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.
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Sure many are outdated, you don’t need to wax ashtrays anymore.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
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-
- 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.
- While your dressers and closets are empty give them a good clean.
- Wash and store winter bedding and blankets.
- Clean rugs.
- Clean window coverings.
- Clean walls.
- Wash and wax woodwork.
- Polish metal around the house, like faucets and doorknobs.
- Clean lampshades.
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Replace bulbs if needed as well.
- Steam clean carpets if needed.
- Clean upholstery.
- Clean out the fireplace.
- Clean out cupboards and cabinets. Don’t forget to pay attention to what needs to be replaced.
- Wash windows and screens, fix any holes in screens.
- Clean and defrost the freezer.
- Deep clean appliances like oven, washing machine, dishwasher, and any others in need.
- 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.
Be sure to also print of a spring cleaning checklist to make your spring cleaning easier.
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
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.
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.
Brandi says
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.
Rosy Marr says
I would buy planners, PENS and lots of stickers if I won! This looks like such a fun giveaway!!
Emmy Haynes says
Oh All the planners and things!! As a Messianic Jewish 50’s aspiring housewife I was really excited to see you mention Passover Cleaning!!!
Ana Mayorquin says
I love EC planners and stationery!
Meagan e Mitchell says
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!
Maggie says
I always start spring cleaning by going through my clothes. And then slowly work on the rest of the house.
Rachel Gilbert says
I would buy a planner, cute stickers, organizers, pens, whatever sparked my interest.
Will G says
I would buy a planner.
Anna says
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! ?
Elise says
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 🙂
Jessica W says
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.
Kristen says
I’d start with the basics… a planner.. and build from there. I tried a new planner this year and don’t love it!
heather says
If I won this one I would buy a planner for mom for mother’s day.
Nicole Martin says
I would buy some new blankets!
Amanda L Paige says
A planner. I have wanted one of hers for a long time and never been able to afford one!
Morgan A says
I am obsessed with planning and organizing! I would love to win this giveaway
Kelly D says
I would get stationary.
Sherri says
Loved your spring cleaning ideas! Literally took notes in my EC notebook!
Victoria J says
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!
AracelyPerez says
Thanks for the tips! I love Erin Condren and use her planners daily.
Aracely Perez says
I would get my next daily planner!
Karla M Neese says
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!
Lisa Flynn says
I live Erin’s products! So pretty and functional!
Michelle says
A new planner. I love planners, well I love anything stationary.
Tavi Karoses says
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! 🙂
Missa says
I LOVE EC products!!!
Missa says
I would love the new fine tip markers, caddy and a Sherpa throw!!!
Emily says
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!!
Judy C says
Thank you for this opportunity! I would love to buy a daily duo and the cute hello kitty items!!!
Jo DeLuca says
As a compulsive list maker I’m certain they would be helpful.
Kellie CT says
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.
LB says
I’d love to get some of their wall organizing/scheduling helps along with all the planner accessories…!!!
Alyssa Avant says
I love all things Spring. All things planner and all things Erin Condren.
Lorraine Carter says
If I won I would purchase a planner and some stationary as I am trying to get back into writing letters to my family.
Cat says
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!
Shauna says
I would buy a planner and pens! I love to add color to my planners and doodling helps me focus.
Julie Barkley says
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!
Felicity Smith says
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
Cassandra D says
I would buy a life planner and a monthly planner along with stickers and folios.