Spring is known as the time to clean house and freshen up your home after being stuck inside for the long winter, but I find my desire for a clean and fresh feeling home carries over into the summer! I’m not a obsessive cleaner, and most of my cleaning tips involve simplicity and schedule, like the Five Minute Focus, An Easy Clean for Hardwood, and Tips to Love the Laundry. These 7 Simple Tips not only help clean up the house, but add some newness and life to the inside to freshen up for the summer.
1)
Fresh Flowers

I try to keep at least one vase of fresh cut flowers in the house at all times, and usually I can grab one bouquet and separate it into several different little vignettes for the counter, entry table, bedside table, and bathroom. They don’t have to be expensive, and add such a big impact.2) Open the Windows

Let the fresh air in! I know it’s hot around the country, and the AC is working overtime, but for just a few minutes every week or so I like to let the air move around between the inside and out to freshen up the feeling inside. On cooler days or during am evening storm are some of my favorite times to open them up and feel a connection between inside my house and out!3) Add New Pillows

Throw pillows are so easy to switch out, and adding a new pillow gives the whole room a makeover. I am not even a huge throw pillow fan, but have two on the couch and one per chair, and mixing it up a little bit makes a huge difference in how the house feels. (This Tropical Vinatage pillow is from my collaboration with Oh Fox Creative)4) Beat your Rugs

When it’s nice out is a great time to collect the rugs from around your house and give them a good old-fashioned beating. Even rugs that are vacuumed regularly will benefit from being outside and having all of the settled-in dust and dirt beat out. 5) Focus on the Floor

All the dust and crumbs settle downward to the floor, so if you can keep it clean regularly, the house will feel so much fresher. With your rugs outside hanging is the perfect time to give the whole floor an easy clean. I like to use a vacuum on the hard floors, using the attachments to get into the corners, beneath furniture, and along the baseboards. Then I mop with my O-Cedar EasyWring, some mild detergent like Method Wood and warm water.

6) Add Plants

Plants bring the outside in, and add such a fresh, alive feeling to the home, and don’t need to be replaced every week like fresh flowers. I’m attracted to cacti and succulents because of the ease of care, but I also have a palm and an umbrella tree, as well as some other potted indoor varieties that I’m learning to take care of. Start with a few and get the hang of when to water. Then you’ll feel comfortable growing your collection.  7) Replace Old Towels

As you’re freshening up the house, take note of the towels and linens that have gotten a bit ragged, and replace them. Don’t just buy new ones and add them to the linen cupboard, but actually get the old ones out of there! It’s a simple thing that makes the world of difference when you are showering and have a fresh, soft towel to grab every day.

We live pretty simply, and don’t have a bunch of excess stuff around. I’ve realized that if I can keep the stuff we do have and use pretty nice, our home feels so much more fresh and happy. Adding flowers, opening the windows, switching out pillows, beating rugs, cleaning the floor, getting some plants, and replacing the old towels in the cupboard are all simple ways to get your home feeling fresh and new for the summer, or anytime!

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