They call it spring cleaning for a reason. For allergy sufferers, or the neat freak in general, it’s an important time to accomplish reforming your home’s interior. Here are some tips that you can apply to any routine clean-up:

Make A Checklist

Organization is key here. Instead of scattershot cleaning — which is beneficial to the short attention span, but may create even more work for you later on — make a checklist of all the places that you need to sanitize. Key in on the windows, blinds, fan blades, bookshelves, and baseboards. Once you establish a game plan, check these items off, and see how quickly everything is completed!

Sanitize Your Sink

Think about this: a dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than a toilet seat. It is the filthiest appliance in a home. Instead of cleansing the sink with dish soap or a cheap anti-bacterial spray (never buy this, make it instead), fill it up with warm water and add a tablespoon of bleach. Do a quick scrub and let the bleach sit for five minutes, then air dry. Add essential oils if the aroma bothers you.

Don’t Forget Food Prep Appliances

This step is threefold:

First, tackle the oil spills, food splatters, and burnt spills in your oven by creating a paste with baking soda and water. Spread the paste across the oven door and let sit for 20+ minutes before wiping off. For the microwave interior, heat a cup of water in the microwave, allowing it to steam.

Then, wash the slick surfaces with dish soap on a microfiber towel.

Finally, cover your gas stovetop with a degreaser and scouring pad, effectively eliminating the grease and grime. If it’s a glass surface, consider baking soda mixed with vinegar.

Revitalize Your Fridge

The most important part of this is removing everything in the fridge. Nothing is more pesky than trying to clean around a head of lettuce or Tupperware leftovers. For any perishable that is questionable, toss it. You’re not going to use that ranch dressing you haven’t touched in a year.

After spoiled grub is disposed, create a mixture of baking soda and water. Once you’ve rinsed and dried surfaces with the creation, leave an open container of baking soda on the bottom shelf.

Hard Water Stains

Oh, the dreaded imperfection on water fixtures. Fear not: the best way to remove these pesky stains is with vinegar. Let sit for at least fifteen minutes, and wipe clean. Your appliances will look as good as new, no need to replace them!