Style, Decor & More: 10 Tips for Speedy Spring Cleaning & A Glam D-I-Y

10 Tips for Speedy Spring Cleaning & A Glam D-I-Y

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lysol®, Finish®, Woolite®, and Air Wick®. The opinions and text are all mine.


Spring has sprung, and if you are like me, you're ready to open the windows and welcome the warmth of spring into your home. But, wait! What are you going to do about the foggy film on your windows? As the days get longer, the foggy windows will become more noticeable. Now is the ideal time to clean and refresh your living space.

Spring cleaning may not be the most exciting thing on your to do list, but it is important if you want to have a happy, healthy home. And believe me, a little effort will pay off when you can sit back, put your feet up, take a look around the room, and like what you see. 

Since I'm not a huge fan of scrubbing my home top to bottom, I'm sharing a few tips for speedy spring cleaning:

1. Where to Start. The first step is to clear the clutter. Grab a laundry basket or large box and go room to room, picking up anything that does not belong in the room and placing it into the basket. If you don't have the time to put everything from the basket where it belongs, then place it near where you sleep and don't go to bed until everything in the basket is put away.  

2. Set A Timer. Did you ever notice that when you are expecting company you will have the house looking presentable in about 15-20 minutes? My hubby is amazed how quickly I can clean house when I know someone is stopping by. Ready. Set a timer for 15 minutes. GO! If this doesn't work for you, then you need to invite the neighbors over for cocktails next weekend. 

3. Door Knobs and Handles and Switches, Oh My! Use a damp rag and Lysol Disinfectant to wipe down all door knobs, handles and light switches in your home. When used as directed, Lysol Disinfectant Sprays kills 99.9% of the viruses and bacteria your family comes in contact with every day. Don't forget to clean TV remotes and keyboards, too!


4. Your Dishwasher to The Rescue. Items that are dishwasher safe can easily be cleaned in your dishwasher using Finish Dishwashing Detergent. Dusty and cloudy vases and glasses will come out sparkling clean. Note: Be sure to use the gentle/crystal cycle and leave space between each item, or use plastic cups between glasses.

5. Clean vents. Cleaning vents is an important step in spring cleaning. If vents are not clean, dust and dirt can be released into the air every time the heater or air conditioning kicks on. Vacuum air vents and ceiling fans using a brush attachment. If you don't have a vacuum with attachments, take a damp cloth and wipe clean. If you need to get into the crevices of the vent, place a cloth over a butter knife and wipe clean.

6. Clean Windows. If your windows haven't been cleaned since last spring (guilty), mix a bucket of warm water with one tablespoon dishwashing liquid detergent. Use a scrubber sleeve to apply the solution to your windows and remove with a professional Squeegee. For best results, you will want to create a "cutting edge" at the top of the window by removing about 1"-2" strip of solution from the window and work from top to bottom. Wipe the Squeegee clean after every stroke.  

Keep in mind that washing windows does not have to be a daunting task done in one day. Take it one step at a time and clean a pre-set number of windows each day. Depending on the size of your home and windows, you could schedule 15 minutes each day to accomplish this task. 


7. Follow Your Nose. Did you know that our sense of smell is connected to our emotions and perceptions? Our sense of smell can make us feel happy, relaxed, and invigorated or irritable and anxious. Our nose knows when something is perceived to be clean, too. If your home smells clean, the scent freshens your home and enhances all the moments in it. I love using Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra Automatic Spray Refills in my home. It neutralizes odors and fragrances your home without having to think about it. I'm currently using the Virgin Islands scent with Tropical Plumeria & Sweet Honeysuckle and oooh, it smells sooo good!

8. Drab to Fab. Freshen machine washable curtains or sheers on the delicate cycle using cold water and Woolite. Woolite is a gentle laundry detergent specially formulated to gently clean delicate fabrics. After washing, tumble dry with very low or no heat and hang while draperies are damp. The weight will help them hang better than if they are dried completely. Do not hang wet draperies as this could cause mildew. Also, resist the temptation to open windows when draperies are drying as they will attract dust and dirt from outdoors. 

Gold Vase DIY
9. Refresh. Now that everything is clean and the clutter is gone, it's time to update your decor and add sparkle to your room with a super-easy, do-it-yourself project! This DIY is a great way to welcome spring into your home without spending a lot of money. What I absolutely love about this project is that it is fool-proof, too. If you make a mistake, simply peel off the tape and try again. You can also complete this project in under 5 minutes, so it won't eat into your spring cleaning time.  
SUPPLIES
Scissors
Metallic or Sparkle Tape
Vase


Before you get started, be sure your vase is clean.  Decide on the pattern you want to create and cut a piece of tape long enough to wrap around the vase. I held my tape taught and centered the tape in the front of the vase, slowly wrapping it around the back of the vase. I then turned the vase around and snipped excess tape to create a ring. Repeat. You can add as many rings as you desire. If the rings are too close together or too far apart, slowly peel off the tape and start over again. 

Silver Vase DIY
Target has tape in a variety of fun designs and colors. I used sparkling silver above and a gold zebra print below to show you just how easy it is to change up the look of an ordinary vase. And the best part is, the Target vase cost only $2.50! 

Zebra Vase DIY
10. Head to TargetI found all my cleaning supplies AND DIY materials at my local Target. It is my one-stop shopping destination for everything I need to clean and freshen my home for spring! And right now, you can save on spring cleaning products when you use Target's Cartwheel app! Believe me, Target's Cartwheel app is the EASIEST way to SAVE MONEY! You can save 5%-10% off any Air Wick itemsCheck out the savings on Air Wick's Freshmatic Ultra Automatic Spray Refills HERE! If you buy 3, 5-count Air Wick Scented Oils, you will get a FREE gadget! Your home will smell like paradise! 

Do you have any spring cleaning tips or a quick way to freshen your home decor for spring? Share in the comments below!

125 comments :

  1. I use Air Wick Freshmatic in my bathrooms and the rooms smell clean and fresh. Cute vase ideas!

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  2. Getting rid of the clutter is always my first step. I just finished spring cleaning my master bedroom walk-in closet and gave away tons of stuff. Then I reorganized everything. It's so nice once the entire house has been cleaned from top to bottom.

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    1. Clutter always creeps up on me. I could have a clear desk one day and the next day it is covered with mail and items to review.

      Thanks for stopping by, Alli!

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  3. The vase looks great. You have some great suggestions. Clearing clutter can be so helpful, I've been working on a little at a time with that in mind.

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  4. I am with you on getting the house clean just before guests arrived lol. I absolutely love your creation with the flower vase. So pretty!

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  5. Decluttering is always my first task. Ridding the house of clutter gives way to more room so I can re-arrange furniture and make vacuuming, washing and wiping easier. We use a Lysol solution when cleaning because it not only kills bacteria but it gives the house a nice fresh scent.

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  6. The metallic touch on the vases looks cool. I am just about to clean my room and the tips here could come in handy.

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    1. Thanks! I think it adds a little sparkle to the room!

      Thank you for stopping by!
      nancy

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  7. I love to use my dishwasher to sanitize all our things that are able to go inside the dishwasher. These are some wonderful tips for spring cleaning

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  8. I love the look of this vase and I think it would look great in my own home too. I cannot say I love to clean and usually put it off, but alas it is a necessity!

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  9. I love this vase craft. It came out so beautiful. Thanks for the speed cleaning tips.

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    Replies
    1. Awww...Thanks for your kind words, Jennifer!
      Thank you for stopping by!
      nancy

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  10. It is always good to have a starting point. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with chores I get nothing done.

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  11. I love spring cleaning so thank you so much for the cleaning tips.

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  12. AMazing tips for spring cleaning. I need to take note of many of them and get to cleaning myself.

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  13. These fancy tapes just turn anything into magic don't they! <3

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  14. If I don't clean my place, I scream. I have to live in a clean place and not live in a pile of c***. Great tips here esp on the self timer :D

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  15. Excellent tips I just wish they came with a cleaning lady that would do all this for me!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ivonne,
      A cleaning lady can be arranged. Throw an apron on hubby! lol
      Thanks for stopping by!
      xo, nancy

      Delete
  16. These are great tips to make Spring cleaning stress free. It's really important to have a system. I usually prioritize rooms that are extra messy.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda,
      The kitchen seems to be the hardest to keep clean in my house. lol
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  17. Thanks for the tips! The vase you made looks really beautiful.. it's easy to do too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Peachy! I appreciate the kind words!
      xo, nancy

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  18. I love the idea of setting a timer. My girls and I do this sometimes - when you have three people spending 15 minutes, the house looks a lot better fast!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jaime, Setting a timer is a fun game for the kids! That's great that the girls help out!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  19. Very timely. This is easy to follow and a very good idea. But I don't think my home will look like that when I finish :).

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  20. I love using Target Cartwheel! These are awesome tips and I'm going to have to try that with a vase! I have a few rolls of sparkly tape here!

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  21. If we're out of Lysol, that would be a grocery trip emergency! It's essential for cleaning and disinfecting but especially during our spring cleaning. We're working on ours now too. Love those pretty DIY vases!

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  22. I need to update my checklist again. Last year we didn't look out for deals. We probably could have saved on supplies!

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  23. I love this vase. It looks like something that was purchased. I use Target Cartwheel and am a Target addict if we are being honest.

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  24. For me i take it one room at a time. It takes me a week but i give my house a deep cleaning.

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  25. These are great spring cleaning tips. I like to pick a room to tackle each day. I clan it from top to bottom then move on to the next.

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  26. I started with a self timer for blogging tasks recently and it has worked really need to try it with cleaning. Great tips

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    Replies
    1. That's great! I need to do that, too! I'm so easily distracted when I'm blogging!

      Thanks for stopping by! nancy

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  27. Oh my goodness..the doorknobs. I don't know if I ever remember those. Haha!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Megan, I know. Can you imagine how many bacteria are on door knobs? Ugh...

      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

      Delete
  28. This inspired me to do my Spring Cleaning this weekend. I'll be sure to check out the Cartwheel App. Target is like my second home!

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  29. These are great tips! I especially like the "set a timer" tip! It's so true that I have my house looking spotless when expecting company in a certain amount of time!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer! Isn't it the truth. I can clean my house super fast if somebody is coming for a visit to my home! lol

      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  30. I LOVE this vase! It's super cute, and it looks so easy to make, too. That's the perfect combo!

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  31. Ugh, I am so behind on my spring cleaning this year! I have a list but little motivation to get it done. it's really hard with two active boys in the house too.

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  32. I love that there is a starting point and in point. It's a good way to do it and not feel overwhelmed with how much work there needs to be done on the house.

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  33. I love the vases you made! So pretty! I need to use this as a guide to spring cleaning my home!

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  34. I think knobs and switches are some of the most neglected areas in our house. Thanks for the reminder- Spring cleaning is overdue here.

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  35. That vase is really neat! I absolutely love all of your ideas for quick cleans for Spring.

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  36. So pretty!! I totally love this idea, it's so simple and yet looks like a million bucks!

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  37. You have the prettiest gold decor in your home. I love how it accents your space. Air Wick is also a must have in my home!

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  38. I love setting the timer to help me get things done.... if I went to target for cleaning supplies I would end up buying a bunch of new home decor stuff for summer - haha!

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  39. I do need to remember to hit all of our vents. That wasn't on my list! I still have some supplies to buy!

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  40. This vase idea is amazing!!! How simple and perfect for the season! I will be making these as teacher gifts at the end of the year!

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  41. Setting a timer is a great idea. We are doing some spring cleaning this weekend. I will have to try these great tips.

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  42. Lysol and Airwick are the two products that I need to use to clean my son's rooms! I like the idea of setting a timer.

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  43. I love the look of this vase and it is so easy to do. I will have to get the supplies I need to make one this weekend.

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  44. I like to choose a room for the day to tackle and clean from top to bottom. I will have to try setting a timer for each task.

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  45. I do not enjoy spring cleaning. I put it off as long as possible and I probably complain the whole time I am doing it.

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  46. That DIY vase is so stylish!! I will definitely try that. Thanks so much for these Spring cleaning tips! Awesome!

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  47. Great tips , I'm starting this weekend.

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  48. It's amazing how much cleaning can get done in a short period of time. I tend to do a little each day as to not be overwhelmed.

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  49. What a cute idea with the vase. It will definitely brighten up the space.

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  50. Thanks for all of the tips! I love the idea of setting a timer. It's a great way to "race" through chores and seeing how much I can do in a short amount of time. I'm always surprised how much I can get done around the house in just twenty minutes.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kathryn, I agree. I love when people are coming over and I have to race through the house and clean. lol
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  51. Dusting its such hard work here. Thank you, Jerri Davis

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    1. Hi Jerri, I know. I have allergies and hate, hate to dust. It is one of those necessary evils. lol
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  52. I always forget about sticking things in the dishwasher - it's such a great tip!
    ~ Kim Pincombe Cole

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kim, I forget to clean things in the dishwasher, too!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

      Delete
  53. Oh my gosh you covered even more than I could think of. I love the cleaning vent ones never thought to do that before. I love all the tips!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie,
      Thank you! I hope the tips helped.
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

      Delete
  54. Really good tips! I like to start at the top of a room when I dust, and work my way to the bottom. I dust my fan and furniture before vaccuuming

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    Replies
    1. Hi Patricia, Great tips! My son has a ceiling fan in his room. Boy, does it get dusty. I make him do it because I have allergies. lol
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  55. Great cleaning tips and I love the vase such a cute idea to dress things up.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Laurie! I appreciate you stopping by!
      xoxo, nancy

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  56. this is a very handy list. I am just about to start the spring clean and this will be helpful.

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    Replies
    1. Hope it helps, Monique!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  57. FIRST GET RID OF THINGS WE DO NOT USE OR WANT. ALSO, PUT THINGS IN THERE PLACE. MAKE SURE FLOORS ARE WASHED AND CLEAN.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Gidget, Great tips! If only my children could put things in their place. It sure would help!
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

      Delete
  58. I love your laudry basket idea. Going to try that today!

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    Replies
    1. The basket comes in handy with kids. My children leave behind nail polishes, books, etc. in every room. The only thing they don't leave around the house are their cell phones. lol
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  59. I recently read that even if a day is chilly, open a window for even 5 minutes - it'll freshen your home. I love your vases!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jen, I love that tip! I bet it works!
      Thanks for your kind comment!
      Have a great week!
      nancy

      Delete
  60. These are some great cleaning tips. The one thing I do differently is I hang my sheer curtains when they come out of the washer and as they dry the dampness pulls out the wrinkles. As an added bonus the fabric softener I use adds scent to the room.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I do the same with my sheers, too. They are damp when I hang them. As long as they are not wet, or they attract dirt and dust.

      Thanks so much for stopping by! nancy

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  61. I am taking your tip about setting a timer! I like the idea of using it exactly like you said--getting the house "clean for company" in a hurry. I'll also use it to time myself for some heavy decluttering--we have downsized, rennovated, and still have stuff to go through--so that I am not overwhelmed trying to do it all at once.
    Mary Beth Elderton

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    Replies
    1. Hi Beth, I hear ya. I have soooo much to toss away, too.
      Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate your kind comment.

      Delete
  62. That's a good idea about setting a timer. I bet that would help me move a little faster. I find that when I'm cleaning, I tend to take little breaks, so I think a timer just might keep me moving instead of taking those little breaks.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sandy, I get distracted so easily that a timer is my best bet. lol
      Thank you for stopping by!
      Have a great week!
      nancy

      Delete
  63. Great tips. It help to start with one room at a time.

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    1. Great tip! I always start in the kitchen. It's the most lived in room in my home. :)
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      nancy

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  64. I love the diy vase. My daughter is always bringing me wild flowers she picks outside, that would be a great way to display them.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Audrey, Thanks! It's so easy, but it does glam up a plain vase!
      Thank you for stopping by and have a great week!
      nancy

      Delete
  65. These are really good tips, especially for someone like me that tends to get sidetracked a lot along the way. I like the vase too.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marti!
      Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your kind comment!
      Have a great week!
      nancy

      Delete
  66. Amazing tips and target is always my go to for cleaning supplies!

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    1. Hi Lee, I agree. I love shopping Target for all my cleaning supplies!

      Have a great week!
      nancy

      Delete
  67. I liked all your tips. Good ones! We have maids, so I only do the stuff like all the barware. My aunt had this really good tip. When people were coming over, she would leave the vacuum out and apologize that they caught her in the middle of vacuuming. NOT. LOL!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Suzi! I love your aunt's cleaning tip! Ha! I have to try that one!

      Thanks for stopping by! Enjoyed your comment!
      nancy

      Delete
  68. I never thought to set a timer ingenious thx

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    1. Hi Birdie, The timer works well when the children pitch in and help clean, too!
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      nancy

      Delete
  69. These are some great ideas. I love to make DIY flower pots. they add extra personal touch. Spring cleaning is time consuming if you do without planning ahead. Your tips would be really helpful. thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nidhi,
      I bet the flower pots are adorable! What a great idea!

      Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!
      nancy

      Delete
  70. Ha Ha. My husband has a habit of saying, "Who's coming over?" whenever I start cleaning the house! I'll also remember the tip about leaving the vacuum out!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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    1. Isn't that funny! Having company sure helps to clean the house quickly! :)

      Thanks for stopping by, Carolsue!

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  71. great tips i always forget doorknobs and handles

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    1. I forget to clean my door knobs and light switches, too! :)
      Thanks for stopping by, Katy Michelle

      Delete
  72. 7. Follow Your Nose. Yes, I do. That is my number 1 problem. Battling mold from a leaky roof and an area in the front yard smells like the previous owner buried her husbands (divorced) head up under us.....oh my!!

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  73. I love to declutter, but it's so hard with a 2 year old in the house. I don't love cleaning, but I love ridding my house of old and unused items.

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  74. Deep cleaning and decluttering helps. Love those vases!

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  75. I love the idea of updating decor once the cleaning is finished!! What a fun way to celebrate a clean home!

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  76. This is exactly what I need. A list of tips to follow and keep me on track. I have a habit of starting a job but not finishing it.

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  77. Clearing the clutter is almost an insumountable task for me. I live with 2 hoarders...OMG! Once, I can put my foot down with them, I can go on to the rest without too many problems. I just have to be firm!

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  78. Tip: don't clean windows in direct sunlight! Wait until the sun is bearing down on them directly to clean.

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  79. Great tips! I love setting a timer to clean. I seem to get more done in a quicker time that way.

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  80. Love vase, thank you for the tips, I try to clean one room a day

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  81. The vase and flowers look nice.

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  82. great cleanning tips. ill try the timer

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  83. I totally agree with the cleaning of light fixtures and door handles. I never used to think of these things but after a few illnesses in the house, I clean them often with disinfectent.

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  84. I hate cleaning my house. Thanks for the hints. I'll try anything!

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  85. Wow inspiring tips indeed thanks for sharing them have to use some of them thanks

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  86. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter. This is a great list you have going. Somehow or another living in the house with Kids clutter just seems to pile up every where and it drives me nuts. Thanks for the tips

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  87. I love the fancy vase! You make it look so easy, like easy so I can do it...LOL

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