Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean spending all weekend scrubbing or buying expensive products.
These budget-friendly hacks are easy, effective, and actually kind of fun. With just a few household items and quick tricks, you can give your home a fresh reset without the stress (or the price tag).
Supplies You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Essential oils (lemon, lavender, or tea tree)
- Old socks or microfiber cloths
- Spray bottles (reuse old ones if possible)
- Toothbrush (retired, of course!)
- Lemons
- Olive oil
- Plastic bags (like sandwich or gallon-size)
- Newspaper or microfiber cloth for windows
1. Declutter First—Without Getting Overwhelmed
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
Cost: Free
Step-by-Step:
- Pick one small area—a drawer, a shelf, or a countertop.
- Set a 15-minute timer.
- Sort items into three piles: Keep, Donate, Trash.
- Wipe down the cleared space and put only what you need back.
Pro Tip: Start with high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom for the biggest impact.
2. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner That Smells Amazing
Time Needed: 2 minutes
Cost: Under $2
Step-by-Step:
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Add 10 drops of essential oil (lemon for freshness, lavender for calm).
- Shake and spray on countertops, sinks, or even floors.
Pro Tip: Avoid using vinegar on granite or marble—stick to tile, glass, and laminate.
3. Use Old Socks to Dust Blinds
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Cost: Free
Step-by-Step:
- Grab a clean, thick sock and wear it like a glove.
- Mix 1 cup of vinegar + 1 cup of water in a bowl.
- Lightly dip the sock into the mix (don’t soak it).
- Pinch each blind slat between your fingers and slide across to clean.
Pro Tip: For very dirty blinds, go over them twice—once with the vinegar mix, once with a dry sock.
4. Freshen Up Carpets with Baking Soda
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Cost: $1
Step-by-Step:
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over your carpet.
- Let it sit for 30-60 minutes to absorb odors.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling for extra freshness.
5. Clean Your Microwave with Just Lemon & Water
Time Needed: 5 minutes
Cost: $0.50
Step-by-Step:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few lemon slices.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Let it sit for another 2 minutes to steam.
- Wipe away softened grime with a cloth.
6. Toothbrush Magic for Small Spaces
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Cost: Free
Step-by-Step:
- Dip an old toothbrush into your DIY vinegar cleaner.
- Scrub grout lines, around faucets, and tight corners.
- Rinse with water and wipe dry.
7. Make Your Stainless Steel Shine
Time Needed: 5 minutes
Cost: Under $1
Step-by-Step:
- Spray with vinegar, wipe clean.
- Apply a few drops of olive oil to a soft cloth.
- Buff the surface for a streak-free shine.
8. Organize With Dollar Store Finds
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Cost: $5 or less
Step-by-Step:
- Grab baskets, bins, or dividers from the dollar store.
- Use them in drawers, closets, or under sinks.
- Group similar items together for a neat, tidy look.
9. Clean Your Shower Head Overnight
Time Needed: 1 minute prep, overnight soak
Cost: Free
Step-by-Step:
- Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar.
- Tie it around the shower head with a rubber band.
- Leave overnight, remove in the morning, and run water to rinse.
10. Refresh Your Mattress Naturally
Time Needed: 1 hour (hands-off)
Cost: $1
Step-by-Step:
- Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress.
- Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
- Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil before sprinkling.
11. Make Windows Sparkle with Vinegar Spray
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Cost: Under $1
Step-by-Step:
- Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
- Spray windows generously.
- Wipe with a newspaper or a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Problems:
- Problem: The vinegar smell is too strong.
Fix: Add more water or extra essential oils. - Problem: Baking soda won’t vacuum up fully.
Fix: Use a brush attachment and go over the area twice. - Problem: Streaks on stainless steel.
Fix: Use less olive oil and buff more thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Bonus: Quick Wins When You Only Have 10 Minutes:
- Wipe down bathroom mirrors and counters with your DIY spray.
- Toss expired food from the fridge.
- Sweep entryways or high-traffic areas.
- Fluff pillows and fold throw blankets to instantly tidy up.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need hours—or a big budget—to give your space a fresh start.
These quick and easy spring cleaning hacks help you refresh your home and feel more in control without spending a lot of time or money.
Now grab your supplies, put on your favorite playlist, and get started!
