Here are some great spring cleaning tips every homeowner should know. Spring has come early and that means many people are just itching to get outside and start those gardening projects, but before you do take this time, before it gets to warm outside, do tackle those spring cleaning chores. These spring cleaning tips may not make the job more fun, but they can help get the job done fast.

Vinegar – Vinegar, regular old vinegar should be a stable in your pantry as it can take the place of so many expensive and environmentally unfriendly cleaning products.

• Remove Coffee Maker Mineral Deposits – Start by filling your coffee reservoir with vinegar and then brewing it through the coffee maker. Pour the pot of vinegar into a bucket and set aside. Rinse coffee maker with two cycles of water (also pouring in bucket for later use).
• Remove Grease – Use the vinegar from the coffee maker to remove grease and grime from cabinets, stove, fan grills etc.
• Clean Windows – Still using the vinegar from the coffee pot — use sponge to wipe vinegar on windows and then use crumpled up newspaper to clean your windows for a streak free shine. If possible clean windows on a cloudy day so the vinegar doesn’t dry too fast leaving streaks behind. Wipe up and down on one side and side to side on the other so you can tell which side has streak.
• Clean Floors – Use 1/2 cup of vinegar in a gallon of water to clean linoleum and tile flooring.

Baking Soda – Baking soda is a naturally occurring material made from sodium carbonate. It is non toxic and can be used to clean and freshen just about every room in your house. Best of all it’s cheap.

• In the Fridge – We all know a box of baking soda in the fridge is a must have, but when was the last time you swapped it out or put one in? Place an opened box in your fridge, freezer and cabinets to absorb nasty odors and keep them smelling fresh.
• Burnt Pots and Pans – Sprinkle baking soda into burnt pan and add hot water. Let soak overnight and clean up should be a breeze.
• Eliminate Garbage Odors – Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of kitchen garbage can as well in the bottom of the liner.
• Fresh Laundry – Replace half the amount of laundry detergent with baking soda for fresh smelling laundry. Use as a paste to pretreat tough stains.
• Carpets – Sprinkle on carpets and wait 15 minutes to vacuum.
• Lawn Furniture – Use 1/4 cup baking soda in a quart of warm water to clean lawn furniture. Scrub with mixture and rinse with hose.

Wash Reusable Grocery Bags – The great thing about reusable grocery bags is that you save money, the environment and you get a snazzy looking bag to carry around. The downside? You have to keep them clean. Run them through the washing machine to remove bacteria and stains. Hang to dry or in dryer on low.

Wash Pillows and Comforters – We all know we should wash sheets and pillowcases once a week, but did you know you should wash your pillows and comforters at least every three months? If you have large comforters consider taking to a laundromat where they have larger machines (they also wash and dry much faster than a standard machine).

Clean Underneath – Spring cleaning is really all about cleaning the stuff we can’t see and that means cleaning underneath things like beds, furniture, the microwave, fridge and oven. If you have pets, you know you’ll find all kinds of interesting things underneath.

Microwave – Get the hard to remove dried food off the top of the microwave by placing a damp sponge in the microwave and running it for one minute or long enough to get hot. Keep door closed while it cools down. Wipe away grime with ease. Prevent food from splattering by using a microwave save splatter top.

Declutter – Get rid of things you don’t use or need anymore. Go through your drawers, closet, bookshelves etc and donate items that haven’t been worn in 6 months or more, that don’t fit or that you just don’t want. Recycle old magazines and newspapers.

Replace Air Filters – Replace the air filter on your furnace or A/C so you aren’t just recirculating stale and dusty air.

Reduce Pet Shedding – Spring means shedding season so be sure to brush your pets regularly to reduce shedding. Do it outside so there is less mess.