Spring cleaning, then summer break, right? Whoever came up with that term was either a kid or someone who wasn't going to have kids home all summer long.

Sometimes summer doesn't seem like a break at all. It can be a very busy time for families. Vacations, overnight camps, visits from the in-laws, neighborhood barbecues...the list could go on and on. And, of course, summer comes with its own set of cleaning tasks.

From closets and kitchens to panes and pests - not talking about the kids here - check out these simple cleaning hacks. Tackle them early so you can enjoy the rest of your summer.

(Check out the end of this post for information on what to do with those hazardous cleaning chemicals you no longer want to use.)

Out with the Old

Involving kids in cleaning chores has more benefits than keeping them busy for 30 minutes. Studies have found that kids involved who participate in cleaning chores are more productive, show more empathy, and are more likely to enjoy helping others.

Why not start with their own closet? School clothes from the beginning of the year, plus last year's summer digs will fill up a laundry basket or two. Adding a trip to your local Goodwill donation center is a fantastic way to show kids the joy of giving -- even new even something brand new with the price tag still on from last September. A beginning-of-summer closet purge opens up space for all those new school clothes you’ll begin buying a lot sooner than you think.

See the Light

Summer brings longer days and lots of sunshine. The only problem is that the outside build up -- combination of wind-blown dust and pollen mixed with spring showers -- seems magnified (and dirtified) as the sun shines through.

The simplest, most effective, and eco-friendly cleaning solution is a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle.

The key to completing this project quick and efficiently is to choose the right time of day. Early morning or an overcast sky are ideal. Washing windows midday when the sun is shining its fullest causes cleaning solutions to dry fast, leaving windows streaked and spotted.

Of course, to clean outside windows the screens have to be removed. You don’t want to dull the sparkle of your newly cleaned windows by putting dirty screens back on. The simplest way to get the job done is to lay screens on a flat surface (driveway or patio) and spray them down with the hose. This is another chore you can get the kids involved in and make a fun day of getting wet while getting the job done. If you plan to bulk wash all your screens at one time, it’s helpful to label each screen (and parts, if necessary) so it’s easier to replace them once they’ve dried.

To avoid hard-to-clean screen gunk try this several times throughout the year: Use a large paint brush to loosen particles. Follow along with a lint brush to whisk away dirt and dust (this also works on lampshades).

Behind the Screens

Now that windows and screens are practically invisible, you can watch the kids as they frolic in the backyard, leaving a trail of toys, snack wrappers, and in some cases, clothing in their wake.

A simple, yet still effective, way to enlist clean-up volunteers is to make a game of it. Create your own beat-the-clock race to see who can pick up the most items before the timer runs out.

The prize? The satisfaction of a job well done. If that doesn't Inspire action, first choice of popsicles or which movie is played during quiet time.

Keep Summer Sizzling

Keeping the backyard tidy helps to ease anxiety, especially in the case of the impromptu neighborhood bar-be-cue.

If you grill sits patiently, waiting to be uncovered for it’s maiden summer voyage it probably needs a good summer cleaning before you fire it up. From good ‘ole baking soda and vinegar, to aluminum foil, and even…an onion, there are a variety of non-chemical methods to have your grill rust and grime free in no time.

Grand Central Kitchen

Once again, that idea of summer break gets thrown out the window (the sparkling, shiny window) if there are kids involved. Whether preparing for a summer grilling party, creating homemade frozen treats, or making lunches, we tend to spend more time in the kitchen during summer.

Sticky fingers covered in melted chocolate, sidewalk chalk, and Otter pop juice leave their mark(s). To clean cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware keep a tub of antibacterial wipes nearby. If you prefer, mix a little vinegar, dish washing liquid, rubbing alcohol, and essential oil to make an all-natural alternative.

Saving the Pest for Last

As the weather warms up and we get more active, so do those pesky critters who’ve been chillin’ during the colder months. Stay ahead of the game by keeping up with your summer cleaning. But, if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from a summer invasion, the DIY Network offers some natural pest control hacks that don’t involve calling the exterminator or toxic chemicals.

Speaking of toxic chemicals, even though you're not using them anymore don’t throw them out! Put them aside. The Earth911 website has the largest database of recycling centers in the nation. Choose “household chemicals” (or any other items you’d like to recycle in a safe, eco-friendly manner), put in your zip code, and look for one near you.