Easy Dollar Tree Hack for a Clean, Cozy Front Porch This Summer

Life in Chicago moves fast, and between work, social plans, and everything in between, keeping your home clean can feel impossible. Whether you’re in a cozy Lincoln Park studio or a sprawling Wicker Park duplex, finding time for a deep scrub is tough. That’s why we’ve put together this creative, budget-friendly DIY cleaning and decor hack—perfect for summer—along with a few tips to help you clean your apartment without the overwhelm.

Summer in Chicago is meant for enjoying your outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony in River North or a front stoop in Logan Square. But let’s be real—keeping that space tidy and inviting takes effort. This simple DIY project from Dollar Tree will not only make your porch look amazing but also help you stay motivated to keep it clean all season long.

What You’ll Need for This Budget-Friendly Porch Upgrade

• A metal lantern from Dollar Tree
• Window film (also from Dollar Tree)
• Nano tape or double-sided adhesive dots
• Dollar Tree fairy lights (battery-operated)
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Trace and Cut Your Window Film

Flip your metal lantern on its side. Trace around the opening onto the window film, then cut out the traced shape. Remove the backing from the cling. This film is waterproof and surprisingly sturdy—perfect for outdoor use.

Step 2: Attach the Cling to the Lantern

Take your nano dots and place them on the inside of the lantern, one in each corner. Press the window cling into place. You’ll repeat this for all four sides of the lantern. It’s an easy way to transform a plain metal frame into a beautiful, light-diffusing decor piece.

Step 3: Add Fairy Lights

Before attaching the third panel, thread your Dollar Tree fairy lights inside the lantern. These lights have multiple settings—steady glow, twinkle, or timer mode. Attach the top two corners of the third panel with nano tape, then cut a small hole in the bottom panel to feed the cord through. Use your finger to secure the final sides.

Step 4: Enjoy Your New Outdoor Decor

Place your finished lantern on your front porch, back patio, or balcony. The timer feature means it turns on automatically, so you come home to a warm, welcoming glow. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and a fun way to keep your outdoor space feeling fresh and clean.

Keep Your Whole Home This Clean Without the Stress

This hack proves that a little creativity goes a long way. But if you’re juggling a busy schedule and your to-do list keeps growing, don’t worry. You can always rely on professional home cleaning to handle the heavy lifting. Whether you need apartment cleaning after a weekend of hosting or just want someone to clean my apartment so you can focus on what matters, Jikas Cleaning has you covered.

Looking for fast cleaning services in Chicago? We offer flexible scheduling, from one-time deep cleans to recurring visits. If you’re searching for a cleaning service near me that understands the unique needs of city living, you’ve found it. Our team provides deep cleaning help that makes your home sparkle, so you can spend your weekends enjoying Chicago instead of scrubbing baseboards.

Sometimes a little help cleaning my place is all you need to reset and recharge. Whether you want to schedule a cleaning before guests arrive or just book an appointment for regular maintenance, we make it easy. As a trusted Chicago cleaning company, we specialize in cleaning services in Chicago that fit your lifestyle.

Final Tips for a Clean, Happy Home

• Use dollar store organizers to keep clutter off counters and tables.
• Set a timer for 10 minutes each evening to wipe down surfaces and put things away.
• Invest in a good doormat to catch dirt before it enters your apartment.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for home cleaning service when you need a reset.

Your home should be your sanctuary—not a source of stress. With a little DIY flair and the right support, you can enjoy a clean, beautiful space all summer long.

hack for your front porch. Perfect for summer. Run to Dollar Tree and grab one of these metal lanterns and some window film. Flip the lantern on its side. Trace around it. Cut out and remove the backing on your window cling. Then take some nano dots and put on the inside of the lantern in the four corners. It’s really easy to attach the cling this way. Cut out three more for each side of your lantern. These are waterproof and nice and sturdy. Before putting on the third panel, add some Dollar Tree fairy lights to the inside. Attach the top two corners with nanot tape and then cut out a small hole in the bottom to be able to feed the cord through and put a finger through to attach the final sides. These Dollar Tree fairy lights have lots of settings. This is perfect for outdoors on a back patio. I like that these are on a timer, too. Be sure to save this video so you don’t forget next time you’re in Dollar Tree.