Spring Into Spring Cleaning
I still get excited for a new clean season of rebirth and renewal.
I am sad to say that many of us East Coasters are looking at a rather not so springy (and soggy) holiday weekend. I am in London with a shockingly perfect (and warm) weather forecast here!
However, I will also admit, as a homeowner always behind on my to do list – I do love a rainy weekend that gives permission to relax and get sh*t done.
Despite the fact that I have left my very long spring cleaning list largely undone at the moment – I LOVE spring cleaning season!
I still can’t help but get excited for a new season of rebirth and renewal. A fresh start!
While some may be suffering from allergies or others who only get excited to swing into summer fun, I still get excited for a spring cleaning – even if it is just a refresh or seasonal swap.
Since I will be away for the next few weeks – enjoying the English Gardens in full glory versus my sad-face garden – my spring cleaning list will be waiting for my return.
(I planted 180 tulip bulbs for only ONE to bloom!!!! WHAT TF?!)
Some of the cleaning delay may actually be for the best…like washing my windows further outside of the heavy pollen season.
Luckily, chores will wait. Sadly, I can’t manifest their completion. :)
However, I was hoping my mom would be manifesting some of them for me this weekend – except she bailed with the grim weather report.
My mom loves to take on the outdoor cushions that I leave outside year round – aspiring to some sort of Scandinavian winter lifestyle with sheepskins and blankets – despite never actually sitting in them.
The only things I get in return are super dirty cushions and even gnarlier filthy sheepskins! (I guess you actually need to sit in them to keep them clean).
My mother even went as far as washing said nasty sheepskin with tragic results. She dried out the entire skin, creating a crisp board that doesn’t bend, let alone drape over the chair anymore…
It’s not ALL cleaning wins in the WhitingDale household!
Twenty-plus years later, I am still learning and sharing my losses in hopes they become your wins. I digress!
Since stepping back into “cleaning for a living” these last two years, I actually highly avoid talking, writing, or sharing clean talk for anyone outside my Fill Members Circle.
Especially here, in The Laundry List: my place to share the fun stuff!
However, this month somehow became a fun spring cycle of talking clean, laundry, and care!
And honestly, it is way more fun talking clean with people who actually care – and who equally have, make, and create products they deeply care about.
Jane on Jeans kicked off my spring care season with a deep-dive, in-person chat she perfectly documented into what may now be the ultimate denim cleaning guide reference.
Then Celia Chen from IN THE PINK and I chatted more about the alignment between clean beauty and clean home-care…how to live cleaner in general and also how NOT to over-clean!
And lastly, my live chat with Sarah LaFleur on The M Dash by M.M.LaFleur. We covered everything from travel laundry and panic stains to the best way to care for her gorgeous workwear – from white button-downs to white sheets and towels!
Trim Tab: The Bleach, The Stains, The Detergent + Hot Water
Today’s Laundry List is literally a snapshot of my “Spring Cleaning List in Waiting”…with a few of my expert tips.
The Spring Cleaning Laundry List:
Car
The Surface does the trick for bird poop, The Concentrate is excellent for an at home car wash, especially in pollen season
Windows
I’m partial to The Glass, however, many Fill members are religious with The Vinegar
Avoid paper towels for glass and mirror, a lint free cloth is best
Outdoor Furniture
The Concentrate is king for spring cleaning and large surface cleaning. Add an ounce to a large bucket and off you go- scrub brush, mop, etc.
Outdoor Cushions
The Stains & The Bleach – hot water, a good scrub brush and elbow grease!
Must/Damp
Spray The Vinegar for damp musty spaces & The Freshener for fabrics
The Grill
Soak the grates and any removable trays with The Bleach & The Dish overnight in hot water
Flip the Mattresses & Wash the Pillows & Duvet
The Woolens or The Detergent Night with warm water, don’t forget The Dryer Balls
Bird Feeder
Clean and soak with The Bleach & The Dish
Sweater Washing in Batches
Grab like colors and hand/machine wash a load with The Woolens. Turn inside out, in a mesh bag, tepid water, lay flat in shape to dry and de-pill as needed.
Puffers & Jackets
Inspect, pretreat, and wash washable items for the season – The Woolens or The Detergent. Dry clean as necessary to be ready for a fresh fall
I am wishing you all a wonderful long weekend, wherever you are, with or without any Spring Cleaning!
I will be reporting back with my full jam-packed London List!!
Sorry about your bulbs not blooming. If you haven't taken them up yet, carefully do that, Put indry place like garage over the summer.
Like all plants, think about soil quality, position, water, etc. Sonowdrops, crocuses, bluebells & primroses like it shady & wet. Daffodils & tulips like sunshine & watering regularly.
Replant them in about November time.
Cherry 🍒
Gwen! What product should I use to get rid of pot smoke?? Help!