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The Best Vintage Spring Cleaning Tips and Routines

March 10, 2021 By Lisa Sharp 39 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here for full disclosure and privacy policy.

Get some amazing vintage spring cleaning tips from housewives of the past and learn about their spring cleaning routines. They will help you get your house sparkling in no time.

woman in yellow dress and heels with red apron holding mop

Spring cleaning is a practice that has been around in some form for centuries. Many religions practice forms of spring cleaning like the cleaning before Passover in the Jewish faith.

There are also many good scientific reasons why we should spring clean. We tend to feel more energy and motivation in the spring months as compared to the winter months. 

Our houses have likely been closed up more during the winter months as well. While a well-sealed house will help our energy costs it also traps things we don’t want in our homes like dust, air pollution, and other pesty things that can interfere with our breathing.

Spring is a time to get some fresh air in our homes and give them a good clean to make our homes feel just as fresh and new as the outside world is starting to feel.

While a quick search on Pinterest will show you lots of spring cleaning tips and routines there is something often missing. We are forgetting a lot of the tried and true methods homemakers of the past used for generations.

Sure many are outdated, you don’t need to wax ashtrays anymore. (This was an actual tip I read in a 1950s magazine.) But many of the tasks have remained the same.

Spring cleaning was also more common in those days so it only makes sense that we could learn a lot from them. The first thing to talk about is getting prepared for our spring cleaning.

Preparing for Spring Cleaning

woman in red with white polka dress with yellow cleaning gloves and a red bucket

Make Time for Spring Cleaning

This can be one of the harder tasks when it comes to spring cleaning. You likely already have a busy schedule and trying to fit more in can be tough.

Sit down with your calendar and see how many things you can remove, at least for a couple of weeks. Maybe plan so easier meals or even a few more take-out meals. You can also likely skip a few normal cleaning tasks if you will be deep cleaning that area anyway. And be sure to ask your family to pitch in a bit as well. Maybe they can take on a few extra chores for a week or two. 

This is temporary and it’s okay to take a few shortcuts in other areas to give yourself more time. 

Related Post: Real Ways 1950s Housewives Saved Time

Decide on Your Spring Cleaning Tasks

Different homes will need to focus on different tasks. That’s why it’s so hard to follow the premade spring cleaning lists you find on the internet. They can have a lot of tasks that you don’t need to do and also excluded some that are important in your home.

Some tasks you’ll want to consider adding include- 

  1. Go through your clothing. Donate things you no longer want, put away winter clothing, check clothing for stains and things that need to be mended. 
  2. While your dressers and closets are empty give them a good clean.
  3. Wash and store winter bedding and blankets.
  4. Clean rugs.
  5. Clean window coverings.
  6. Clean walls.
  7. Wash and wax woodwork.
  8. Polish metal around the house, like faucets and doorknobs. 
  9. Clean lampshades.
  10. Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Replace bulbs if needed as well.
  11. Steam clean carpets if needed.
  12. Clean upholstery. 
  13. Clean out the fireplace.
  14. Clean out cupboards and cabinets. Don’t forget to pay attention to what needs to be replaced.
  15. Wash windows and screens, fix any holes in screens.
  16. Clean and defrost the freezer.
  17. Deep clean appliances like oven, washing machine, dishwasher, and any others in need.
  18. Clean out the dryer vent.

This is just a list to get you started. It’s also a good idea to take a walk around your home and take note of tasks that are in need of being done.

Create Your Vintage Spring Cleaning Routine

Once you know what spring cleaning tasks you want to tackle you’ll need to schedule a time to clean. There are a lot of different types of routines you can try but until you know how much time you can schedule in it will be hard to pick a routine.

Be realistic with yourself on how much time all of your tasks will take and how much time you can spend each day. Once you know these details you can consider what kind of routine you’d like to follow.

Just like today, homemakers in the past also had different spring cleaning routines. Some cleaned a room each day, others did different tasks each day and did those tasks in every room before moving on.

If you’d like to try a really simple vintage cleaning routine you can try a 1940s spring cleaning routine that only involves dedicating one day a week to spring cleaning. 

Gather Your Supplies

Mrs. Meyers cleaning supplies on white background

Having all of your supplies and tools ready to go can help you save time with your spring cleaning. You don’t want to get in the middle of a task only to find you are missing some of the supplies you needed.

I like to go through all of my cleaning products and tools and make note of things I’m low on or out of and place a Grove Collaborative order. It’s so much easier than having to run out to the store to get my supplies.

The best part about Grove Collaborative is that you can get a free set of Mrs. Meyers cleaning products with your first order. It’s a great way to get stocked up and save money.

Other supplies I like to check are all the items I like to have for making lists and staying organized while I’m doing my spring cleaning.

Erin Condren planner, notebooks, notepad, and stickers on white wooden table

I like to get these supplies from Erin Condren. Erin Condren has some great supplies that you can get even get in some cute vintage-style patterns.

I use my wall organization center to have a quick overview of my month and what I have going on. I also use my Erin Condren Lifeplanner to make sure my tasks are scheduled and I know what I’m doing each day.

Other supplies I like to have on hand from Erin Condren are notebooks, coil clips to add lists to my planner or notebooks, writing tools, stickers for organizing, and some notepads.

With all of these supplies and tools ready to go, I know I won’t be slowed down by needing to place orders or go shopping. 

Get it All Done

Once you have a schedule and all your supplies it’s time to get it done. If you find the schedule you start with isn’t working for you then adjust it! The biggest thing is that you get the tasks done. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for some help as well. If you aren’t the only one living in your home then you aren’t the only one that is responsible for its upkeep.

Vintage Spring Cleaning Tips

Before I start with my spring cleaning I love to read some vintage spring cleaning tips. I tend to find them in vintage magazines and you find some really great ones. They can also be motivating.

I have shared some of my favorite vintage spring cleaning tips on the blog so you can read them, enjoy them, and hopefully learn some great tricks for your spring cleaning this year.

  • The Best Spring Cleaning Tips from 1950s Housewives
  • The Best Spring Cleaning Tips from 1940s Housewives

Erin Condren Giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by Erin Condren. 

Erin Condren has so many great products that can make your spring cleaning easier. I shared some of my favorite items to use but they have even more than what I listed.

Plus you’ll find some really great organizational products. I use one of their desk organizers on my desk to keep things organized and looking nice. And they’ve come out with even more organizational products lately that you will want to check out. 

If you are finding a big list of things you want from Erin Condren you’ll want to enter this giveaway for a $115 gift code to stock up on these great products.

Simply use the box below to enter to win! The giveaway will run from March 10, 2021, through March 17th, 2021. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: 1950s Housewife Tips, Cleaning, Homemaking

Previous Post: « Ditch the Yoga Pants and Try a House Dress
Next Post: The Best Planners for Every Budget »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brandi

    March 10, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    I am actually pretty excited about spring cleaning this year. And I have always loved Erin condren’s stuff! So beautiful and wonderful for compulsive list makers like me, but I have never let myself indulge.

    Reply
  2. Rosy Marr

    March 10, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    I would buy planners, PENS and lots of stickers if I won! This looks like such a fun giveaway!!

    Reply
  3. Emmy Haynes

    March 10, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    Oh All the planners and things!! As a Messianic Jewish 50’s aspiring housewife I was really excited to see you mention Passover Cleaning!!!

    Reply
  4. Ana Mayorquin

    March 10, 2021 at 1:30 pm

    I love EC planners and stationery!

    Reply
  5. Meagan e Mitchell

    March 10, 2021 at 1:50 pm

    I look forward to spring cleaning! I love how everything feels so fresh after winter. And I just discovered Erin Condren’s stuff! I am in love with all the monogrammed things!

    Reply
  6. Maggie

    March 10, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    I always start spring cleaning by going through my clothes. And then slowly work on the rest of the house.

    Reply
  7. Rachel Gilbert

    March 10, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    I would buy a planner, cute stickers, organizers, pens, whatever sparked my interest.

    Reply
  8. Will G

    March 10, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    I would buy a planner.

    Reply
  9. Anna

    March 10, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    Oooolaalaa, what would I buy with a Eric Condren Gift Card… I love all things vintage, and I believe 100% in cleaning how you have explained here. The world needs reminding of the simplicity! I also am a all pen and paper girl, so planners, pens, stickers, the list could go on! Always needing pens and planners! ?

    Reply
  10. Elise

    March 10, 2021 at 2:59 pm

    Yes, I’ve got the spring cleaning fever. I’ve heard so many great things about Erin Condren planners but have not used one yet. Your blog is always nice to visit 🙂

    Reply
  11. Jessica W

    March 10, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    There’s nothing better than a beautiful well made planner! I’ve always lived and used planners. We just started our spring cleaning. So much to do, but it feels great to have the house clean and refreshed.

    Reply
  12. Kristen

    March 10, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    I’d start with the basics… a planner.. and build from there. I tried a new planner this year and don’t love it!

    Reply
  13. heather

    March 10, 2021 at 6:49 pm

    If I won this one I would buy a planner for mom for mother’s day.

    Reply
  14. Nicole Martin

    March 10, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    I would buy some new blankets!

    Reply
  15. Amanda L Paige

    March 10, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    A planner. I have wanted one of hers for a long time and never been able to afford one!

    Reply
  16. Morgan A

    March 10, 2021 at 9:26 pm

    I am obsessed with planning and organizing! I would love to win this giveaway

    Reply
  17. Kelly D

    March 10, 2021 at 10:14 pm

    I would get stationary.

    Reply
  18. Sherri

    March 10, 2021 at 10:50 pm

    Loved your spring cleaning ideas! Literally took notes in my EC notebook!

    Reply
  19. Victoria J

    March 11, 2021 at 6:24 am

    I would definitely buy more stationery! I love sending cards to others! I love your spring cleaning list! I’m definitely going to have to sit and make a list like you did! Thanks so much for the content!

    Reply
  20. AracelyPerez

    March 11, 2021 at 6:52 am

    Thanks for the tips! I love Erin Condren and use her planners daily.

    Reply
  21. Aracely Perez

    March 11, 2021 at 6:54 am

    I would get my next daily planner!

    Reply
  22. Karla M Neese

    March 11, 2021 at 7:53 am

    I had tried Grove Collaborative before and not sure why I stopped using it.
    Maybe it’s time to place a new order and get some fresh supplies to start the new season!
    Thanks for all of the ideas and the giveaway!

    Reply
  23. Lisa Flynn

    March 11, 2021 at 8:38 am

    I live Erin’s products! So pretty and functional!

    Reply
  24. Michelle

    March 11, 2021 at 8:52 am

    A new planner. I love planners, well I love anything stationary.

    Reply
  25. Tavi Karoses

    March 11, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Honestly I had never heard of Erin Condren but I’m a huge planner in general! 🙂 Always have my lists and checklists laying around haha. I love the idea of the address labels, the vegan planners are cool, and of course I’m a sticker nut…that was just my quick glimpse! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Missa

    March 11, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    I LOVE EC products!!!

    Reply
  27. Missa

    March 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    I would love the new fine tip markers, caddy and a Sherpa throw!!!

    Reply
  28. Emily

    March 12, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    I would use the giftcard to buy erin condren notebooks! I write a lot and they are so helpful to keep track of all the tasks I need to do, especially with all the spring cleaning coming up!!

    Reply
  29. Judy C

    March 14, 2021 at 8:09 pm

    Thank you for this opportunity! I would love to buy a daily duo and the cute hello kitty items!!!

    Reply
  30. Jo DeLuca

    March 16, 2021 at 3:18 am

    As a compulsive list maker I’m certain they would be helpful.

    Reply
  31. Kellie CT

    March 16, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    I usually don’t do a full spring clean but my windows are the one thing that I’ll be thoroughly scrubbing this year for sure.

    Reply
  32. LB

    March 16, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    I’d love to get some of their wall organizing/scheduling helps along with all the planner accessories…!!!

    Reply
  33. Alyssa Avant

    March 18, 2021 at 8:45 am

    I love all things Spring. All things planner and all things Erin Condren.

    Reply
  34. Lorraine Carter

    March 18, 2021 at 9:05 am

    If I won I would purchase a planner and some stationary as I am trying to get back into writing letters to my family.

    Reply
  35. Cat

    March 18, 2021 at 9:17 am

    I haven’t been able to replace my old planner and it’s starting to show. I would love to try a new one that has a bit more options for all the crazy stuff around here. I’d also give their organization stuff a solid try. I have heard so many positive things from rather different types of people so I truly hope there’s truth to it. We weren’t able to get the bookcases we had planned for updating the kids playroom so I’m now down on storage and really need to figure out what to do with an entire blank wall.
    As far “spring” cleaning: it’s in full force here…along with mud season!

    Reply
  36. Shauna

    March 18, 2021 at 10:19 am

    I would buy a planner and pens! I love to add color to my planners and doodling helps me focus.

    Reply
  37. Julie Barkley

    March 18, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    I love Spring but hate Spring Cleaning and am never ready for it to come around again! I need these things and your blog to keep me motivated! Thank you for all you do!

    Reply
  38. Felicity Smith

    March 18, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    I would love a new and shiny planner – I have been surviving on an inserts planner for the last year but with shiny 2021 I would love to invest in a bit of a “new me” with erin condren

    Reply
  39. Cassandra D

    March 18, 2021 at 11:30 pm

    I would buy a life planner and a monthly planner along with stickers and folios.

    Reply

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Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the Retro Housewife trying to live a greener life. I share my love of all things vintage, homemaking and green living here on the blog. To read more, click here.

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