It is finally spring and Pioneers can pull themselves out of the hibernation they lived in during winter quarter. However, many apartments, houses and dorm rooms might still be in winter mode—in other words, dark, grey and not at all lively. They need a serious spring cleaning and overhaul to brighten them up for the upcoming warm months. Here’s how to make it happen.
Buy a plant
A plant is a cheap and easy way to brighten a room and add some life and personality to a kitchen, living room or bedroom. There are so many to choose from and all of the seasonal plants for spring add festive color wherever they are placed.
Succulents are easy to take care of and perfect for the college student who is not home for very many hours a day or doesn’t have the best memory for taking care of living creatures— these plants only need watered once a week.
Being in the midst of Easter and Mother’s Day season, spring plants are popping up all over the place. In particular, there are many brightly colored orchids and perennial plants going on sale at the grocery stores like King Soopers and Safeway, so picking one up is easy and convenient.
For those who want something more fun and exciting, garden shops are starting to open back up as well. One option that is accessible for every Pioneer on campus is Garden Patch; this shop is within walking distance of DU, on Washington Street.
Another option for a plant to keep in an apartment or dorm is an herb like basil or mint. These plants make the place smell like an Italian kitchen or countryside garden. They also add an aesthetic touch and are easily accessible for cooking to freshen up some recipes.
Add a colorful touch
In many student housing options, painting the walls or nailing large pictures to the wall is not always an option. A yellow throw pillow, brightly patterned kitchen rug or even some new mugs can go a long way in adding a festive touch to an apartment, house or dorm for spring. Pier One has novel mugs (some even in the shapes of owls and bacon) or Target and Kohls have spring products going on sale for a cheaper option.
Adding a fresh-smelling candle or air freshener is a great quick-fix. Spring-scented candles or even simple air fresheners from the grocery store can give a room a whole new feel.
For those who are feeling lazy or don’t want to spend the money on a candle, taping a dryer sheet to the air conditioner vent or fan works almost as well. It just might need replaced a little more frequently.
In the kitchen
The kitchen is a room where a few easy cleaning and organizational changes make a huge difference in not only aesthetic quality, but also in efficiency and convenience.
Use storage baskets or put your apples and oranges in bowls in the fridge and use baking soda to eliminate odors. Putting storage baskets in the pantry gives it a more organized look and feel.
An easy way to clean a sponge and the microwave at the same time is to microwave a damp sponge to kill the bacteria on it. At the same time, the steam cause by the water evaporation will help clean it. After microwaving, it is one simple step to use the the newly sanitized sponge to clean the inside of the microwave.
Coffeemakers are appliances that generally get used every morning and do not receive the proper cleaning as students pour their morning cup and run out the door. An easy way to clean the coffeemaker in one step is to run one part vinegar and one part water through coffee maker, then just rinse out the pot before brewing another pot.
A couple more cleaning hacks
For those who do not have an extendable Swiffer, wrapping a rubber band around a microfiber rag and putting it on the end of a broom is a perfect way to get hard-to-reach areas like the corners of walls and ceilings.
Rolling clothes in the dresser instead of folding them saves space and make clothes easier to find. It is one more five-minute fix that makes a huge difference.
No one wants to spend the wonderful warm weather days of spring digging through unorganized drawers to find a favorite pair of shorts or living in the cave-like conditions built in winter hibernation. With just a few easy steps, an apartment, dorm or house will be as ready for spring as everyone on campus is.
