually, they all do—here’s how to clean it quickly using what you already have in your kitchen.

 

Cut two lemons into slices and place them in a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water. Put the bowl in the microwave and heat until the water boils. Slip on oven mitts and remove the bowl (it will be hot!), then use a sponge to wipe off the grime, which should now be softened for easy cleaning.