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Writer's pictureKim Patterson Finch

10 Fall Cleaning Tips

Fall cleaning is always easier with insider tricks and tips! Most Fall cleaning tricks come from every day household items. Here are our Fall Cleaning Tips for 2022:

1- Cleaning the Garbage Disposal:

One method is to freeze a vinegar and water mixture and grind the ice cubes in the disposal. That works by abrading the gunk that may have accumulated and the acid cuts grease. However, any time you have citrus peels, they are a great disposal refresher! Even better if you have egg shells to add too. The citrus oil in the peel dissolves grease and leaves a fresh smell. The egg shells work like an abrasive cleanser. If the peels are large (like big oranges or grapefruit) cut them into smaller pieces first.


2- Cleaning Garbage Cans:

Sprinkle a half a cup of baking soda in the bottom and pour hot water into the can. Let sit for an hour. Dump out water and rinse. You can use a cleaner too, but the baking soda absolutely deodorizes and removes the gunk.


3- Shine stainless steel sinks and appliances:

If you want your stainless steel appliances to look nice and shiny (…without small people fingerprints and water spots all over them), wipe a thin layer of baby oil on the all the stainless, let sit for a few minutes and wipe clean. WD-40 also works for removing water spots and keeping it sparkling (WD-40 was specifically invented to for "water dispersal"-- yeah that's what WD stands for!) but it doesn't smell as good as most baby oils.


4- Cleaning cooked-on food spatters in the microwave:

Using commercial cleaners leaves smell and a taste in your microwave that effects your food and its flavor. Don't use them inside the microwave oven. Ever. Instead, heat water to a boil in a microwave safe cup. The idea is to fill the microwave with steam, which softens the baked on food so it easily wipes with away with an absorbent rag.


5- Clean a Shower Curtain:

The hard water in Utah adds up and turns shower curtains white or sometimes rust color. If you have a cheap one, then replace it. However, I hate to lose my cute (and expensive) shower curtain. So instead, remove it from the rod and throw it in the washing machine. Instead of soap, put a cup or two of vinegar in the wash. The vinegar removes the water stains – almost like magic!


6- Dust the ceiling fans:

Grab a step stool and an old pillowcase. Put the pillowcase over the fan blade, all the way to the base of the fan, then pull back so the dust from the top of the blade falls right into the pillowcase. Tah-dah!


7- Easy way to Clean Blinds:

Take your kitchen serving tongs and wrap a cleaning cloth around each side of the tong, then wrap an elastic band around the cloth so it doesn’t fall off. Then, clamp the tongs gently onto the blinds and run from one side to the other to collect dust. If it's in a bathroom or kitchen where the dust has been concentrated by months of extra moisture, as in shower steam or cooking steam, lightly spray your favorite cleaner on each covered tong.


8- Clean lampshades:

Did you know you can clean your lamp shades with a lint roller? Have you ever tried to dust your lamp shades, only to realize you’re putting more dust onto the lamp than you’re taking off? Take a lint roller to your lampshades, and it will pick up any dirt, dust, hair, or other particles that are otherwise impossible to get off.


9- Toss expired toiletries, hygiene products, lotions, and medications:

Cure for over-cluttered medicine cabinets and a way to keep your family safe.You can check the internet for specifics, but sunscreen should only stick around a couple of years after you purchase it. Mascara should be replaced every few months, whether you have used it up or not. Your vision health could depend on it.


10- Organize & De-clutter:

Easier said than done, right? I have moved A LOT and have learned the easiest way to do it. Here are my tips:

  • Make four piles: sell, donate, trash and keep. Put the keep items back in the closet. Throw the trash pile in the garbage can and do a yardsale. Anything that doesn’t sell goes into the donate pile. Don’t forget to get a receipt for your donation so you can write it off on your taxes!

  • When making those piles deciding what to keep is really difficult. Ask yourself how long it has been since you have last used that item and when you are most likely to use it again. If it has been more than 6 months and you aren’t likely to use it in the next 6 months, sell or donate it.

What other spring cleaning tips do you want to share? Or you want to know about?

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