How to tackle deep-cleaning tasks around the house

(BPT) - You know it must be done, but you just don't want to. It's been on the to-do list for far too long. You may try to ignore it, dodge it or even cover it up. It's your mess nemesis — your least-favorite cleaning task — and you dread having to tackle it.

Not all cleaning is equal

While some people enjoy cleaning more than others, everyone can agree that not all cleaning tasks are created equal. In fact, 88% of American adults have a least-favorite cleaning task, according to a new survey from the makers of home cleaning brand CLR (pronounced "clear"). When asked to liken their least-favorite cleaning task to a person, 33% of Americans said it's like a scam caller. When asked to choose between activities, almost half (43%) would rather go to the dentist than handle their least-favorite cleaning task.

Cleaning during quarantine

Considering the extra time people are spending at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, messes are more frequent and can quickly become bothersome. The frequency of cleaning has increased for most Americans over the past several months, but Americans are, understandably, split on their level of cleaning productivity during this time: 53% have tackled a cleaning task they've been avoiding for years during the pandemic and 42% have avoided at least one cleaning task during the pandemic.

Tips for conquering a mess nemesis

Whether it's soap scum, mildew, rust, stinks, stains or spills, it's time to show your mess nemesis you mean business. Follow these tips to get the job done right:

1) Set a date: It's easy to keep avoiding tasks you loathe, so set a time for when you plan to focus on cleaning and be specific. For example, at 10 a.m. Saturday you're finally giving the boot to that lime and calcium buildup on the shower door. Put on some cleaning clothes, play some motivational music and focus on getting the job done once and for all.

2) Stock ample supplies: Stock necessities, such as sponges, scrubbers and rags, before diving into any cleaning mission. Having the right supplies for the specific job makes tasks simpler. Use proper cleaning formulations for your task, such as the CLR line that has products designed to get rid of the grime in areas of the home, from the kitchen and bathroom to the patio, garage and beyond.

3) Follow directions and use safer products: Always follow the directions on any product to ensure you get the results you want without making the mess worse or damaging the items. Use products that clean effectively without unnecessary use of harsh chemicals. Look for products approved by the EPA Safer Choice Program, meaning they’re recognized as a safer alternative to traditional cleaning options that rely on the use of harsh chemicals to be effective, such as bleach.

4) Rally the troops: Whether it's a big mess that requires multiple sets of hands or a tough mess that requires a few people strategizing, help can make a big difference. Even if you need to focus on the mess nemesis while other people handle regular household chores, this can keep things moving forward thanks to teamwork. Get your partner, spouse, kids or roommates in on the action.

3 Tips to Create Your Dream Closet

(Family Features) If you’ve ever opened your closet doors and been depressed by what you see, it may be time to rethink your closet.

In fact, according to a One Poll survey on behalf of ClosetMaid, 57 percent of women admitted having an organized closet would make finding what they’re looking for faster and easier while 3 out of 10 said an organized closet would make mornings less stressful.

However, treating yourself to your dream closet and introducing a new level of organization can help alleviate those worries and provide a fresh perspective. To get started on your closet makeover, consider these tips:

Assess Your Needs
Before diving headfirst into a full-blown closet makeover, start by assessing any budgetary constraints as well as the physical aspects and size of your space. Determine your ceiling height and available wall space to give yourself a feel for what your area can accommodate; you may even want to consider converting an adjacent room into your dream closet. Remember to account for any sloped walls and whether you prefer a simple reach-in closet or a more elaborate walk-in. Once you’ve determined your preferences and completed your measurements, turn to your wardrobe to assess whether you need more hanging space, shelving, shoe storage, accessory drawers or something else entirely.

Make Your Dream a Reality
Whether you’re a motivated DIYer intent on completing the project yourself or would prefer to work with a team of designers and professional installers, there are plenty of options available to bring your dream closet to fruition. One closet system to consider if you’re seeking a completely customized, designer-inspired space is ClosetMaid’s MasterSuite 27th Avenue collection. The professionally installed line can be cut to nearly any configuration and offers a range of matte and premium wood finishes, three drawer styles, elegant hardware options and high-end accessories, allowing you the design freedom to ensure the features and aesthetic match your vision for the space.

Customize Your Space
No closet is complete without some personal touches. Make your closet work efficiently with some luxurious organization accessories such as jewelry trays, shoe shelving, wire baskets and drawers, sliding mirrors, valet rods, scarf racks and more. Once you have the necessary accessories and hangers, set up a systematic flow by using the zone principle. Keep frequently used items in prime real estate, accessories within reach and tuck away those rarely used items.

With your dream closet complete, the only thing left to worry about is keeping it in tip-top shape. For more closet makeover tips and solutions, visit ClosetMaid.com.

Transform Your Bathroom into the Ultimate Paradise

(Family Features) Many people spend a lot of time in the bathroom. It’s a functional space where you can bathe, get ready for the day and take care of business. However, the bathroom can be so much more than that: it can offer a place to destress, relax and recharge before taking on the morning or after conquering a long day.

Now you can escape to your own paradise without leaving home. These simple tips and tricks from lifestyle and parenting expert Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam can help you transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis without undergoing a major renovation.

• Don’t be scared to play with lighting, as it helps create a room’s atmosphere. Use multi-bulb lighting fixtures paired with warm LEDs. For a sunset-on-the-beach vibe, try pink bulbs in the bathroom with your regular lighting; together they can create a rosy-glow that’s the perfect aesthetic for a relaxing time.

• To immerse yourself in the sand and sun, use collections of gold-framed mirrors. Adding mirrors is a simple way to bounce additional light around the room, and the gold can add a warm hue, so they’re both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Bathrooms can have greenery in them, too. Plants such as philodendrons and bromeliads can add an element of airiness and life, and both can be found in super-realistic faux styles if your bathroom is not conducive to the real thing.

• Don’t be afraid to accessorize your bathroom with items that fit your style and personality. For your paradise getaway, a bamboo bathmat can create a beachy vibe that’s also chic and modern and Turkish towels can add texture and color. Even smaller items, such as jewelry stands, towel hooks and toilet paper holders, can show off your unique aesthetic and make your escape truly your own.

• Keep your bathroom sparklingly and stunningly clean – and smelling great. Don’t forget to clean frequently overlooked places like the back of the toilet, inside the shower and along the edges of fixtures. Scented cleaning products such as those from the Clorox Scentiva Pacific Breeze & Coconut line, including bathroom foamer, toilet cleaning gel, multi-surface spray and disinfecting wipes, not only deliver a refreshing clean, but can also help transport you to a relaxing paradise with aromas of coconut, pineapples and warm sandalwood. For more information, visit Clorox.com.

Photo courtesy of Sue Hudelson

5 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

(Family Features) Spring is a time for renewal and awakenings. It’s also the perfect time to take your cues from Mother Nature and devise a plan to reduce and reimagine your way to a refreshing, updated home you can fully enjoy once more.

Reorganize cluttered areas
If a room (or rooms) in your house are in disarray, start by reorganizing those often-used spaces to give them a like-new look and feel. Begin by removing everything from the room – including the furniture, if you’re able – and separate your belongings into boxes or piles based on what you plan to put back in the room, move to another location and throw away or donate. Once you’ve cleaned the space, resituate the necessary furniture then place items you’re keeping back in their places in tidy fashion so they’re easy to locate.

Eliminate the extras
While you’re freshening up the house, it’s the perfect time to purge unwanted and unused items, but remember that items in good condition can actually do good for those in need. By donating clothing, electronics, furniture, household goods and vehicles to be sold in The Salvation Army Family and Thrift Stores, you can help transform lives in your local community. A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in the last year and it doesn’t have special sentimental value, it’s probably time to let it go.

Get rid of grime
A whole season’s worth of dirt and dust accumulates during the cold winter months. A deep clean inside and out can restore your home to its former glory. Inside, take time to launder all of your linens, including curtains, rugs and bedding. Move furniture to vacuum behind and below, and don’t overlook dust and dirt magnets like mirrors, light fixtures and the insides of cabinets, especially higher shelves that see infrequent use. Outdoors, hose off or power-wash surfaces like windows, siding, decks and concrete to restore a crisp, clean appearance.

Revise for real life
If there’s an area of your home that isn’t quite working for your lifestyle, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to make a change. That may mean reconfiguring furniture for a more functional living room or converting an underused guest room into a useful craft or project space. Take time to consider what changes will make the space more practical, and even sketch out some possibilities on paper to fine-tune your ideas before you get to work.

Discover new decor
A spring refresh is about more than just decluttering and cleaning, it's about giving new life to your home with new decor, accessories and artwork. One affordable option: seek out unexpected treasures by shopping for great bargains at thrift stores. The proceeds from the sale of items found at shops like The Salvation Army Thrift and Family Stores go to help those in need, and it’s one simple way to update your decor without spending a fortune.

Visit SATruck.org to schedule a donation pick-up or find a thrift store near you.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Make This Spring a Season of Clean

(Family Features) Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition to clear the clutter and start fresh, but when strapped for time, it can be hard to get started. Instead, simplify the process, stay motivated and get a sense of accomplishment for a job well done with these tips.

Get Motivated
According to a survey conducted by The Clorox Company regarding attitudes toward spring cleaning, people who spring clean say the annual ritual provides a sense of accomplishment or rejuvenation. In fact, 37 percent of Americans compare it to the feeling of leaving work on a Friday afternoon – a sign they can finally kick back and relax.

The study also revealed that half of Americans still struggle to work up the motivation to get started on this seasonal task, and two out of five are challenged by finding the time to clean.

To make this season of clean less daunting and more fun, Clorox is sharing content co-created with Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam, Dariela Cruz of Mami Talks, Jaime Morrison Curtis and Jacinda Boneau of Pretty Prudent and Bri Emery of Design Love Fest as they share cleaning tips, life hacks, recipes and DIY projects to help keep you energized and inspired all season long.

Get Started
To kick off your spring cleaning regimen, map out your cleaning game plan. Dedicate 15 minutes to organizing your cleaning supplies, deciding which rooms to tackle and the products you’ll need, then assign a day to clean each of those spaces. This step can keep you from feeling completely overwhelmed when you aren’t quite sure where to start.

Then it’s time to clear the clutter and prep for the deep clean. Bedrooms and bedroom closets are hot spots for clutter, so they’re often the first rooms to be cleaned. For more than one in four Americans, the kitchen pantry and kitchen drawers also gather clutter.

Once your home is clutter-free, tackle the most dreaded chore on your list first. According to the survey, if Americans could give up one chore for the rest of their lives, scrubbing the toilet would be the first to go. Once you conquer your most dreaded space, whatever it is, the rest of your spring cleaning chores can feel like a breeze.

Stay Motivated
To keep yourself motivated through the cleaning sessions, allow yourself breaks. Cleaning breaks are necessary, as over half of Americans say that spring cleaning can take anywhere from 2-5 days. Snacks and screens – whether it be the television, computer or a smartphone – are the most popular ways to take a break during cleaning sprees.

Creating small incentives for yourself, such as hosting a get-together for the finale of your favorite TV show or taking a well-deserved staycation, can also keep you motivated throughout the cleaning process.

Find additional motivation along the way at SeasonOfClean.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Spice Up Spring Cleaning

(Family Features) While you're making this year's spring cleaning chore list, remember that a true deep clean means decluttering your kitchen from inside the cabinets out. "The idea of spring cleaning is especially relevant to the spice rack," said Mark Garcia, chef at McCormick Kitchens. "Many people keep the same herbs and spices in their cabinet for years, not realizing that flavor and aroma tend to fade over time."

He offers the following tips for ensuring your herbs and spices are at their freshest and ready to complement the season's signature flavors:

• Sight: Check that the colors of your spices and herbs are bright and vibrant. If the color has faded, so has the flavor.
• Aroma: Rub or crush the spice or herb in your hand. If the aroma is weak, it is time to replace it.
• Taste: Give the herb or spice a taste test. If it lacks flavor, it is past its prime.

To ensure you're cooking with the freshest flavor, check your spice's "best by" date and keep these shelf life guidelines in mind:

• Ground spices: 2-3 years
• Whole spices: 3-4 years
• Seasoning blends: 1-2 years
• Herbs: 1-3 years

When you shop to replace discarded spices, keep these storage tips in mind:

• Keep spices and herbs away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing spices and herbs over the stove, dishwasher or sink, or near a window.
• Members of the red pepper family, including paprika and chili powder, will retain their color and remain fresher when stored in the refrigerator.

While putting your spices to use, follow these simple guidelines:

• Try not to sprinkle spices and herbs directly from the bottle into a steaming pot. Repeated exposure to heat and moisture can hasten flavor loss and could result in caking. Instead, measure them into a cup, measuring spoon or bowl and then add them.
• Be sure to use a completely dry measuring spoon when dipping it into a spice or herb.
• Replace bottle lids tightly immediately after use.

While cleaning out the cupboards, you may encounter forgotten spices or those that are approaching their "best by" dates and need to be used. That's the perfect excuse to experiment with new recipes or to reward your hard work with a sweet treat.

Find more recipes and tips for keeping your spice rack in tip-top shape at McCormick.com or look for McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images