This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of On-Cor. The opinions and text are all mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
It’s that time of year when we want to come out from underneath our fleece blankets, and go find the sun, and get our houses in order.
5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms
Spring cleaning can feel like a daunting task, so I’m breaking it down into a few simple tips that will let you spruce the place up without the overwhelm. Yes, it can be done!
Consign and Donate
The best and biggest difference I can make in cleaning up my house is to just get rid of stuff. I consign what I can at my local children’s consignment sale, and donate the rest. Get a few totes and divide your things up into three buckets: consign, donate, and toss. I’m sure many of you are like me and just have too much stuff. Get it outta there!
Enlist the Kids
Even the youngest of kids can jump in and help with some of the household tasks. Find a few things they are able to do and don’t be shy about having them help. Maybe a regular chore list is helpful, or maybe you just ask as needed. Each family is different but mom does not need to do it all. I can be guilty of this, too, but it doesn’t help anyone for me to get frustrated, feeling like everything falls on me.
Many hands make a light load, so throw some of that work to the rest of the family! And, if you put on some music, you might even make this FUN!
Simplify Dinner with On-Cor Entrées
I love to cook for my family, but I will say, complicated meals with tons of ingredients always make me feel like I’m wrecking my kitchen. Give yourselves a break without taking a break from a real, quality family dinner experience.
On-Cor Entrées make dinner a breeze and the clean up couldn’t be easier (because we are tackling bigger spring cleaning projects, right?). On-Cor does the prep work, so you can take care of other to-do’s that need to-doing. What we love about them is that there’s a nice variety of options that we all love. These meals aren’t fancy; they’re just really good food that kids will love.
And with the new packaging, you know exactly what you’re feeding your family. The 6 Breaded Chicken Parmagiana Patties With Tomato Sauce are made with white meat chicken and include 8 grams of protein per serving. That info is right on the box!
Get Some Organizational Supplies
Invest in a few simple organizational supplies like totes, containers, draw organizers, car organizers, hooks for your broom and mop, etc. Simply having a place to put things instead of just accumulating it on a counter top can make a world of difference. Find your messiest spots, and grab a few organizational items to whip them into shape quickly.
I find that if my kids know things have a specific home, they are more likely to put it away too!
Hire Some Help
There’s no shame in hiring some help. I’m toying with the idea of hiring out a one-time really solid cleaning for our home myself. We just can’t do it all. If you need a cleaning service, go for it, mama. I’ll be joining you, breathing a sigh of relief.
The Giveaway
For your next family meal, head to the freezer aisle of GIANT Food Stores, or check out the store locator at www.on-cor.com to pick up one of On-Cor’s entrées.
The generous folks at On-Cor are sponsoring an awesome giveaway for my readers to make it easy for you to start implementing some of these ideas for creating more quality family time this year, too! One winner will get this prize pack valued at $200! The prize includes:
- (1) Coupon Valid for One Free On-Cor Entrée
- (1) Organizational Glass Containers
- (1) Scrub Brush
- (1) Kids Cleaning Set
- (1) Set of 4 Kitchen Towels
- (1) Sink Caddy
This giveaway will run from March 13 through 11:59pm ET on March 23, 2018. It is open to US residents ages 18+ only. Good luck!
Lisa Bourlier says
We make it a family project and everyone is assigned a room! Goes so much quicker when everyone helps!
Melissa Cunningham says
sort everything by 3 categories – Trash, Keep and Donate!!
Tim says
Concentrate on a different room each weekend. If you go in planning to clean the entire house, it seems too daunting, but room by room seems more manageable.
Robert Kuperberg says
Spray all couches and cushions on chairs with Frebreeze
Jessica To says
We like to make a list of what needs done. It makes you feel better when you can cross a chore off the list.
Ann Fantom says
My Spring cleaning tip is to use your used dryer sheets for dusting. The static electricity in the dryer sheet traps the dust
HS says
My tips are to de-clutter first and then use water+vinegar+rag to clean the whole house.
Rosanne says
I get my husband to help. He is on one side of the window and I’m on the other
Alyce Poalillo says
I like a room a day approach so you do not get overwhelmed.
Sandy Klocinski says
Create an essentials caddy of cleaning products that you can easy take from room to room.
Aaron says
My top cleaning tip is to go little-by-little and accomplish one task after another.
Sarah Hall says
I try not to let it overwhelm me so I only concentrate on one room at a time. After the first is cleaned, it inspires me to go and do another until they are all done.
ERIN M says
Do a little bit each day.
Sandra Watts says
My top spring cleaning tip is to hire a maid. Well if you can not afford that then just get to work. Try a little music with your work.
Kelly D says
My tip is to donate items that haven’t been used in the past year.
beth shepherd says
My best tip is to turn the radio on and have a bag ready for donations. Move on stuff u no longer need so someone else could benefit from it.
heather says
My top spring cleaning tip is to de-clutter and donate what you are not using in your home to a local charity.
jenny says
I have a daily schedule of cleaning, for example, I know on Wednesdays, I always wash the bathroom towels and floor mats, clean the bathrooms and vacuum the hallway. I also have weird quirks, like I won’t start cooking dinner unless the dishwasher is empty, so I can immediately load up dirty dishes. I can’t stand a dirty sink!
Annette says
Throw a shower curtain liner into the washer with a cup of bleach. It removes anything stuck to the liner including soap scum and mildew.
shelly peterson says
We make a list and work on one room at a time.
Melissa Storms says
Have a plan of attack in place, it is so easy to get sidetracked. It is also a really good idea to work on one thing at a time, like curtains, windows and sills one day and bedroom closets another.
Cheryl says
Don’t get overwhelmed trying to do too much at one time. Target a single area and do what you can.
Abigail Gibson says
I recommend using a natural biodegradable cleaner such as vinegar to help the environment.
Wendy R. says
It works best for me to keep things organized to clean more easily.
CHar says
We try to dust every room in the spring time. Thank you for the great offer!
Richard Hicks says
My tip is to take one room at a time and do a thorough job until the whole house is done
Ashley C says
My tip is to tackle one task each day. Yet helps me on busy work nights, then on the weekends I feel like I can take it a little easier since some tasks are already done
laura g says
Declutter and throw things out I don’t need anymore
Lauren says
My top tip is to declutter before you clean.
Anne Scott says
My top spring cleaning tip is to make a schedule – no more than one room a day – start at the top of the room and work down.
Kathy Scott says
My tip is to do one room at a time and clean from top to bottom.
Ashley S says
What I do is fill up two trash bags- one filled up to donate and the other to throw away anything that is trash. I go through closets, drawers, pantry, etc. I do this every week until spring is over with. It really helps with cleaning out all of the stuff we accumulated during the winter!
kathy Persons says
Just do it~ hard for me to get motivated
GENA BENNETT says
I LIKE TO CLEAN EVERYTHING WITH WHITE VINEGAR! IT SANITIZES AS WELL AS CLEANS, AND YOU CAN USE IT JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE IN YOUR HOME!
nickie says
Clean little by little throughout the week, so you don’t get overwhelmed
julie l. says
i tackle one room at the time and I carry two baskets with me one for trash and one for items that belong elsewhere. it saves me from having to make ten trips carrying things out.
Jeremy McLaughlin says
Take one room at a time, so it is not too overwhelming.
Ann says
Declutter first! Then I have a caddy with supplies and go room to room.
Amanda Whitley says
my spring cleaning tip is to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done.
Donna DePaolo says
When cleaning a room, make stacks of items that need to go to other rooms. When you’re finished with the room, then deliver the items to the other rooms they belong in. This saves time from running individual items to another room and possibly getting sidetracked.
meghan says
If you organize and de-clutter first, it always helps with cleaning
Steve Weber says
Do one room at a time.
throw away anything that you haven’t used/seen in a year.
Ruth Ann McIver says
Because cleaning is a necessary thing; I get my mind “right” first. I put on my smooth jazz and put on my gloves. If it is warm enough I open windows.
Betty Wojnar says
My number one tip is don’t give up on the tough projects. Take the extra time it takes to do it right.
Will G says
Don’t get try to tackle it all yourself.
tara darity says
Don’t try to tackle it all at once! Let go of things that are collecting dust and not being used.
Nicole Martin says
Vinegar and baking soda are the best cleaners!
Alexandra Y says
I make the whole family help so it doesn’t take as long.
Rachel says
My spring cleaning tip is to work on one room at a time and take everything you don’t want to a donation center right away.
Darlene Carbajal says
Get your family to help!
Heather S says
Just do 1 area at a time and try not to get overwhelmed. Any progress is better than none
Jaque Richards says
Don’t forget the curtains and drapes. I always buy what I can throw in the washer and dryer. 🙂
Jessica W. says
If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go. Gather up all of your old clothes and donate them.
Linda G. says
I tackle one room at a time.
Anne Higgins says
Set a goal a day – small enough not to be overwhelmed
Brian Soderston says
get professional supplies and learn how to use them. Examples window cleaning squeegees.
Nicole James says
I would reorganize and clean out my closets
Holly Thomas says
My tip is to delegate, you shouldn’t have to do it all yourself.
Leputnam says
When washing windows I use newspapers instead of paper towels, no lint!
ELIZABETH C. says
My top spring cleaning tip is to clean a different area of your home everyday rather than trying to get it all done in one day!
Marty C says
This might be a little extreme, but a neighbor and I have rented a dumpster for a week to get some major decluttering done.
Michelle Donovan says
My tips are get the family involved. Have positive and fun music blaring to make it fun and get the job done
MaryAnne JK says
fill a squirt bottle 50/50 hot water to vinegar, and spray everything that doesn’t move! Great for windows to floors, air freshener to chrome polish
Julie Bickham says
My tip is to assign each family member to a room. That way you are not overwhelmed doing the whole room alone.
Debra Francis says
Dust before vacuuming.
paige chandler says
i always have a yard sale in the spring to declutter
Chrystal D says
Make a list of what you want to do & don’t try to get it all done in one day! Doing a few items each day will make it not so overwhelming!
ken ohl says
Start in one room and tackle one room at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed
Monique Rizzo says
Do one room per day- it will be done in a week!
Carly S says
My tip is to do a little each day, so that it doesn’t all pile up!
Jennifer M. says
My top tip is to declutter before you clean. Let go of things you do not currently use,
Tracy Shafer says
Mine is to put a cap full of fabric softener in your rinse compartment of your carpet cleaner…your home will smell amazing and clean smelling…
jberry says
Stick to your pre-spring game plan so you don’t miss a minute in the garden when the weather finally breaks.
Susan Smith says
My tip is to declutter first and get my children to help out.
Cindy Merrill says
Got elderly pets? Skip using bleach and instead, try Mean Green” or some other natural cleaning solution like industrial strength white vinegar.
William Karcher says
Get the kids to do it !!!!!
Lisa V. says
My tip is that vinegar is useful for clearning just about anything. If I’m out of my usual cleaning ‘supplies, vinegar will always work in a pinch (and sometimes better than my usual clearning products).
Michelle C says
I try to spread spring cleaning out over several weekends so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming!
Mary says
One room at a time. If you haven’t used it in the last year you can probably donate it! (Or throw it out.)
Cheryl B says
I tackle one room per day, clean it from floor to ceiling.
Denise B. says
I keep the house clean, neat, and organized at all times. So, we don’t have any spring cleaning to do.
Sarah Cool says
My tip would be to take it one room at a time so that you don’t get overwhelmed
Antoinette M says
I clean bedroom by bedroom, then bathrooms and then kitchen. My husband cleans the garage & windows.
Denise Higgins says
Prioritize, don’t try to clean it all in one day
Nigel William says
Hi, Lindsay! These are some really useful tips! I love how you point out that there is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Spring cleaning can be a massive task and it`s totally unrealistic to expect mom have to do it alone. If kids see that like an adventure ar a game, they can do a great deal of work, right? I was wondering, what do you think is most important when hiring some help with a housework?
DeAnna Keller says
I like to use vinegar and different essential oils to clean with instead of harmful products.
Carolsue says
I guess my tip is to not save everything up until Spring! Do a little bit each day and it is less daunting.
Karen Gonyea says
Get the windows open as soon as you can in spring – even if it’s still a little chilly – there is nothing better than getting the stale air out and fresh spring air in !!
Edye says
Make a to-do list to keep organized.
Michele Pineda says
don’t overwhelm yourself, go room by room area by area-it’s easy to look at everything and get discouraged!
Theresa Jenkins says
we clean a section or room at a time and finish what you start before starting a new project
Elizabeth Brooks says
Do a little at a time. Feet rid of things you dint need it use
Terry says
Start with one room at a time to clean to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Jeanna says
My tip is to take it one room at a time otherwise you may get overwhelmed!
Meredith Brooks says
My cleaning tips are use an old sock when cleaning the blinds. It’s so much easier. Thanks for the giveaway.
Lindsey says
Concentrated mopping solution cleans everything… Including soap scum!
Natalie says
I go thru a room a week,and have the family help
susan smoaks says
my spring cleaning tip is to go one room at a time and get each room cleaned out before moving to the next room.
Don Stephan says
My top tip is to go play golf instead!
Vikki Billings says
My spring cleaning tip, is too start by getting three boxes….One for Donations, one for sale and one for keep. Go through all closets, drawers and cabinets and get rid of stuff, while you are doing that you can clean each room you are in while getting rid of things you no longer need.
carol clark says
i clean a room at a time that has helped me and i throw things that need to be given to good will in a pile and that is always helpful when spring cleaning
Barbara A Baker says
Make a day of it, figure on having finger foods, great music….and don’t forget to open windows
Lisa V. says
My top Spring cleaning tip is to start at the top (ha). But literally, on thing at a time.
Jenn Reed says
I like the Spring cleaning idea of going through each room and seeing what we want to keep, donate, or trash. I also think every family member needs to be involved.
Lucy Rapposelli says
First I make a long list. Wash up all the summer clothes and get rid of the ones I no longer use. Wash the blinds and windows. Let that fresh air in.
Fiona N says
I do not have a good tip for Spring cleaning but I usually use lemon juice to clean some furniture, kitchen and water faucets
Thank You
Melissa Nix says
The family starts off with each room on a weekend and has a section of that room they responsible for.
Randi says
I suppose my best tip would be to tackle one thing at a time! I need more tips myself though.
Kyl Neusch says
like a room a day approach
Jay Jackson says
My spring cleaning tip is to make sure you remember to dust you fans, baseboards, door frames and pictures. Also don’t forget about your bathroom fan vents.
Nancy says
My favorite spring cleaning tip is actually a year around cleaning tip. If you leave your shoes off at the front door, you will minimize cleaning dirt and dust they would otherwise have brought into your house.
Gonzo says
Ignore it or recycle it or pitch it.
Nannypanpan says
I go one room at a time,so I can see what I’ve accomplished
jenny says
My top spring cleaning tip is to clean window areas! I used to take the blinds off and scrub them, but they bothered me so much, I no longer have any! I do have lots of curtains, and I take them down every spring and wash them! While they are down, I really scrub the windows!
Julieh says
My spring cleaning tip is to start by clearing out the old stuff you no longer use or need.
Shirley Hicks says
if you haven’t used it in past 6 months, then its time for the item to go..
Klydra Pugh says
Take it room by room to make it more manageable.
Thanks for the chance.
emily says
Hire a cleaning lady! 😉 Haha – wish I had one. My tip is to work on one room at a time and have boxes for donation out and ready to be filled!
jodi Hassel says
i go room by room
Dawn Schmidt says
My best tip is to tackle each room seperately, I find if I focus on one room a day, I am much more thorough with the tasks and not skipping corners (drapes, anyone?)
liz m says
Just give up. Cleaning around the house is enough, life is too short to worry about spring cleaning.
Robin Abrams says
My tip is start one room at a time. Work from top to bottom.
Kerry P says
My top spring cleaning tip is opening the windows for fresh air. also, the sun provides sterilization.
Susan Christy says
Move all of the furniture & appliances to vacuum and mop underneath.
sarah k says
Do one room at a time sometimes helps and also starting from the top to bottom.
Jeanne Coulombe says
If you haven’t used a item in the last 6 months chuck it thin out stuff you don’t need. I take my screens out of the windows while cleaning them place in shower spray with dow bathroom cleaner spray then rinse with hot water I have a shower head that also has the removable shower head this makes it easy you should see all the dirt flow off of the screens even if they don look dirty.
Jackie says
My tip is to clean one room at a time before moving on to the next. It won’t get over-whelming.
Jessica Whitehouse says
Don’t ignore cleaning spots that are not in your home– the car, the tool shed, the garage, your desk at work.
DeeAnn S says
I like to start with my windows. It’s great to be able to look out a window without all the dirt and “schmootz” on them. It lets the beautiful spring sunshine in and makes it easier for me to want to get things done.
EMMA L HORTON says
DO ONE ROOM A WEEK.
kathy pease says
I like to use old newspapers instead of paper towels to wash windows
Jenny Q. says
I focus on one room at a time.
Fredrick Pauly says
Take a whole day and just get it done, or better yet, don’t wait until Spring.
Amber C. says
I do one room at a time and make sure the kids help too!
Robin says
I always have a plan and do only one room at a time.
Christa Bengtsson says
We do one thing at a time with the radio on and some breaks 🙂
Kayla Klontz says
My best advice is to work on one area at a time, I have a horrible habit of jumping around and half the time I swear I make more of a mess than anything. And music, music is also a must!
Trisha McKee says
Do a little at a time so you dont’ get overwhelmed. I focus on the kitchen first. That’s always such a chore. And then move on to the dining room. I make a list and check off each room once it is done.
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
My tip is to open the windows wide, put on some great music and go to town cleaning! It makes the time go faster. Thanks and God Bless!
Leah Shumack says
Make a list per room of your home. We hang it up on the entryway/doors. So we know what we have left to do!
Leela says
I do a little every day so it’s not overwhelming.
Sarah L says
Whatever you’re cleaning do it with music. It keeps me going.
Kim Myers says
My best advice is to turn up the music while the kids are at school and just get to it.
Shea Balentine says
We start one room at a time and everyone has their part that they do… spring cleaning is definitely a family affair! When more help, it’s easier to stay focused and not get distracted by each item in the junk drawer lol
Jenny Laundrie says
Throughout the year I tell the kids to place things in a basket that they don’t wear or use anymore and when Spring rolls around they don’t need to clean anything out because its already there in the basket.
Sarah Mayer says
My top tip is to declutter before you clean.
Buddy Garrett says
My trop tip is before you start to clean go through the house getting rid of things you no longer need. I like President Eisenhower’s idea. When the top of his desk became cluttered he opened all the drawers and swept everything in them.
Carrie Conrad says
To easily remove pet hair from upholstery , all you need are rubber gloves to get rid of it — just pull on your gloves, dampen them and collect the hair.
Ed says
A room each week!
Carolyn D says
Prioritize what you want to get done. If you want to do a thorough cleaning on each room maybe do a different room each week or start on a particular task. You can either focus on your bedroom or cleaning/dusting off all ceiling fans in the house. I like to either stick with one task or one room at a time.
Mary Cloud says
Make sure you don’t forget often overlooked areas like light globes and lampshades
Vicki D. says
My top spring cleaning tip is to open the doors and the windows and let the fresh air in.
Everything in the house has been shut all winter. There is nothing better than the smell of fresh air.
Kathy D says
Reduce Reduce Reduce….. I am spring clean items from my house.. I ended up with 35 dollars at Half Price books, 10 dollars at Creative Exchange great store where you bring your old craft supplies and trade them for other peoples unwanted craft items
Claudia Davis says
Break up the cleaning over several days so it isnt so overwhelming.
Peter G says
Always start in the back of the house and work forward. The kitchen is the last room cleaned in the front of the house. We can make a nice meal with the house all cleaned.
Peggy Rydzewski says
I have a trick of putting car polish on the bathroom tiles for a super easy cleanup
Breanne says
My top tip is to use newspaper and vinegar to clean windows.
Amy C. says
Cleaning the outside windows really makes all the difference. You don’t realize how dirty they are until they are cleaned and the sun can fully shine in.
Beverly Metcalf says
I usually clean one room a day. It seems easier than doing it all at once. Thanks for having the contest.
Kelsey Vinson says
We plan it out. Otherwise you get sidetracked very easily
Jerry Marquardt says
I like to start at the top floor and work my way into the casement cleaning so it stays clean as I go.
laura bernard says
Go room to room and clean!
Philip Lawrence says
My Spring cleaning tip is to complete the cleaning of one room before moving on to another so that the entire task does not overwhelm you.
DanV says
We do lots of dusting and decluttering
AEKZ2 says
My tip is to declutter one room at a time. Donate items you don’t need/use. Find a place for everything.
Trisha Musgrave says
My tip is to focus on one room at a time!
Sand says
Clean from top to bottom and donate or discard items that haven’t been used in a long time.
Sonya Allstun says
section areas off so that it dont seem like such a big task
Susan Marina Brown Lane says
My tip is enlist the rest of the family to help, and take it one room at a time for a spring cleaning.
Laurie Nykaza says
Vinegar in a plastic bag tied over the shower head gets rid of mold I do it while cleaning when im done it will be clean.
Janine H says
So a little bit every day! So t doesn’t build up
Alex Bradshaw says
My tip is to prioritize and not to do everything all at once, because it can get overwhelming. Breaking things into smaller chucks will increase the likelihood of getting things done, rather than procrastinating.