It's spring cleaning season, but you don't have to dread the chores associated with freshening your home for warm weather. With the winter chill still in the air, thoughts turn to warmer weather, days spent outdoors and one dreaded task -- spring cleaning. This year, avoid the huge overhaul and use simple steps to ensure your home is sparkling fresh and clean, even in places you might forget to look. Follow the advice of "The Accidental Housewife" Julie Edelman and use these simple tips and tricks to help maintain a clean home while preserving both your pocketbooks and manicures.

Counter attack: Keepin' it clear

The average household uses 20 percent of its kitchen-related tools 80 percent of the time - that's a lot of space wasters. This spring, invest in long-lasting and functional appliances that will stand the test of time. You can also use hooks and shelves over the cooking area to clear space on counters and in cabinets.

De-stink the wash: Keepin' it smellin' clean

Residue from laundry soil, water hardness, and detergent residue can build up and cause odor in your washing machine during the wash cycle. This is actually a common problem that many high efficiency (HE) machine owners face, and they do not know how to fix it. Fear not - your machine is not broken and your detergent is working just fine. Help is here, with handy-dandy, manicure-friendly, premeasured packets called Tide Washing Machine Cleaner that help remove those odor causing residues. Just tear one open and pour into your powder dispenser (works in either your HE or traditional washer) and it'll help wash away those stinky smells and residues, leaving behind a fresh, clean scent.

Fight the fungus among us: Keepin' it dry

Moisture build-up can become a nasty problem whether it is in your towels, clothing or footwear. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold, so keep shoes and clothing dry by using newspaper to absorb excess water. During warmer months, make sure to toss towels into the dryer instead of placing on lines to dry.

Practice feng shui the simple way: Keepin' it organized

Feng shui is all about placing things in a certain way to find harmony and balance within your surroundings and to ease the flow of chi (that's Chinese for energy, not tea). To help keep the positive energy flowing, take steps to de-clutter your home. Throw away junk mail you keep lying around as well as magazines that are older than three months. You can also toss remotes or other gadgets you have lying around into decorative boxes with fun flower patterns for spring.

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