It’s that time of year again – it’s Spring! Time to give the house a seasonal clean. To help you get organised, we’ve put together these spring cleaning tips that will help you get the job done.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Start by stripping the bed of all linen and get it on to wash. Flip or turn the mattress over. Spray the shower and bathtub and put cleaner in the toilet, before dusting and de-cobwebbing, while the cleaning agents work their magic. Open all blinds and curtains for better access to clean windows, sills and tracks. Go back to the bathroom and wipe over all surfaces. Open wardrobes and drawers. Make piles: keep, donate, trash. If you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, get rid of it.
Kitchen
Allow more time in the kitchen – it’s often the busiest room in the house. Start with the big job: cleaning out the fridge and freezer. This needs to be done quickly so food doesn’t spoil. It’s a great time to throw away any expired condiments and furry fruit you may find. Do the same in the pantry, so that you only keep food within date.
Once that’s done, move on to other appliances: stove, oven, rangehood, microwave, coffee machine and dishwasher. These are areas that are generally not cleaned weekly so you may need some elbow grease. If you have a butler’s pantry, don’t forget about cleaning the appliances and work spaces there too.
With the major jobs ticked off the list, it’s a matter of wiping down all surfaces and re-organising pantries and cupboards. Think about the items you use most and consider moving them to the front so they are more accessible. Give the sink a scrub and clean the drain so that everything’s sparkling and smelling fresh. Finally, wash windows, sills and tracks and then vacuum and mop the floor.
Living Zones
Living areas include your lounge, study, rumpus, dining room and media room. First up, clear away wintery cobwebs from the ceilings and light fittings before you start to wipe down furniture. Let the vacuum suck up all the dust from window tracks and sills; under furniture, behind cabinets and bookshelves and from carpets. Organise DVDs, books and toys into their proper places. Recycle old newspapers; give magazines to charities and doctors’ surgeries. Dry clean or wash blankets, cushions, covers and mats. Steam clean carpets. Wash and squeegee all windows, inside and out.
Outside
Cleaning in spring is a big job, especially the outdoor area, so why not make it a family affair? Children can do easy, ground-based tasks like weeding and cleaning up toys. Leave the gutters and hedge trimming to the adults. Teens can help clear away debris and cobwebs from all corners up and down the house.
If you have a pool, schedule its next professional maintenance check. In the meantime, clean the filter, test the lights and check chlorine levels. Gurney around the pool to freshen its appearance. Check outdoor seating is stable and safe, giving any cushions a wash. Remember, the barbecue will need a good scrub for the upcoming social season. Your outdoor kitchen will also need a wipe over so it’s ready for entertaining.
Happy Spring Cleaning!