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​​​​​If you'll be shaking off the winter grime by giving your home a deep clean, try these simple tricks to help boost the efficiency of your appliances, reduce your home energy consumption and get your home ready for spring!

​Green clean your windows

With the weather warming up, it's time to crank down your thermostat and take advantage of springtime sun to help heat your home. A quick clean of your windows will let more light shine through, naturally warming the room and making you less reliant on artificial lighting. For a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective cleaner, give this DIY a try:

What you'll need: 

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 10 drops essential oil (optional)
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloth

Combine the water, vinegar and essential oil in a spray bottle and gently shake. The essential oil is optional, but will help to mask the smell of the vinegar and replace it with a fresh, clean scent. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your windows clean after using the spray for a streak-free finish.

Give your oven some TLC

Did you know that burnt-on food and grease can actually make your oven less efficient? It's true! Your oven will waste energy heating up dirt instead of cooking your food, making it work harder and longer to reach the right temperature.

Try to clean your oven at least once a month to keep it working at its best. If you have a self-cleaning model, do so right after you've used it to cut down on the energy needed to heat back up.

Don't forget to dust electronics and appliances

There's nothing like spring sunshine to show you the spots you missed the last time you tidied up around the house.

After dusting the usual suspects – shelves, baseboards and countertops – spend some time taking care of your electronics and appliances, too. A buildup of dust can prevent them from running efficiently. Even your lightbulbs deserve some love, as cleaner bulbs emit more light so you won't need to turn on as many.

Looking to reduce waste and save money? Try repurposing old t-shirts and pillowcases as reusable dusting mitts instead of store-bought supplies.

Check out our blog for more green tips, tricks and gadgets for life in Alberta!

Sources: Better Homes & Gardens, DIY Network

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