Daylight saving time ushers in spring cleaning. Here are tips to tackle the job like a pro

As winter winds down and the days grow longer and warmer, it may be a good time to tackle the lingering effects of the harsh weather in our homes. Whether it is rock salt residue, ground-in dirt or dust accumulation in every corner, spring cleaning isn't just about wiping surfaces and vacuuming floors. A good spring cleaning will lay the groundwork for creating a safer and healthier home. Depending on how thorough you want to be and how much time you have, it could take days or even weeks.

To approach household chores effectively, experts recommend having a plan of action rather than diving in aimlessly. This involves deciding which room to start with, establishing a cleaning schedule and ensuring you have all necessary supplies on hand to help minimize frustration and reluctance around completing household tasks.

Choosing the right products for a cleaner and healthier home environment can be confusing. If you're unsure of where to start or feeling overwhelmed at the thought of chores, expert tips and ideas can offer valuable guidance.

Expert advice for an effective cleaning

Professionals advise that a thorough and effective cleaning routine begins with preparing rooms. You should first declutter and organize a space before you start cleaning it. This may involve clearing out the food pantry or storing clothes in dressers or closets.

Consumers are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the appropriate methods for cleaning or disinfecting their cleaning tools. How you clean your cleaning tools will impact their effectiveness and improper use could promote bacterial growth.

For instance, cotton fabrics should be washed in very hot water with a heavy-duty detergent to remove soil. It's important to avoid putting oil-stained fabrics in the dryer, as they can catch fire. When washing microfiber cloths, use warm water and avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets because they can reduce the dust-attracting quality of the material.

Finally, remember to empty catch containers like vacuum bags and to clean removable canisters, filters and hoses in hot soapy water to ensure optimal performance of appliances.

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5 cleaning myths debunked

If you are on a budget, some of the many practices recommended online as substitutes for commercial products may be tempting to try. Social media influencers can be found promoting the use of vinegar, bleach or colorful foams concocted from multiple cleaning products as effective alternatives to commercial cleaners. You may also be drawn to try products labeled "green" or "eco-friendly."

However, it should be noted that sometimes manufacturer product claims are actually marketing terms that have not been independently verified and some product combinations are chemically ineffective or harmful.

It's important to differentiate between what is true and what is not.

In addition to following product instructions, insights can be gained from both personal experimentation and guidance from industry experts. Here are five facts to debunk popular gimmicks to ensure you're cleaning your home safely and effectively:

Myth: Combining products will produce effective cleaning products.

Reality:  Two widely promoted methods for cleaning toilets, pipes and drains involve combining multiple commercial cleaning products or using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Mixing products that contain bleach or ammonia can produce a toxic gas. The same goes for vinegar, which releases toxic chlorine vapors when combined with bleach. Also, when vinegar and baking soda are combined, a brief bubbly reaction is produced, but so is carbon dioxide — and the resulting product remaining in your pipes is an ineffective saltwater paste. Pro-tip: Vinegar is an acid and it will cut through grease and reduce stains by itself.

Myth: Bleach is an all-purpose cleanser.

Reality: While bleach is a great germ killer and will reduce the appearance of stains, it does not clean oils, dirt and grime. Experts say the product should be used as a disinfectant, not a cleaner. Pro-tip: Local cleaning professional Brian Lanham, co-owner of Two Maids in Newark with his wife Cathy Wotring, suggested a product similar to Soft Scrub to cut down on the elbow grease needed for tough stains. Just apply the product, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp rag.

Myth: Coca-Cola is great for cleaning toilets.

Reality: Cola's acids may be tough on stains, but its high sugar content also makes it attractive to bacteria growing on surfaces and in pipes. Pro-tip: Lanham recommended a pumice stone-like scouring stick. He said they are great for removing grease from the inside of a glass oven. He added that they are "phenomenal" on hard water stains in sinks, bathrooms and toilets.

Myth: Vacuum then dust.

Reality: In the past, vacuum cleaners released a lot of what they collected. Today's models no longer have this issue. Pro-tip: Dusting ceiling fans and corners will knock down a lot of dust so start dusting high first. Lanham said, "We vacuum last."

Myth: Use newspaper for optimal results on windows and glass.

Reality: This used to be true but using newspapers to clean windows now is not advised. Today's newsprint ink may smudge frames and glass. Pro-tip: Lanham advises spraying one microfiber rag with a cleaning product to clean your glass or mirror surface, then using a different, clean microfiber rag to wipe it off for an amazing result.

Spring cleaning doesn't need to be an overwhelming endeavor. Deeper cleanings can be more manageable and less frequent by taking care of small tasks regularly, such as sweeping the floor at the end of the day and keeping up with daily bathroom and kitchen cleanings. Alternatively, you could opt to hire a professional cleaner, but it's advisable to book soon, as appointments tend to fill up quickly at this time of year.

Sources: MaidSailors.com, Cleantucasa.com, ConsumerReports.org, BusinessInsider.com

You can contact reporter Anitra Johnson at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Spring cleaning tips to help you have a productive daylight saving time