Spring has sprung, and those of us who have been living in hibernation are ready to open the windows, dust down the house and let the fresh air in.
Ever since the pandemic, when many people became domestic busy bodies, #CleanTok has ballooned in popularity on TikTok with endless cleaning videos ranging from ASMR to creative hacks.
Some of those cleaning hacks seem downright unbelievable, so to weigh in on some popular #CleanTok trends, we spoke with a veteran cleaner: Jen Boyle, co-owner of a MaidThis Cleaning franchise in the Salt Lake City, Utah area and a "Top Pro" on Thumbtack.
She told USA TODAY she had a toilet brush in her hand when she was 3 years old, stepping in as her mom's helper while she was in medical school.
"Spring cleaning to me is really like − there's a fresh start outside, everything is blooming, your windows are opening," Boyle said. "So it's about bringing that fresh start from the outside in."
Boyle helped us evaluate some popular cleaning trends online. Here is what she had to say:
A classic "Sunday Reset" video includes TikTok users pouring baking soda on their mattresses and couch cushions, letting it sit, and vacuuming it up.
Boyle said this may be new to the internet, but she has been using it to eliminate odor for a long time.
But her own take on this hack? Jump on the bed before putting the baking soda down.
"When was the last time you jumped on the bed? So jump on your bed before you do it," she said. "That will release all the allergens."
She suggests jumping, vacuuming, putting down the baking soda and then vacuuming again. Also, while you're at it, spring may be a good time to flip or rotate your mattress, she said.
Lots of TikToks show a rag wrapped around a pot lid that is run over couch cushions like a steamer.
Boyle explains here that the potlid helps to give leverage in scrubbing and prevents the rag from bunching.
"They're really getting into it and creating those lines," Boyle said. "Those lines won't last, they won't last if you have kids!"
She said she uses a different cleaning solution than a Tide pod, but says whatever cleaner you use, just spot check it on a part of the fabric first.
And most importantly, rinse your rag well and often.
Boyle says there are a lot of ways to deep clean your bedding and linens, but filling a bathtub and adding vinegar or products like Oxi Boosters can help freshen the bedding.
"It's a great hack to strip your bedding, absolutely," Boyle said.
Here are a few more of Boyle's tips for tackling your spring cleaning:
But amid all the cleaning, Boyle also offered the reassurance to go at your own pace.
"As a woman and a mom, I want to say, just don't overwhelm yourself," Boyle said. "Everyone's house gets dusty. Everyone's house gets dirty...houses are lived in and they're supposed to be lived in."
2024-12-26 09:01652 view
2024-12-26 08:541504 view
2024-12-26 08:532472 view
2024-12-26 08:46579 view
2024-12-26 08:091429 view
2024-12-26 06:40191 view
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Follow Your
VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP) — Walmart announced Wednesday it will build a new $350 million milk processing pl
BALTIMORE (AP) — Law enforcement has blocked traffic from entering the Baltimore Washington Internat