Making form meet function? Cutting the clutter? Yes, this annual tradition affects how your mid-century space looks and feels.
It’s technically only spring for a couple more days, but it’s not too late for some mid mod spring cleaning for fresh perspective on our mid-century homes and the way we live in them.
I often use this time of year as a motivator to reevaluate how my home is working for me and what I can do to improve the areas I use most frequently.
A big part of this process focuses on cleaning and organization. Determining what can stay and what can be donated, sold or disposed of is not an easy task as collectors and curators of many vintage things.
However, once you’re in that “zone” of condensing and organizing, I find the satisfaction from a spruce-up can often outweigh the tendency to accumulate.
With this theme of freshness on our minds, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite takes on home organization, cleaning, plant care and even a Palm Springs-inspired breakfast to get you started on the right foot.
Mid Mod Spring Cleaning: Bed and Bath Basics
Cleanliness and organization are essential to making a primary suite feel like a peaceful retreat … and that doesn’t stop at what’s readily visible. Give your sleep sanctuary a refresh with these deep-cleaning details.
Drawers: Give your dresser drawers a finished look by lining them with cut fabric or quality gift wrap. A colorful pattern or texture can go a long way in making your daily routine feel more thoughtful and inspired.
Mattress: Remove all bedding and thoroughly vacuum both sides of the mattress. (And while you’re at it, don’t forget to vacuum under the bed.) Use a kitchen strainer to sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the mattress. Allow the baking soda to sit on the surface for one hour. Then vacuum the mattress for a fresh, odor-free surface.
Linens: Swap out heavier comforters and blankets for lightweight, breathable layers for spring. Using a solid-color quilt and matching shams, along with a set of bright, neutral sheets, is an excellent way to make your retreat feel like a freshly prepared resort. Keep decorative pillows to a minimum for a look that’s less fussy.
Toliet: The dreaded “toilet ring” is an unsightly thing that no one wants to encounter or talk about. If you’ve struggled with chemicals and cleansers to get your toilet bowl ring-free, try using a pumice stone from your local hardware store. Thoroughly wet this magic tool with water, and with one or two minutes of gentle scrubbing, you’ll have your toilet looking like new.
Mirrors: Eliminate fog from forming on your bathroom mirror by placing a small dollop of shaving cream on a soft, lint-free cloth. Buff the shaving cream onto the mirror evenly until the surface is clear.
Closet: Give your closet luxurious form and function by investing in a set of quality wood hangers to replace flimsy, mismatched plastic and wire types.
Storage: Get your “vintage furniture” fix by scouting a quality cedar chest. This unique piece of furniture is ideal for storing bulky items such as sweaters and blankets when they’re not in use during the warmer months. The natural properties of cedar ward off insects and mold from destroying your most cherished items. At the foot of a bed, it also acts as a perfect place to put on your socks and shoes.
Mid Mod Spring Cleaning: Houseplant Help
One of the best things about living in a mid century home is the abundance of natural light. Indoor/outdoor living has been a driving force behind the ideology of these homes from the very beginning, and that translates to plants just as much as to people.
With proper care, houseplants can thrive in mid-century homes, but this seamless flow between environments also has the potential to invite nasty pests that can jeopardize your plant’s health.
If you’ve ever struggled with invasive creatures such as thrips, aphids or mites, try using an organic, nontoxic biopesticide before chucking yet another plant into the trash. Look for products that have active ingredients of corn oil and soybean oil, because these create a protective coating to give your plants a stronger defense. Outdoors, use a garden pump sprayer for the best overall coverage and easy access to the underside of leaves.
Tip: Take this opportunity to apply an indoor/outdoor insect killer around doors and windows to prevent pests from entering or re-entering your home.
Don’t Forget to Fuel Up
If you’re struggling to find the motivation to dive into deep-cleaning mode, a bright, sunny breakfast is the perfect place to start.
Try this recipe with a modern desert flair to get the refreshing inspiration you need for your mid mod spring cleaning project:
Date Nut Cactus Cakes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 c. rice flour (GF)
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 c. buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp. prickly pear syrup
- 2 Tbsp. canola oil, plus more for griddle
- 1 egg
- ½ c. chopped and pitted dates
- ½ c. chopped walnuts
- Garnish: coconut flakes, fresh raspberries
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, soda and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, syrup, oil, egg, dates and walnuts. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, gently stirring for a slightly clumpy texture. Do not over-mix.
- Heat griddle surface over medium-high heat. Carefully and evenly oil the surface. Use a measuring cup to pour the batter onto the griddle, making tapered oval shapes in various sizes.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface of each cake. Flip with a spatula and cook until lightly browned (about 1 to 2 minutes). Layer various cakes on a plate to create a cactus shape. Garnish with fresh raspberries and coconut flakes. Serve right away.
Tip: Add a few drops of red food color to the batter for fluffy, pink pancakes that enhance the prickly pear color.
