Take on this DIY spring cleaning challenge and have a spick and span home in no time!
RELATED: 10 Essential Cleaning Checklist Items for Spring | DIY Projects
In this article:
- Kitchen Cleaning Challenge
- Bathroom Cleaning Challenge
- Bedroom Declutter Challenge
- Living Room Cleaning Challenge
- Home Office Decluttering Challenge
- Miscellaneous
A 30-Day Cleaning Challenge That Will Change Your Life
Kitchen Cleaning Challenge
Day 1. Wipe Down Microwave And Oven
Steam clean your microwave by putting lemon slices and water into a microwave-safe bowl and let it heat up in the microwave. Wipe down the appliance with a cloth after.
Once you’re done, tackle your oven by removing its racks and making a paste of baking soda and water. Spread this in the oven and leave it for at least 12 hours.
Remove the dried up paste with a damp cloth and then spray on a bit of vinegar to pick up the remaining residue. Don’t forget to do a final wipe down after.
Day 2. Clean Dishwasher
Aside from giving your dishwasher a rinse of vinegar, it’s also good to double check for food that gets stuck inside the dishwasher.
To minimize bacterial growth, look for the removable piece under the lower sprayer. Remove the waste buildup with a toothbrush, rinse with water, and place it back in the dishwasher.
Day 3. Organize Pantry
In New York apartments space is a premium, so this floor to ceiling pantry was a DREAM to organize. Keeping everything contained allows room to grow! Louisa Roberts #neatNYC pic.twitter.com/k4W8iTaXY9
— Neat Method (@NeatMethod) April 14, 2019
Labels, baskets, and risers are a great help when it comes to organizing your pantry. The labels help make everything easily accessible, making sure you don’t mistake salt for sugar.
While the baskets help reduce the clutter, and the risers give you a view of all the ingredients you’ve already stocked up on.
Day 4. Clean Fridge
It's that time of year again! Here is the best way you can deep clean your fridge: https://t.co/zriD1vcSSs pic.twitter.com/GoE8Yw2Sx6
— Tri City Rentals (@TriCityRentals) April 9, 2019
Do a deep clean after you toss the expired items from your fridge. Start by transferring everything from your fridge to a cooler, then remove and wash the shelves in soapy water.
After rinsing, leave them to air dry. While waiting, clean the rest of your fridge’s interior with a microfiber cloth and soapy water. When you’re done rinsing, repeat the process on the exterior, especially on the door handles.
Day 5. Rid Stove Top Of Dried Up Spills
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Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to get rid of the stubborn stains on your stove top. I’d strongly suggest using a strong cloth for this job — paper towels will disintegrate when wet.
Day 6. Take Out Grime From Tile Grout
All you’ll need to take out the grime from the grout on your countertop are some vinegar, dishwashing liquid, a scrub brush and pad, and a toothbrush.
It may take a bit of elbow grease to clean out all of the grime, but it’ll be well worth it once you see how clean your kitchen is after.
Day 7. Clean Kitchen Sink and Disposal
Try DIY cleaning products and clean your kitchen sink using white vinegar and baking soda. Take extra caution when you pour the vinegar into the baking soda, as the mixture starts to create bubbles.
Don’t forget to finish the job by tossing in a few ice cubes with lemon slices in your disposal. This will help keep the blades sharp and make the disposal smell fresh.
Day 8. Mop the Floor
Make sure to sweep and vacuum the floor before you begin with your mop. I suggest using a mild cleanser with your warm water, to prevent product buildup on your kitchen tiles.
Also, don’t forget to let the floor completely dry before going into the kitchen.
Bathroom Cleaning Challenge
Day 9. Organize Medicine Cabinet
[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BgVvNIlFaq6/ hidecaption=true width=625]
When rearranging the items in your medicine cabinet, you can organize items according to the body part they’re used for, like skincare, oral care, hair care, and first aid items.
Check the expiration dates of the items inside as well, and toss out the ones that have gone bad.
Day 10. Wash Shower Curtains
Get mildew off your shower curtains by tossing them in the washing machine, with 2 light colored towels, a cup of baking soda, and your regular detergent.
I highly suggest adding a few drops of tea tree oil as well, to help kill the mildew.
Day 11. Clean Shower and Tub
Rid your tub of any stains by scrubbing it with grapefruit and salt. Begin by cutting the grapefruit in half and dipping it in salt.
The salt helps in scrubbing the tub while the fruit’s citrus acid breaks down the stains. On the other hand, if you want to clean your showerhead, pour vinegar into a bag and tie it onto the head.
Let it sit overnight and remove the next day.
Day 12. Disinfect Toilet, Bathroom Surface Areas, and Floor
Clean your toilet with these easy DIY cleaner tabs- https://t.co/ur5WiFXG90 #homemaking #essentialoils pic.twitter.com/hBJQKMOvOD
— Lisa Sharp (@retrohousewife5) November 9, 2017
In disinfecting your toilet and bathroom surface areas and floor, you need a heavy-duty mixture to do the work. But sometimes, it is hard to find a cleaning agent that will not only clean but also disinfect and deodorize.
So, why not make your own! Simply make a solution of 3/4 cup of Borax, a cup of distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
I suggest using either lemon or lavender for this one.
Bedroom Declutter Challenge
Day 13. Organize and Declutter Closet
A major project today! Decluttering, organizing and color coordinating a large (and very cool!) closet. #DeCluttrMe #professionalorganizer #professionalorganiser #simplify #declutter #decluttering #clutter #clutterfree #organize #organise #organizing #organized #organizingtips pic.twitter.com/BUeTXUzh8b
— DeCluttr Me (@DecluttrMe) November 18, 2017
Need a little help in tackling your disorganized drawers? Use dividers to help you sort little items of clothing into each cubicle. That way, you won’t have to rummage around when looking for something specific.
Day 14. Deep-Clean Mattress
Sift baking soda onto your mattress, leave this for 15-60 minutes, and then use a vacuum to clean up the powder. This will help lift any odors from the mattress.
If you find any stains on the mattress, simply make a mixture of salt, baking soda, and water, and scrub this in a circular motion on the mattress. Blot it out using a dry cloth afterward.
Day 15. Wash Pillows and Sheets
Do you wash your bed sheets and pillows enough? #laundryday #healthyliving https://t.co/Gqpg18FAhP #laundrytips pic.twitter.com/ywALxCiuOH
— Safe Laundry Tips (@SafeLaundryTips) June 17, 2017
Looking for a way to whiten your sheets and pillow covers? Set your washing machine on its hottest setting and add in your laundry detergent, powdered dishwasher detergent, bleach, and borax.
I suggest going for small loads and reducing water if possible, as this will help concentrate the whitening solution further.
RELATED: 200 Home Maintenance Tips and Repair Ideas You Can DIY
Day 16. Clean Floor
Aside from doing a dry mop, it would also be beneficial if you sealed your hardwood floor with some polyurethane, which can be damp-mopped. If your floor is treated with sealant, choose a polish and a wax mop.
Day 17. Disinfect Light Switches And Clean Light Bulbs
Don’t forget to clean your lights. If you can, unscrew the light bulb and polish it with a damp microfiber cloth.
Be careful with the metal screw base, you wouldn’t want it to get wet.
Living Room Cleaning Challenge
Day 18. Clean Ceiling Fans
Get the dust off your ceiling fans by using a soft pillowcase. Insert the fan through the pillowcase and gently tug on it for the dust to settle inside.
For best results, use a pillowcase made from either flannel or cotton.
Day 19. Dust From Top To Bottom
Clean one part of the room from top to bottom before moving on to another part.
Don’t forget to wipe above the baseboard as well. Dryer sheets are the best tools for this job.
Day 20. Polish Leather Sofa
New home, old scars? Grab some shoe polish and start buffing to revitalise your leather sofa #homehacks pic.twitter.com/OdzsDwyQKt
— Big Yellow (@bigyellowss) May 22, 2017
Make your leather sofa look good as new by rubbing a bit of shoe polish on it with a rag. To start, wipe the sofa clean, put a bit of shoe polish on the rag, and then gently rub on the surface.
Don’t forget to wipe it clean with another rag to make sure the polish won’t transfer to anything else after.
Day 21. Clean Tables and Room Accents
Rid the frustrating watermarks on your coffee table or wood furniture with the help of some toothpaste and baking soda. Simply grab a damp cloth and rub the paste over the markings.
Day 22. Wipe Down TV and Remote
Taking a break from studying this weekend. Maybe you should wipe down the TV remote. It’s picked up by everyone who lives with you and some that don’t. Wipe it down once a week to keep germs under control. #StayHealthy pic.twitter.com/2KtiK8Ckjf
— MU Student Health (@MizzouSHC) December 9, 2017
Give your remote control a quick clean by cleaning around the buttons. I recommend using both a cotton swab and a microfiber cloth as your prime tools for this job.
Day 23. Clean Windows
A damp microfiber cloth is all it takes to clean your windows. After a few passes, it’ll leave you with a streak-free and lint-free shiny window.
Day 24. Clean And Deodorize Carpet
#Lifehack Throw baking soda down on your carpet next time your vacuum to deodorize and get a deeper clean. pic.twitter.com/jgywZtnlWe
— SERVPRO DC (@ServproOfDC) May 20, 2014
Once you’re done vacuuming the carpet, do this trick to keep your house smelling fresh and inviting. Add a few drops of essential oils to some baking soda and let the ingredients sit overnight.
Once it’s morning, sprinkle the powder over your carpet and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then power up the vacuum and savor the fresh scent of your home.
Home Office Decluttering Challenge
Day 25. Clean Desk And Chair
Begin by vacuuming the chair with a brush attachment. Then, dampen your sponge with some dishwashing soap and water, and wipe the chair.
Finish off with a wipe of vinegar and let the chair air dry.
Day 26. Declutter Files And Organize Bookshelf
May 16th's #Declutter365 mission is to continue to #declutter #files from your file cabinet, and then from now on make it an annual routine. https://t.co/H2n6drQedo pic.twitter.com/SkyBylfEJJ
— Taylor Flanery (@HomeStorage101) May 16, 2018
Use file folders and storage boxes to keep your office organized and clutter free.
I’ve found that keeping a stack of Post-Its nearby also helps, especially when I need to write something down as soon as possible.
Do you love the work of the people behind #YardCrashers. Try out some of the ideas you saw on the show! 📺 https://t.co/mkQnI5IoSW pic.twitter.com/qzlOHba4ji
— DIY Projects (@DIYProjectsCom) March 9, 2017
Miscellaneous
Day 27. Deep-Clean Washer And Dryer
Dump a box of baking soda into your washer and turn your setting to its hottest temperature. This will help kill the stale odor found in your washer.
When it comes to cleaning your dryer, always remember that it’s important to clear it of any lint. Too much lint lying around can be a fire hazard.
Day 28. Get Rid Of Pesky Weeds
Use salt to help rid your pathway of nasty weeds. Just be careful not to sprinkle any of it onto areas where you’d still want your plants to grow.
Day 29. Clean Grill
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Here’s a neat trick to clean your grill. Once the grill is hot, slice a white onion in half and stick a fork onto the dome. Rub the onion on the grates a few times and soon you’ll have a clean grill.
Day 30. Empty Vacuum And Clean Cleaning Supplies
Are you tired of buying new sponges every time. Try out this new cleaning tip on how to sanitize your sponges in the microwave. Make sure the sponge or scrubber is wet, not dry.
Rt for awareness #TuesdaycleaningTip #Koshacleaning pic.twitter.com/AiqMVrsFFQ— Kosha Cleaning Services (@KoshaCleaning) April 16, 2019
Make sure your cleaning supplies won’t breed bacterial growth once you’re done using them. After a wash, always store them in a dry place.
One tip for making sure your sponges are free of germs is to microwave them while they’re still wet. Set a timer for 2 minutes and don’t forget to let them cool before taking them out.A 30 day declutter challenge is one way to push yourself to really do a deep clean with your house. This particular one may take you 30 days to finish, but what’s a month, compared to a whole year of a much cleaner and more organized home?
Are you up for this cleaning challenge? Let us know in the comments below!
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