Guest Picks: Tools and Accessories for Inspired Spring Cleaning
You'll be happy to roll up your sleeves and get to work cleaning around the home with these accoutrements at the ready
Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your cleaning closet, as well as the rest of your home. Though I'll probably never have one of those immaculate utility rooms that raises cleaning to an art, I don't see why I can't indulge in a few special accoutrements that make spring cleaning seem a little more inspired. — Justine from Design Skool
Ultramarine Washing Blue
What's the opposite of yellow (the color that all your old whites turn to)? Blue. I'm very excited about restoring the bright to all my whites with this washing powder.
Cross Apron, Slate Gray
I'm most likely not going to clean the bathroom in this lovely crisscross apron from Fog Linen, but it seems perfect for doing the dishes.
Cotton Ironing Board Cover
In my ideal laundry room, I would have one of West Elm's new ironing board covers on my ironing board. They're enough to inspire me to save money on dry cleaning.
Storage Basket
Your summer wash is begging for a natural woven basket to carry it out to the line. I love the way mine always squeaks a bit under the weight of wet clothes. And once dry, the folded laundry looks so nice in it, making it more than acceptable to delay actually putting the clothes away.
Metal Mop Bucket, Large, White
Now that I own a home, I find that I need a large bucket for much more than just mopping. I've already gone through a couple cheap plastic tubs, so now I think I'll invest in one of West Elm's generous mop buckets. This one is simple, white and durable.
Linen Loofah
Keep yourself clean with something that actually looks good lying around your bath: a natural linen loofah.
Clothesline Pulley Setup
Each spring, I can't wait to get my first load of laundry on the line. (I'm not kidding!) I love the way the clothes catch the sunlight and dappled shade, as well as the crisp feel of line-dried clothes. This year, I'm coveting a clothesline pulley, which will only enhance the experience.
Extra Fine Steel Wool Pad
Whenever I need steel wool, I have to rummage around under the sink to find my handy, but less than attractive, wad. But not anymore! With its soft charcoal hue, premium fine wool from Kaufmann Mercantile is so subtly textured and deserves a place on the counter right next to my natural sponge.
Metro Full-Size Canister Vacuum
My new Miele has converted me to pricy but good vacuums. The back pain you save is worth the price. This one from West Elm is perhaps the prettiest I've ever seen. If the price tag is too much, consider the hand-held version, which sells for the same price as many plastic versions.
White Matches
I love the clean look of these white matches from Germany. ("Feuer" means "fire," obviously.)
Cotton Voile Pillowcases
Freshen up your bedding with some crisp and pretty florals by Kerry Cassill. Her breezy linens always seem to celebrate the carefree girl, while still paying homage to the sophisticated lady in all of us.
Murchison-Hume Everyday Furniture Spritzer
Part of me does dream of having one of those Martha Stewart–esque laundry rooms where everything is exquisite. I guess I could start with these new ecofriendly cleaners from Williams-Sonoma.
Dust Brush No. 4
Feather dusters are fun, but I also love these German goat hair dust brushes, especially with their jaunty contrast dots.
Flour Sack Towels
Pristine flour sack cloths are as crisp and fresh as spring itself. I always keep a stack on hand in the kitchen — except when my daughter steals them all as "sheets" for her dollies.
Le Feu de L'eu Jasmine Candle
Subtly scented with jasmine, the water-sculpted candle from Le Feu de L'eau is like a breezy summer night.
Tri-Color Broom
Perhaps the crème de la crème of brushes, this elegant Italian broom is made from horsehair, which naturally attracts dust. Rubber bumpers also protect your walls and furniture.
Large Aluminum Dust Pan
Still my favorite, this generous aluminum dust pan has a rugged, industrial appeal.
Dust Pan Brush
I still have some vintage natural fiber dust brooms from my grandmother. If they ever give out, I will order this lovely cleaning tool from Sweden.
Charcoal Sticks
Deodorize a room, purify your water or add nutrients to the soil — there are a number of uses for charcoal sticks.
Seasonal Pink Blossom Branches
Add some springtime branches to an elegant vase for the finishing touch to your new clean home.
Next: Can-Do Cleaning Strategies for Busy People
Next: Can-Do Cleaning Strategies for Busy People