SHOP THE ADVICE

Knowing you'll treat yourself to something special after you complete each room is great motivation to get the job done. Here are some perfectly on-theme picks for a spring refresh, plus a few of Lau's favourite cleaning products

For the kitchen

This 100 per cent cotton tea towel features a joyful hand-printed bouquet illustration by artist Carol

Gavin and Bon|Artis. Bon|Artis tea towel, $24, lothantique.ca

For the living room

Flower season is coming! Be ready with this coloured-glass art nouveau vase just waiting to be filled with spring lilacs. Anthropologie vase, $38, anthropologie.com

For the bedroom

Give your room a fresh scent to match its newly freshened status with basil, rosemary and lavender in this aptly named, long-burning soy wax candle.

Province of Canada candle, $42, provinceofcanada.com

For the bathroom

Get a cheery reminder that spring is here every time you step into the bathroom, with this bright, playful mat. Ikea bath mat, $15, ikea.com

The vinegar alternative

If you like all-natural products but don’t love the smell of vinegar, try citric acid. "It’s ingestible and safe in small quantities," Lau says. It’s ideal for everything from hard water to tea stains. LorAnn Gourmet citric acid, $10, canada.michaels.com

The powerful natural scrub

Save the elbow grease for another chore, and use this natural product instead: "It gets through the tough caked-on stuff on your oven and stove so easily," says Lau Scrub Daddy PowerPaste Natural Cleanser, $14, canadiantire.ca

The genius toilet trick

This viral hack for toilet stains has surprisingly impressive results. Just let a tablet soak in the tank for 20-30 minutes. "I love tips like this that are accessible, affordable and safe." Polident Daily Care Cleanser for Dentures, $9, shoppersdrugmart.ca