Home Survival Skills: Cleaning Essentials That Make Life Easier

I think we can all agree that when it comes to cleaning, we're always looking for efficient alternatives to make the process easier. Try these cleaning tips and tricks to keep your home sparkling year-round.

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December 30, 2014

By: Kayla Kitts and Jessica Yonker

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Holly Mathis

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Things You're Forgetting to Clean

Whether it's deep cleaning or just tidying up, there are a few ways to go the extra mile and keep your home sparkling. From the back of the TV to the garbage disposal, there are some items around your home that may need some TLC from the sponge or vacuum. Did You Know These Items Were That Dirty?

Spring-Clean Your Paper Clutter

Preparing your tax return can be chaotic, but it doesn't have to be. Keeping important papers organized year-round can help you spend less time scouring your file cabinet and more time planning your Tax Day shopping spree. 11 Ways to Clear Paper Clutter

Clean Out Your Dryer Lint

One way you can speed up the laundry process is by not only cleaning the lint from your dryer, but actually cleaning your lint screen. Plus, 18 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Washing Machine

Clean Your Home After Illness

Keeping your home spic and span is one of the most important ways to ward away disease, and a thorough cleaning once you're feeling better can prevent illness from spreading to your loved ones. Easy Tips for Making Your Home Healthier

Use Attachments the Right Way

With so many brands, options, filter types and other factors, choosing the right vacuum can be a daunting task. Plus, they come with so many attachments! Uncover your vacuum's full potential with these tips. Get a Full Vacuum Attachment Tutorial

Flip Your Ceiling Fan Rotation

If your home feels fine during the day but you find yourself reaching for an extra blanket at night, it may be time to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades. Plus, Discover 12 More Seasonal DIY Projects to Tackle

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Clean Out Your Closet

Start the cold seasons off on the right foot with a few tips for making the closet swap less painful. Space-Saving Organization Ideas for Tiny Closets

Utilize Vinegar

One of the best things about keeping vinegar in your home is that it's so cheap. Plus, it's edible — no harsh toxins, no lingering chemical smell — making it the perfect cleaning solution if you have children or pets. 8 Vinegar Tricks You've Never Tried

Make Homemade Scents

If you've ever tried to make your own fragrance, you know it can be difficult to get the combination just right. That's why we followed our noses to find easy mixes for springtime scents that you can make at home. How to Make Potpourri Pillows

Creative Uses for Beer

As it turns out, your favorite brew may have more uses than just cooling you off after a long day, like polishing garden pots and keeping wasps away. Handy Uses for Beer Beyond Drinking

Clean Your Gutters

Taking measures early — like checking your gutters for leaks and cleaning out built-up debris — will ensure you spend less time outside scooping up piles of wet leaves and more time inside with family. Learn How to Clean and Maintain Your Gutters

Spring-Clean Your Outdoor Space

Have you been neglecting your yard? Get your outdoor space ready for the spring and summer months with our tidy-up tips. 15 Easy Curb Appeal Boosters