Today is the big day folks! It's time for our Instagram Spring De-Junk Challenge! I'm so excited to bring some order into those neglected spots in my home.
Today is Day 1 of our 10-Day Challenge to Clean, Organize and De Junk Your Home for Spring.
If you join the challenge, feel free to leave me your Instagram handle in the comments so that I can follow your De-Junking Journey. If you'd like, tag me (@occasionally_crafty) in your Instagram posts so that I can follow your progress.
Before you jump into the challenge, how about some inspiration? Each participating blogger has put together a post to help you clean and organize your home. Here's what I put together for you:
Much to my husband's chagrin, I am not inherently a tidy person. I blame it on my creative genes. I just have too much I'd rather be doing in my time (crafting, blogging, reading, writing) than cleaning.
Now, my house is fairly clean and does get tidied up a bit each day, but I may let a little too much time go between bathroom deep-cleanings and kitchen pantry organizing.
I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and my joints can't handle a lot of vigorous housework. So I look for products that do a lot of the work, so you don't have to.
Since no one likes admitting they are lazy or too busy to clean, let's just call this my list of Best Cleaning Products For the Busy Woman. (Affiliate links ahead!)
Beware- I am not a "green" cleaner. Since this is all about cleaning in a short amount of time and using minimal effort, I am only recommending things I KNOW fit that bill. Feel free to leave your (nice and kind) suggestions in the comments if your favorite products fit these 2 requirements!
Let's start in the Bathroom. Since my guests share a bathroom with my kids, we try to keep this place as clean as we can.
Best Toilet Cleaner: Lysol Cling Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner
The first thing I do when I clean the bathroom is apply this stuff to my toilet. While I clean other surfaces, the gel formula clings beautifully and does most of the work for me. All I have to do is wipe it down, maybe scrub the water ring just a bit, and flush it away. This stuff is awesome!
Best Surface Cleaner: Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner
This is a multipurpose cleaner that not only cleans, but sanitizes. Again, it does most of the work for you! I can literally spray this, let it sit, and then wipe it down with a wet cloth. I love that it keeps mold and mildew from growing, as that's always a concern in the bathroom. You can use it on almost any bathroom surface (check directions before use).
Best Mirror/Window Cleaner: Vinegar Water and a Microfiber Cloth
Mix one part vinegar to four parts water. Pour it in a spray bottle. Spray on surface and use microfiber cloth to wipe it down. Go in 1- circles, 2- vertical lines, 3- horizontal swipes. Use a cotton swab for corners and tracks of windows.
I prefer this to the blue cleaning sprays because it doesn't leave streaks, and using a microfiber cloth keeps lint from appearing all over your clean mirror or window.
Let's move into the kitchen now.
**Disclaimer** Different materials require different cleaners. I have old laminate countertops and basic white appliances. If you have granite, marble, stainless steel, or wood surfaces, please follow manufacturer's directions for cleaning!
Best Countertop Cleaner: 409 All-Purpose Cleaner
I say this all the time- this stuff can get anything off my countertops! I can even get red food coloring out by spraying 409 on it and letting it sit for a few minutes. I use this on pretty much everything in my kitchen except the stovetop.
Best Cleaner for Glass Stovetop: BarKeeper's Friend
This stuff is amazing! It requires a little elbow grease, but I can even get off those burn rings around the burners that develop over time.
Best Sink Cleaner: BarKeeper's Friend
I also use it to clean my sink- but it is abrasive, so make sure it is approved for your surface. This gets off anything and leaves it really clean. Next, wipe your sink down with some of that vinegar water to get it nice and shiny!
Extra Cleaning Favorites
Favorite Vacuum: Dyson Origin
You would not believe how much stuff this vacuum will pull from your carpet. Plus you can turn the brushes off and vacuum hard surfaces. It's so easy to maneuver and is much lighter than my old upright. My carpets literally feel softer and fluffier after I vacuum!
Favorite "Mop": Swiffer WetJet
I hate pulling out a mop and bucket, so I sweep and use my Swiffer religiously on my tile. It cleans and shines well, and you can use the scrubber to get off dried food or dirt. Plus it smells good!
Favorite Dusting Tools: Swiffer Dust & Shine Spray with a Microfiber Cloth
I love the scent, and the spray works great to help pick up dust. Using a Microfiber cloth means the dirt stays on the cloth and doesn't just get pushed around!
If you're looking to save some time and effort, I hope you'll give some of these products a try!
Now, please be sure to visit each of our participating bloggers to see our best cleaning and organizing tips for Spring!
#1: Decluttering Tips for Kids from One Creative Mommy
#2: My Process for Purging the Junk from Christina, Plain and Simple
#3: De-Junking Checklist Printables from The Princess and Her Cowboys
#4: Garage Sale Tips and Tricks from 4 You with Love
#5: A Busy Woman's Guide to the Best Cleaning Products from Occasionally Crafty
#6: Declutter Your Mind to Declutter Your Space {Book Review & Giveaway} from The Frugal Foodie Mama
#7: De-Junk Challenge: How to Organize your Closets from Juggling Act Mama
#8: Hats Off to Organization from Redo Mom
#9: Get Organized in the #SpringDeJunkChallenge from Fearlessly Creative Mammas
#10: Spring Declutter Project from Krystal's Kitsch
The Giveaway:
No challenge is complete without a giveaway. One lucky de-junker is going to win $210 to spend at Amazon.com! Good luck with the challenge and the giveaway. No matter who wins, we all win with a cleaner and more organized home.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What is your absolutely-can't-live-without-it cleaning product?
What a great group of cleaning products...I'll have a sweet smelling and sparkling house!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn- they really work great!
DeleteI completely agree with the scrubbing bubbles, 409, and the swiffer wet jet! Those are all amazing products for cleaning. I'll have to try out the other ones you recommended!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them too! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOoo... These products sound great! I'm going to have to get some of them!
ReplyDeleteThey are seriously awesome. Thanks for stopping by today!
DeleteI need this in my life... or maybe a magical house that just cleans itself. Either way... :)
ReplyDeleteI think I just need some cleaning fairies to come use these products in my home :) hehe!
ReplyDelete