Spring Cleaning Hacks

There’s something about the coming of Spring that inspires a renewing and refreshing sense of self– and for whatever reason, nothing makes for a more satisfying detox than tossing out the old and abandoned clutter around your house. We at the Purple Fig know how daunting a task this can be, so we have list of eco-friendly tips, tricks, and hacks for Spring Cleaning!

Technique is Key

Want to save time and precious energy while you clean a space? Follow the “top to bottom, left to right” rule. In other words, clean from one side of the room to the other in one consistent direction (you won’t have to worry about missing or forgetting to scrub a spot), and clean from the ceiling to the floor (dirt, hair, and other filth will fall…but it won’t fall on something you already cleaned!).

12 Ways to Organize via Upcycling

It may seem difficult to imagine how Spring Cleaning can positively impact the environment, but there are many ways to de-clutter while recycling and reducing your carbon footprint!

1. Milk Jug Containers

2. Reuse old jars for small storage

3. Repurpose a magnetic strip to organize the medicine drawer, or even toiletries

4. Attach magnetic spice jars to your fridge for more counter space (DIY them or buy them)

5. Upcycle old wooden crates as DIY wall bins (great tutorial here via Decor Hacks!)

6. Organize electronic cords with these DIY tubes (aka tp rolls and colorful tape!)

7. Make a DIY hammock for that pesky wall charger cable (via Make It & Love It)

8. Use chalkboard or dry erase board for grocery lists/reminders (saves paper and money)

9. Repurpose old cork boards as jewelry organizers

10. Build a flip-down children’s play desk (DIY via Ana White)

11. Reuse a cereal box as a magazine/paper holder (DIY tutorial here via The Sits Girls)

12. Last but not least, sell or donate your unwanted clothes

Hacks for Easier Storage

A lack of space can be an endless battle of frustration for anyone…but there are clever ways to not only clear away some stuff, but scoop up the clutter completely:

• Put a lazy susan in the fridge for condiments and small items
• Place storage bins inside your bathroom sink cabinet. You may not think you need it, but your cleaning supplies and toiletries will thank you!
• Use an ice cube tray or utensil tray to organize jewelry
• Pegboards can be hung vertically for jewelry storage, and horizontally to keep dish ware neat and tidy inside a drawer

Stain Fighting Hacks

Don’t throw your sponge to the ground in defeat! Just follow these natural cleaning tricks and say hello to a fresher, happier home:

• Remove greasy clothing stains with chalk
• Lemons remove water stains on stainless steel faucets
• Clean the disposal by dropping in a cut lemon, salt, and a few ice cubes
• Dryer sheets make useful dusters for blinds
• Clean filthy blinds (particularly mini blinds) with vinegar (equal parts vinegar and water, use sock to make it easier)
• Steam clean your microwave (alternative to spray and wipe) with a bowl filled with: 1 to 2 cups water, 2 tbsp vintager, and a favorite essential oil
• Tackle the oven: 5 tbsp baking soda, 4 tbsp vinegar, 5 drops of dishwashing liquid. Spread mixture with sponge around entire oven and let sit for 15 minutes (longer if desired). Scrub away with sponge, or for less effort, scrub with a halved lemon and salt
• Use coarse salt to clean filthy cast iron dishes
• Toothbrushes and vinegar-soaked Q-tips get all the crevices in dirty keyboards
• Vinegar is especially helpful for the bottoms of doors and windowsills
• Use olive oil to fix unsightly water rings on wood tables
• Clean the dishwasher with: 1 cup of vinegar, and baking soda along the bottom. Run in separate washes
• Soak calcium-heavy shower heads with vinegar: place a plastic bag over the shower head and secure with rubber band
• Vinegar + rag + clothes iron = no carpet stains!

This supernatural cleaning wisdom will help you through any Spring Cleaning scenario, so have at it!