Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo: Spring Cleaning
Oh, spring has officially sprung! 20th of March marks the spring equinox.
Okay, it may not feel like it when you look outside, but we’re one inch closer to summer!
Spring marks new life and fresh beginnings, with flowers blossoming, longer days and sunlight rays. We all know what that means: spring cleaning season.
This year we truly have no excuse to avoid the decluttering- we’re at home and it’s the perfect time to really polish up our living spaces. That Kondo feeling of ultimate organisation and spotless surroundings is irreplaceable- but it’s just getting down to doing it that we find hard.
To make it that much easier (and enjoyable), we’ve put together a few spring cleaning tips:
Find out your ‘cleaning personality’ here
Start with the makeup cabinet:
Getting rid of expired makeup, skincare, and hair products is a quick way to declutter. It’s also the perfect time to clean up your makeup brushes- gently rib the brush bristles into baby shampoo in the palm of your hands and rinse under warm running water. Leave on a towel to dry.
Clean the shower drain
Freshen up your shower drain by pouring a mix of ½ cup baking soda ½ cup table salt down the drain, followed by ½ cup heated vinegar. Leave for 15 minutes and when you return, run hot tap water for 15 to 30 seconds.
Bookshelves
Allow for a bit of inner OCD to rule through and colour coordinate, alphabetize or sort by size all the books on your bookshelf.
Closet
I know it’s hard to say goodbye to those sweatpants you’ve worn since October, but let’s make room for the skirts and sandals please. Try on anything you’re not sure about and remove anything stained, in need of repair or worn out.
Don’t forget the tech
Did you know that most cell phones contain more germs than your toilet seat?
Yup. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and disinfecting wipe. ASAP.
Microwaves
The nasty stains never seem to go away in microwaves. It’s time to say goodbye to that take-away curry you had in January once and for all. Fill a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar and stick it inside. Turn the microwave on high heat for a few minutes or until the mix boils and the window is steamy. Let it cool for 5 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe the inside and outside with a sponge.
Kids Toys
Definitely in need of a good clean. Don’t underestimate the power of your dishwasher. Simply choose the crystal or quick cycle and skip the heated dry for plastic toys and for stuffed animals, check the care tag first and then stick them in a pillowcase before throwing in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
After all, ‘a clean home is a happy home’… and you may discover those items you ‘lost’ during the process.