Top 10 cleaning hacks

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A few simple routines can make all the difference

Spring cleaning is a rite of passage for many but what if you could forgo the harsh chemicals this year?

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The cleaning experts at Molly Maid and do-it-yourself enthusiast and Molly Maid franchise partner for Toronto North and Toronto Central Valbona Shijaku offers cleaning solutions that promise to transform everyday items into cleaning powerhouses:

1. Clean windows. Spray your windows with one part distilled white vinegar to one part warm water and wipe with a coffee filter. The gentle texture ensures a scratch-free, lint-free shine. Dislike the smell of vinegar? Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

2. Remove crayon wax. Mayonnaise, with its oil-based solution, breaks down crayon wax effortlessly. Dab a small amount on the mark, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe away. “Mayonnaise is a relatively gentle cleaning agent, making it safe for use on most wood furniture and floors.”

3. Refresh lampshades. Dust and pet hair clinging to lampshades? A lint roller offers a gentle, versatile solution. As an added bonus, a clean lampshade brightens the room and reduces allergens.

4. Clean long-necked vases. Pour rice and soapy water into the vase and swirl. “Uncooked rice, especially long-grain rice, has just the right amount of texture to act as a gentle abrasive.” Rinse thoroughly.

5. Clean showerheads. Mineral deposits clogging your showerhead? Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead and let it soak. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves buildup, restoring water flow. “The soak time can be adjusted depending on the severity of the buildup.”

6. Remove pet hair. Pet hair clinging to furniture? Slip on dish gloves and run your hands over the surface. The static electricity attracts hair, making it easy to gather and dispose of. “This is a perfect solution for quick cleanups between vacuuming.”

7. Refresh cutting boards. “Lemons are a powerhouse disinfectant and deodorizer.” Simply halve a lemon and rub it generously across the cutting board’s surface. Allow the citrus juice to work its magic for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. For stubborn stains or odours, a sprinkle of coarse salt before the lemon rub adds a gentle abrasive boost.

8. Buff appliances. Tired of dull, fingerprint-covered stainless-steel appliances? Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and gently buff the surface. The natural oils in olive oil create a barrier, making it harder for fingerprints and watermarks to stick.

9. Remove scuff marks on walls. Create a paste by combining baking soda with a small amount of water and gently rub it onto the scuffed area. “The finely abrasive texture of baking soda lifts the scuff without harming the paint’s surface.”

10. Clean ceiling fan blades. Slip an old pillowcase over each blade and gently slide it off, trapping the dust inside. After cleaning the blades, wipe down the motor housing with the pillowcase or a separate cloth and then launder the pillowcase. For a deeper clean, lightly spray the inside

Declutter like the pros

“Spring is all about fresh start and nothing feels better than a home that’s light, airy and easy to maintain,” says Katherin Creighton Taylor, a professional organizer and founder of Decantt Organized Living, a Toronto-based home organizing company.

“After all, when clutter lingers, even the most beautiful home can feel overwhelming. But before you dive into deep cleaning, take a step back because true renewal begins with decluttering.”

Here are her tips:

Step 1: Begin with a vision

• Before pulling everything out, consider the overall aesthetic and function of each space. Do you want an efficient pantry that makes weeknight dinners easier? A closet that simplifies your mornings? A play space that fosters creativity?
• Try this: Walk through your home as if seeing it for the first time. Where does visual clutter build up? Which areas feel intuitive and which feel chaotic?

Step 2: Start small for big results

• Instead of tackling an entire room, begin with quick wins, such as a single drawer, a nightstand or the kitchen counter. Small successes build momentum and make the process feel rewarding, not overwhelming.
• Try this: Set a 15-minute timer and pick a high-traffic area like your junk drawer or entryway. Remove anything that doesn’t belong.

Step 3: Edit with purpose

• A clutter-free home isn’t about getting rid of everything; it’s about keeping what supports and enhances your life. Edit intentionally, choosing quality over quantity.
• Try this: Ask yourself: Do I need, use and love this? Does this fit my life and style today? Is this worth the space it’s taking up? Would I buy this again for full price?

Step 4: Create simple systems

• To keep your home organized, set up systems that are easy to maintain.
• Try this: Invest in storage solutions that streamline and elevate everyday routines, whether it’s a designated spot for keys, a set of baskets for mail or labelled containers for pantry staples.

Step 5: Maintain simplicity

• The real magic isn’t in the decluttering itself. It’s in the daily habits that keep your home feeling fresh and organized. A few simple routines make all the difference:
• The one-minute rule: If it takes less than a minute to put away, do it now.
• Quick wins: Set a 15-minute timer each evening to reset high-traffic areas.
• One-in, one-out: If something new comes in, something old goes out.
• And remember: Don’t put it down. Put it away.
• Try this: Make it a family habit. When everyone plays a role in tidying up, staying organized becomes easier and more sustainable.