Spring Cleaning season is here, and that means it’s time to declutter and save all at the same time. There’s no need to do a massive haul to the store to buy cleaning products and supplies. We’ve got all the tips you need to spruce up your home, room by room, sans opening your wallet.

DIY Cleaners

The first step is to create a few essential cleaners with the items you already have on hand. To make your own multipurpose spray, mix 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oils and you are good to go. Additionally, if you need a scrub (let’s say for the tub or countertop), you can use baking soda mixed with a few drops of lemon juice and water.

Tackle the closets

Anything with a hole or a rip, has got to go. And we mean that with a capital G-O! Get it out of your closet. Furthermore, if you have not worn the item for over a year, it should hit the donation bin as well. The reason we are starting our decluttering journey with the closets goes two-fold. First, you use worn cotton T-shirts as rags for dusting the remainder of the house. Two, when you operate from the inside going out, you create a flow and workability with the task. It just mentally feels better.

Move on to major furniture and appliances

Next, it’s time to give your furniture and appliances a little TLC. Start by removing any washable covers and give them a spin in the washing machine. (According to label directions of course!) Make sure to vacuum cushions thoroughly. In regards to the kitchen, carefully move your fridge and stove to clean behind and underneath. While we’re on the subject of the fridge, let’s declutter all those magnets and papers piling on top of it.

Take care of the lighting fixtures

Using a microfiber cloth, or the T-shirts we mentioned earlier, wipe down each lighting fixture. Make sure never to spray directly onto a live light. You should spray onto the cloth and use it only when it’s slightly damp. While caring for fixtures, don’t forget about the lampshades. Running an ordinary dryer sheet over them will help remove trapped dust.

Clear your shelves

Is there too much going on with your bookshelves? If you find yourself with a bunch of nicknacks that solely collect dust, it’s time to declutter. Put items that are unsentimental in your donation bin. Hold a spring cleaning household rule that the item must be of practical use, or beautiful, to stay.

Windows

Last, let’s pay homage to our windows. Make a great window cleaner by combining 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent, and 2 cups of water in a different spray bottle. Shake to blend and voilà! You’ve got a product that will make your windows sparkle, and you didn’t have to run to the store to make it.

Declutter. Save. Repeat.

It’s very nice to do an annual spring cleaning around your home. However, we’re totally giving bonus points if you repeat this process at least once every three months. Staying on top of your closets and shelves will help you both physically and mentally declutter. Make sure to tune in later for more savings and organizational lifestyle tips.