For many, myself included, one of the first signs of spring is turning the clocks back to mark the start of daylight savings time.  Although we lose one hour of valuable sleep, we are paid back with longer periods of daylight and a renewed energy that is often concentrated on airing out and refreshing our homes.

There are many theories about how “spring cleaning” became a seasonal practice, but the one I like best evokes the coziness of long-ago winters and the sense of renewal that spring can bring.  This story says that “spring cleaning” got its start in the days when houses were closed up for the winter with oil-burning lamps as the source of light during the long, dark days.  The soot from those lamps settled on surfaces throughout the home and once it was warm enough to open the windows, the soot had to go!  It was swept, dusted, wiped and cleaned out of the house by industrious folks who used cleaning methods that were popular and effective at the time.

Some of these cleaning methods and the products used are popular again today – not only because they work, but because they are inexpensive, readily available, chemical-free and eco-friendly.  Use modern technology to Google “vintage cleaning methods” or “old-fashioned cleaning tips” and you’ll find a whole host of advice and articles on the topic.  Here are a few examples:

· Use it to wash windows and mirrors for a clean, streak-free finish.

· Put some in with your laundry to remove detergent build-up, especially in towels.

· Descale your coffee maker and improve the taste of your brew!  (Consult manufacturer’s directions for your specific model.)

· Vinegar can even be used to remove mineral build-up and sticker glue.

· Rub a cut lemon on your cutting board and let the juice work on those stubborn marks and stains. 

· Bleach stains from white clothing by applying lemon juice to the stain.  Rub in a little salt, then place the item in the sun to let the magic happen!  (Test in an inconspicuous place first!) 

· Rub lemon with a little salt on pots and pans to remove greasy build up. 

· When you’re done using the lemon, refresh your garbage disposal by dropping the used lemon in your garbage disposal with a little baking soda and rinse with fresh water.

· Another trick for lemon juice is to get stinky fish smells off of your hands. If you were working with fish, crabs, clams, shrimps, and the like, rub some lemon juice on your hands before washing with soap and warm water to eliminate any fishy stench.

·  Make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub baked-on food from pans and casserole dishes. 

·  Use this same paste to clean the window in your oven or the inside of your microwave. 

·  To unclog a backed-up drain, drop baking soda – about 1 tablespoon – into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar.  Wait a few minutes then flush with some boiling water.

Tidy as You Go

While a thorough spring cleaning can bring a satisfying feeling of accomplishment, I prefer to “continuously clean” by tidying as I go.

· I keep microfiber cloths in my bathroom and do a quick wipe-down of the counter each time I use the sink. 

·  My sister gave me the great idea of using a dishwashing wand filled with the Dawn/vinegar mixture to wipe down my shower doors periodically to prevent soap scum build-up. 

·  A quick squeegee if you have a glass shower door after each rinse is another big help!

Finally, picking things up and returning them to where they belong is a basic rule of maintaining a clean and tidy home.  The pockets in my housedress are perfect for gathering up out-of-place items and returning them to their proper places.  They are also perfect for stashing those microfiber towels and sponges for on-the-go wipe downs.  Being well-equipped and feeling comfortable while you clean makes the job that much easier and my housedress does both quite wonderfully!