Time the Task Another way to trick yourself into success is to set a timer. Can you clean the toilet in less than a minute? Try to beat the 1-hour clock, cleaning out the pantry or see if 20 minutes is long enough to clean the windows in the living room. Setting a timer will help you stay focused on the task at hand. It can also keep you from spending copious time on one task. Instead, do the best you can, and when time is up, concede that what you’ve done is good enough and move on to the next task (unless you severely underestimated how long a task would take, then just finish it quickly and move on).
Disinfect Your Sponges If you use sponges in your house, remember they can harbor bacteria. Regularly sterilize your sponges by throwing them into the dishwasher. You can also place wet sponges into the microwave for one to two minutes to disinfect them. Keep the Fridge Fresh Your refrigerator is a hard-working machine. In addition to pulling out expired food and cleaning the vents regularly, spring is a good time to go a bit deeper. Pull out drawers and wash with soap and water. Also, scrub the shelves and door compartments. When putting things back together, place a paper towel or a thin kitchen towel in each of the drawers for easy cleaning next time around. Also, open a new box of baking soda and place it inside the fridge to absorb odors. Declutter Like a Pro Although it can seem overwhelming, decluttering really comes down to decision-making. Set yourself up with a system by lining up three boxes—keep, donate, and trash. If it’s broken or has missing parts, it’s probably trash (or recycling). If you haven’t used it in six months to a year, it’s ready for donation. Remember, you can borrow or rent many items you only use occasionally rather than storing and maintaining things long term. For items you want to keep, take the time to evaluate if it’s something that serves a purpose or that you truly love. Too often, we get into the habit of holding onto things simply because they’ve been around for a long time. Try on clothes, coats and shoes. Pick a recipe so you can try out each small appliance, like the ice cream maker or grinder. Once you’ve ensured it’s something you want to keep, find the best location for storage or display.
Clean Windows and Frames After a long winter, windows are often coated with grime and dirt. Always clean windows on a cloudy day and work on the shady part of the house if the sun is out. Otherwise, you’ll just end up battling streaks. Once the glass is clean, tackle the debris buildup inside the frames, as well. Use your crevice vacuum attachment to remove larger items. Then, sprinkle a bit of baking soda into the runner and drizzle some white vinegar on top. It will bubble, cleaning out the buildup. Wipe away with a rag, and use a pencil or pen to push the rag into corners.
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March 2026
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