We’re starting to thaw out here in New York. And so is our to-do list.
After enduring a winter with record-breaking ten polar vortexes (yes, it was brutal), we’ve spent a lot of time indoors. Now, we’re hoping for more than springtime—we want a complete refresh.
Below, we’ve outlined eight key steps to help achieve that fresh start we’ve all been craving.
1. Choosing eco-friendly products is a crucial part of maintaining a healthier home.
If you’re using cleaning products that release pollutants back into your environment, you’re actually defeating the purpose. And many common cleaners and disinfectants do just that.
According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, over 2,000 common cleaning products stocked on U.S. shelves contain harmful chemicals linked to asthma, skin irritation, and even chemical burns.
(Pro tip: Azuna’s sprays are free from harsh aerosol propellants, and can be used in place of chemical-heavy furniture and floor polishes, too.
2. Start with a good declutter.
A clean home starts with a clutter-free space. To get organized, sort your items into three designated categories: keep, donate, and trash. Work room by room, tackling closets and drawers to purge anything you haven’t used in the last six months and don’t foresee using in the next three.
For larger pieces of furniture or bulky items that may be harder to move, many local charities offer free pick-up services. This comprehensive list from This Old House can help pinpoint an organization near you.
3. Strip your towels and bedding.
The TikTok trend isn’t just for social media show—it’s actually a surprisingly effective deep-cleaning method. Laundry stripping uses borax, washing soda, and powdered detergent to remove embedded buildup in towels and linens. Because it’s a powerful process, we recommend checking the care labels of your items before beginning. Better Homes and Gardens has a step-by-step guide (and, when you’re done, we have a surface cleaning spray that’s perfect for the tub or bucket you used).
4. Refresh your wardrobe (in more ways than one).
Clothes that have been stored all winter have a tendency to develop musty odors. Before resorting to a re-wash, try one of these simple fixes.
A small amount of misted, diluted vodka can quickly eliminate odors. It’s colorless and sanitizing, making it perfect for freshening clothes. Once dry, wash as usual.
You can also use our Athlete Ultra Mist, scented like fresh laundry, to more naturally eliminate odors caused by mold, mildew, and bacteria—and it’s equally effective when sprayed onto laundry dryer balls and used on a drying cycle. (So you can save the vodka for something a little more fun.)
5. Clean your lint trap and dryer vent—it’s good for your air quality, and it’s good for home safety, too.
Overloaded dryer vents are responsible for nearly thirty percent of home fires. Excess lint in your vent reduces energy efficiency, increases drying times and, in gas dryers, can even lead to carbon monoxide buildup. If you notice longer drying times, a burning smell, or lint accumulating between cleanings, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional.
Since lint filters only capture 90 to 95 percent of the lint in your dryer, regular cleaning is a smart way to keep your home (and everyone inside) safe.
6. Move appliances to clean the dust and dirt hidden behind them.
Bulky appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines often trap dust, crumbs, and even mold behind them. While moving these appliances every time you clean isn’t necessarily practical, doing it occasionally can significantly improve your home’s air quality.
If you don’t have a handheld dolly or furniture pads, slip a thick piece of corrugated cardboard underneath your appliance to slide it away from the wall. Use a broom or handheld vacuum attachment to clean—and, for added freshness, wipe the area with a microfiber cloth misted with white vinegar or an Azuna spray. It’ll help remove odors and additional trapped dust, ensuring your home smells clean. You can also give the area a final spray before replacing your appliance for added protection.
7. Wipe down your walls.
Over time, your walls can collect a surprising amount of impurities. Cooking grease, dust, pet dander, and smoke residue can create buildup that needs to be removed with a gentle cleaning solution and microfiber cloth. Wiping down your walls not only removes visible marks and stains, it can eliminate bacteria, mold, and allergens. It might seem tedious, but the payoff is significant: you’ll enjoy improved air quality and a fresher environment.
8. Clean your window screens for clearer air and a clearer view.
Winter can leave your window screens covered in six months of dust, dirt, and debris. While they’re probably not something you regularly clean, doing so can actually improve ventilation (and curb appeal).
Cleaning is simple: first, carefully remove the screen from your window, then use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe off debris. You can sponge down each screen with a mild vinegar solution or use Azuna’s surface cleaning spray for a fresh, clean scent. As an added benefit, you can use that same solution to refresh your curtains and windowsills.
