Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be an overload of endless chores! With these hacks, you’ll have fun, clean more efficiently, and finish sooner than in years past. Plus, there may be a few appliances and spaces in your home that you’ve forgotten about. Check it out!

1. Use a Timer

Before you start tackling your cleaning to-do list, set a timer on your phone for how long you think the task could take. (Pro tip – Ask Siri to set a timer for you!) Then once that timer is set, race against the clock to finish your cleaning on-time or ahead of schedule! A timer can provide the extra motivation you need to scrub, treat, wipe, and dust your home. Breaking your list of chores up into individual tasks will help you start crossing them off the list.

2. Microwave Your Sponge

Did you know, your kitchen sponge may just be the most bacteria-ridden item in your home? Be sure to disinfect it after every job by rinsing it, wringing it out, and then microwaving it for one minute.

3. Revitalize Your Washing Machine

Yes, your washing machine does get dirty. Even though it handles quite a lot of soap and clean water, it also deals with dirt, grime, and mildew. It’s a smart idea to take this opportunity to revitalize your washing machine by running an empty cycle with hot water and adding vinegar and baking soda during the soak cycle. Let the water sit for an hour before draining and rinsing.

4. Baking Soda Everywhere

Baking soda is a super effective cleaner! It can help reduce and remove odors in fabrics, clean mold and mildew from tiles, and so much more! It’s one of the primary products that you should have handy at all times.

5. Clean Out Your Closet

Purge, purge, purge! It’s a fantastic idea to rummage through your closet for old clothing and unused items. You can donate these goods and claim them for next year’s taxes! Also, you’ll be opening up more closet space for a new shopping spree!

6. The Walls and Halls

Your walls and baseboards get filthy over the course of a year. Take this time to wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth, and vacuum them as necessary. You’ll be surprised by how much the air quality in your home improves!

Related: 7 House Plants You Probably Won’t Kill

7. Kool-Aid Cleaner

Kool-Aid packets can help you clean your toilet and have fun. Simply empty a container into your toilet and let it sit for one hour, then flush. Not only will it work miracles to erase stains, but it’ll leave your toilet smelling fruity-fresh.

8. Refresh the Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is often forgotten about, which can result in awful smells, molds, and bacteria in your sink. You can solve this issue with a little baking soda, vinegar, and half a lemon. Simply pour all three into the disposal, let sit for an hour, then turn the disposal on and rinse.

9. Shower Doors and Dryer Sheets

Before your next shower, get a dryer sheet and sprinkle a few drops of water onto it. Now you can tackle those nasty soap scum stains that build up over time on shower doors.

10. Vinegar in Your Dishwasher

In order for your dishes to come out clean, your dishwasher needs to be clean too! Clean it by filling the detergent container with vinegar and running an empty cycle.

11. Plastic Wrapped Shelves

Tired of sticky, stained refrigerator shelves? Wrap them in plastic, instead! When they get dirty, remove the plastic, wipe, and wrap again.

12. Soak Your Broom

Chances are your broom hasn’t been cleaned in months. But it’s hard to clean your home while using a dirty tool, so be sure to soak your broom in warm water and vinegar, then let air dry outside!

Related: Get a FREE Swiffer

13. Defrost Quickly

You can defrost your freezer quicker than ever by boiling water in a large pot and placing it in your freezer! Just have some towels handy for the defrosted water that drips out!

14. Oven Solutions

To remove caked-on food and debris from the inside of your oven, apply a liberal amount of baking soda and then spray with vinegar. Let sit for several minutes before scrubbing with a firm, nonabrasive sponge. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or rag.

15. Sparkling Cabinets Made Easy

Kitchen cabinets become sticky, stained, and cluttered over time. A little warm water, and dish soap on a cloth can go a long way towards making your cabinets sparkly clean again.

16. Kitchen Tongs and Window Blinds

Use rubber bands to wrap a clean cloth around a pair of kitchen tongs. You’ll be ready to dust your window blinds with ease!

Related: Welcome Spring Into Your Home With These Affordable Meals!

17. Wash Your Pillows and Bedding

Spring cleaning is a perfect time to toss that stinky comforter and lumpy pillows into the washing machine. Of course, you’ll need to follow manufacturer directions to avoid issues. But imagine how comfortable you’ll be, settling down to sleep in a perfectly clean bed.

18. Don’t Forget Your Mattress!

After you’ve removed your bedding and pillows, don’t forget to freshen up your mattress! If you’ve neglected to get a mattress protector or cover, now is the time!

19. An Old Toothbrush

Think twice before throwing out that old toothbrush! The mold between your bathroom tiles will vanish after you attack it with a little baking soda, vinegar, and toothbrush scrubbing.

20. Kill the Mold

Did you know that a bit of hydrogen peroxide can help you kill and remove mold in your bathroom? That’s right! One teaspoon of the anti-bacterial solution mixed with one cup of warm water makes for an excellent mold remover. A little scrubbing is, of course, required.

21. Clean Your Electronics

Most of us use electronics regularly, but we forget to clean them for as much as we use them! That’s a shame because the average cell phone is far dirtier than the average toilet seat. A water/rubbing alcohol solution and clean cloth will kill those nasty germs.

22. Give Your Microwave a Steam Cleaning

Your microwave works hard for you, so it deserves a little extra love and care. Give your microwave a cleansing steam by microwaving a container of vinegar for at least one minute. The stains and sludge will slide off, and your microwave will smell great.

23. Use a Lemon

Lemons are powerful, acidic fruits that double as effective cleaning agents. A lemon is also a fantastic deodorizer and can be the perfect cleaning option for wooden cutting boards.

Get Your Elbow Grease On!

With a little effort and know-how, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean and healthy home. Don’t wait to get started — all you need are a few materials and ingredients, and you’re ready to go!