There is never a shortage of great ways to recycle and repurpose common household items! Who better than the expert house cleaners at MOLLY MAID to introduce ideas that work! Here are three ways to recycle and repurpose:  

1. Vacuum with Wrapping Paper Tubes

Do you still have some of those long cardboard wrapping paper tubes left over from the holidays?  Besides your children using the empty tubes as light sabres, the tubes can double as a makeshift vacuum extension tool to clean hard-to-reach ceiling corners and along the sides of your stove or washer and dryer.

2. Work Wonders with a Toothbrush

Did you get a new toothbrush in your stocking this year?  Why not use your old one as a grout and grime scrubber!  A toothbrush is a great tool to clean around taps and faucets, bathtub and shower edges, and even tile and grout.  An electric toothbrush works even better! Pairing the toothbrush with elbow grease can clean up even the worst dirt.

3. Use a Pant Hanger in the Kitchen

Having a dinner party after the holidays? The hanger with clips attached that is used for hanging up pants and skirts, can be multi-purposed into a cookbook holder too. Simply open the cookbook to your desired recipe and use each clip at the ends of the hanger to keep the book open to that page. If the cookbook isn't too heavy, hook the hanger onto the handle of one of your kitchen cabinets to maximize your counter space. It's so easy - and useful. 

Spring cleaning is not just for your home anymore - you can spring clean your community too!  Is there a park near your neighbourhood that is often littered with garbage?  Wouldn't you like to see it cleaned up?  In honour of Earth Day, organize a community cleanup!  Working together for a healthy environment is a great opportunity to further develop relationships with your neighbours.  Here are some ideas to help share your love of a cleaner and greener environment:

 Rally your Neighbours

• Talk to your neighbours and post signs (on recycled paper) letting your community know you'd like to organize a cleanup of the local park, school, community centre, etc. 
• Consider putting a notice on your local town or community's website requesting volunteers - be sure to include the date and time of the cleanup. 

 Add some extra Fun

• Make the cleanup into a fun scavenger hunt for the children who are participating; who can find a banana peel or a pop can? 
• Add a bit of competition to the mix for the adults; who can fill their bag with garbage first or who can collect the most bags of garbage?  

 Sort your Goodies

• Did you know that your local recycling driver could add up to three extra hours to their regular route because of improperly sorted recyclables? 
• Set up containers labelled "garbage", "recycle" and "compost" and be sure to properly sort the items you collect - sorting could be a great way to get the children involved and to teach them about the importance of recycling.

 Enjoy a Potluck Lunch

• You'll build up an appetite after all the great work you've done, so celebrate your success by asking everyone to bring their favourite appetizer... you might want to wash your hands first!
• Mix and mingle with your neighbours and gain a stronger sense of community - and a greener earth!

 Why not turn this into a pledge to make 'spring cleaning your community' an annual event!