Lamp shades and drapes get overlooked more than almost anything else. Toss drapes, curtains, and even throw pillows in the dryer for 15 minutes on the air-only cycle, then rehang immediately to prevent wrinkles.
Four Spring-Cleaning Shortcuts You Might Be Missing
Removing pet hair from upholstery and drapes is tedious, and cleaning a lint brush is its own small nightmare — but all you really need is a pair of rubber gloves. Pull on a traditional pair, dampen them, and use your hands to collect the problem fuzz.
Dust Your Forgotten Places
Make a Carryall Apron
Before you toss out an old kitchen apron, stash your essential spring-cleaning supplies in the pockets and wear it from room to room. It keeps your hands free to scrub and polish, so you're not lugging a heavy cleaning bucket around the house.
Focus on Your Fridge
You probably already wipe down the interior shelving regularly, but don't forget the rest. Pop out the door shelves and bins and wash them in warm, soapy water to get rid of food bacteria and spillage.
Mind Your Indoor Air Quality
Open windows whenever you get the chance to bring in fresh air. And consider losing the 'fragrance' — when an ingredient list just says fragrance, the manufacturer can put nearly anything in it without disclosing it, and that adds up over a year of washing, cleaning, and bathing in it. Plenty of fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and lotions are available if you'd rather skip the mystery ingredients.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →