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Editor’s Note: This story was originally live on the cheap.
Spring cleaning is more than just a fun, clean house.
It is also a source of discovered money. Intrigued?
The spring ritual rewards you with learning the best ways to tackle typical spring cleaning chores and how you can save yourself a few bucks by pursuing cleanliness.
1. Vacuum the sofa and chair cushions
what to do: Vacuum the cushions and any crumbs or dirt that may have accumulated on them. If necessary, spot clean stains on the upholstery.
Most stains can be cleaned using a simple solution of 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup water. Spray the solution onto the stain or dab using a clean white cloth. Wait 5-15 minutes, then dab with a clean cloth to remove any dirt. Repeat as necessary until spots are removed.
how to save money: If you’re lucky, you might find some loose change. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning will also keep your upholstery looking like new and extend the life of your furniture.
2. Dirty ceilings, lighting fixtures, blinds and curtains
what to do: Vacuum or dust the light fixtures and where the ceiling meets the wall to remove any dust or cobwebs. Wipe the slatted blinds with a mild cleaning solution (1 gallon of water with distilled vinegar and water, or 1-2 tablespoons of liquid soap).
Vacuum the curtains or send them to the dry cleaners.
how to save money: If you have dust or mold allergies, this type of deep cleaning can improve the air quality of your home and reduce the need for medications and hospital visits.
At the very least, removing dust and dirt from the environment means that furnaces and air conditioners don’t have to run as hard, saving energy costs.
3. Shampoo or steam clean carpet traffic areas
what to do: Rent a carpet shampoo or steam cleanerVacuum thoroughly before vacuuming high-traffic areas such as staircases, entryways, hallways, and normal indoor walkways.
how to save money: A regular deep cleaning of high traffic areas will restore your carpet to a new look and extend its life. If you own your home, your carpet can last for several years before needing to be replaced.
4. Replace the furnace and air conditioner filters
what to do: For replaceable filters, check the size and purchase a new one at your local hardware store. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washable filters. If you have lost the instruction manual, you can usually download it from the manufacturer’s website.
how to save money: Dirty filters make it difficult to operate the furnace and A/C to heat or cool the same amount.
Replace filters regularly Reduce your electricity billIf you’re allergic to dust or mold, cleaning your filters can improve the air quality in your home and reduce the need to take medication or see a doctor.
5. Flip the mattress
what to do: In the spring, the mattress is flipped over and rotated, and in the fall, it is rotated from head to foot again.
how to save money: Regular rotation of the mattress distributes wear and extends the life of the mattress.
6. Wash your pillow
what to do: Most pillows are machine washable. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
how to save money: Washing your pillow regularly will extend the life of your pillow.
If you have dust allergies or asthma, washing regularly may reduce the need for medications and doctor visits. Wash your pillow after dealing with a cold or other virus.
7. Refrigerator and freezer vacuum condensers
what to do: Turn off the refrigerator and freezer breakers and fuse boxes.
Vacuum the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the cabinet behind the grill. Check the instruction manual if you have one.
how to save money: Removing dust from the coil optimizes the efficiency of the cooling system, ultimately reducing your electricity bill.
8. Clean the refrigerator and freezer
what to do: Please move all the contents to the cooler box during cleaning. If your freezer doesn’t frost, you’ll have to wait until the ice melts.
Wipe the shelves and walls with a clean sponge and one of the following cleaning solutions. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 gallon of water or equal parts distilled vinegar and water. Wipe down the container with cleaning solution before returning the bottle or jar to the refrigerator.
Of course, the old or “unknown” items will be discarded, and the contents will be sorted out and returned.
how to save money: Having a clean and organized refrigerator and freezer makes it easier to take inventory before shopping, prevents over-buying and reduces food waste.
9. Organize your pantry
what to do: Delete all contents of the table. Sort, organize, and return available items. Sell, recycle, donate or dispose of items you no longer use.
how to save money: A clean and organized pantry facilitates inventory before shopping, helps prevent over-buying and reduces food waste.
10. Clean up cluttered storage space
what to do: Examine closets and other storage areas throughout the house (bedrooms, hallways, basements, attics, garages). Set aside anything you haven’t used in a year or more, including appliances, tools, and supplies.
If you have enough supplies, hold a garage sale. If you have some usable items of some value, sell them on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. (See our story How to buy and sell online.) Trade or resell books, DVDs or other media. Or just stock up on merchandise and donate it to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or your local Buy Nothing group.
how to save money: Selling items you no longer use will return excess cash to your pocket. Even donations can be claimed to the extent permitted by your federal income tax return if you complete a complete inventory and document your donation.
Plus, if you only have a few possessions, you don’t need to invest in a storage solution to keep all your clutter under control.
11. Wash patio furniture
what to do: Clean metal and plastic furniture with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. For wood, wicker, and rattan furniture, use a vinegar solution or 1-2 tablespoons of Murphy’s Oil Soap in 1 gallon of water.
how to save money: Extend the life of your outdoor furniture with seasonal cleaning.
12. Scrub the wooden deck
what to do: Scrub your wood deck with a solution of 3 quarts of warm water, 1 quart of regular household bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution), and 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent.
CAUTION: Do not use detergents that contain ammonia. Ammonia and bleach react to produce toxic fumes.
Soak a deck brush in the cleaning solution and brush the deck. Scrub any stains or moldy areas. Rinse with water (from a garden hose) after cleaning.
how to save money: A thorough cleaning of your deck every season will remove dirt and mildew and extend the life of your deck.
Make some of these spring cleaning tasks a tradition in your home and reap the benefits.
