Sweet spring. After a long winter, nothing is more hopeful than the sight of sunlight pouring through the windows and a garden in full bloom. Not as hopeful; the realization that those windows really need to be scrubbed and pollen is wreaking havoc on every surface in your house.
Having a young baby at home might make your typical top-to-bottom spring cleaning routine a little more complicated, but no need to count it out completely. You might be surprised how much you can check off your list with baby right by your side! Here are some of our favorite spring-cleaning tasks to do while babywearing:
(Friendly reminder before you get started: Always avoid using any kinds of harsh chemicals when baby is being worn or is in the room with you.)
Clean the floors
There's nothing more satisfying than freshly-cleaned floors. Break out the vacuum and let the white noise lull your little one to sleep. Vacuuming is a great task to do while babywearing because it doesn’t require a lot of bending over or intense movements that could wake your little one from their slumber.
Wash the linens
Beyond putting fresh sheets on the bed weekly, spring is a great time to wash your curtains, pillows, duvet insert, and even your mattress. To clean the mattress itself, strip your bed of sheets and the mattress protector, and then use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to vacuum the surface of your mattress. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface of your mattress, wait 30 minutes to an hour, then vacuum it up.
Steam clean your microwave
Get rid of those pesky tomato stains once and for all. (Or at least until the next time there are chicken parmesan leftovers.) To clean your microwave, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a quartered lemon, lime, or orange (or several tablespoons of vinegar) and stick it inside. Turn the microwave on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy. Let cool for five minutes before opening the door. Remove the bowl, and wipe the inside and outside of the microwave with a sponge.
Clean your drains
To freshen drains (not unclog them) and help keep them free-flowing, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated vinegar. Expect a satisfying foam and bubble. Let stand for no more than 15 minutes, then flush by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
Wash the windows
To clean exterior windows, first spray them with water, then scrub them using a soft cloth or microfiber towel and warm soapy water (dish soap works great!). After scrubbing, rinse the windows well and squeegee any excess water off. Using an old mop to scrub taller windows is a great option. You'll want to be sure to avoid climbing ladders or bending down while baby is wrapped up.
Sanitize toys
When it comes to cleaning toys, don't overlook the convenience of your dishwasher! For plastic toys, choose the quick cycle on your dishwasher and skip the heated dry. And don't forget about these other items you can clean in you dishwasher:
- Bathroom trash cans
- Soap dishes, toothbrush holders and other bathroom items
- Metal fixtures like gunky shower heads and faucets
- Light fixture globes made of glass and acrylic
- Fridge shelves
- Cabinet and drawer hardware
- Switch plates and outlet covers
- Exhaust fan covers
Clean house. Free Hands. Happy baby. Can't lose! Well done, friend.
And if you like to dance while you deep-clean (who doesn't?), we created a spring cleaning playlist for you:
