The cherry trees have bloomed and baby ducks are swimming in Drumheller Fountain. All signs indicate a fresh new spring has just begun. One of the biggest and most disgusting signs of this transformation is the messiness of the typical student's living space. It seems that, during the winter, most students — myself included — somehow let their room become more cluttered, dusty and grimy than ever. Being an RA, I get to see the best and the worst of student cleanliness. Luckily, spring cleaning is a tradition that America loves to obsess about, and this year, college students need to get on board.

Why this sudden inspiration to turn an apartment into a beautiful and clean palace? I'm tired of having to pummel through stacks of paper every time I need to find something, tired of feeling embarrassed about the state of my room every time I have a friend over, and above all, tired of living like a stereotypical messy college student.

The typical excuse of "I don't have time" won't cut it in the real world with an angry roommate or spouse, so everyone had better start learning the cleaning ropes sooner rather than later. Hare are a few cheap and easy student-friendly ways to get started.

Tip #1: Swiffer alone won't cut it

It's easy. It's fun. But using a Swiffer mop to clean your floors is deceiving, because while it may clean up dust, it leaves behind a whole slew of other nasty things. According to Home Garden Television online, the best way to clean a floor is to Swiffer first, scrub second. No mop? Just soak up the Swiffer and use that instead.

For vinyl floors, borax and a bucket of water are best. Borax acts as a cleaning and scrubbing solution and will make even the dirtiest dorm room floor sparkle.

Tip #2: Keep the kitchen clean

The kitchen. A breeding ground for bacteria. It seems like the worst chore, but it doesn't have to be. A spray bottle filled with half rubbing alcohol and half water will keep glass, stainless steel and chrome squeaky clean.

For disinfecting, wipes like Clorox are great for countertops and other surfaces that are touched frequently, such as sink handles and drawer pulls.

Tip #3: Tang the toilet

That orange powder is more than just a refreshing drink. It's also a powerful toilet-cleaning agent, which might make you question why you should ingest it.

Sprinkle Tang around the inside of the toilet, let it sit for a few minutes and give it a good scrub with a toilet brush. The acid in Tang cleans out grime quickly, and Tang's texture exfoliates the sides of your toilet bowl. This will also keep your toilet dog water-drinking safe.

Another typically disgusting thing in bathrooms is the shower curtain. Throw it in the washing machine with a cup of white vinegar, regular laundry detergent and a towel or two. Let it air dry, and behold — your good as brand-spanking-new shower curtain.

Tip #4: Unclog your drains

The drain in my bathroom has recently decided to develop a huge clog, but liquid plumbers are expensive and dangerous. About.com suggests pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of hot vinegar. Let this concoction sit in your drain for about five minutes and then pour two quarts of hot water down the drain to flush it out. This should unclog your drain quickly and easily. If it doesn't unclog the first time, the second or third time should work like a charm.

While it may take a lot of motivation to get on the spring cleaning bandwagon, it shouldn't take a lot of time or money. People are more social in good weather, so spare yourself some embarrassment before your friends or parents swing by to visit. You'll find that once your dorm room, apartment or house is in order, you will feel less stressed, less burnt out and more prepared to face the new quarter and the new season.

Reach columnist Sara Wilson at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.