With lengthening days, a little warmth and signs of Spring emerging in our gardens, it’s time to think about the dreaded Spring clean. So I thought I’d offer a few tips..
Supplies
Before you begin, assemble all the products and equipment you will need. There is nothing more frustrating than starting your clean only to discover that you have run out of a particular product. Here are some essentials.
- All purpose cleaner
- microfibre cloths
- vacuum cleaner
- mop
- distilled white vinegar
- bicarbonate of soda
Getting Started
Having assembled your supplies, how do you approach the task? Spring cleaning is a bit like decluttering – it can seem overwhelming. So break it down in to more manageable chunks. General – elements that apply to the whole house. Specific – particular spaces or rooms
General
The idea with the Spring Clean is to tackle those cleaning tasks that you wouldn’t do on your regular clean. So have a think about those neglected areas. Wipe down the woodwork, clean door handles and light switches, take down curtains and wash them or have them dry cleaned.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house when it comes to cleaning so let’s tackle those neglected tasks
- The oven. OK probably one of the least favourite cleaning tasks and, if you’re like me, perhaps doesn’t get done a soften as we’d like. If you are trying to reduce your use of plastics or use environmentally friendly products the here’s a suggestion. A thick paste made out of baking soda and water can be applied to the bottom of the oven in order to clean it. Let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight before scraping it off and then wiping the surface.
- The fridge. If you can, move the fridge and clean behind and underneath. Dust and fluff can accumulate round the coils making the fridge less efficient. Remove and clean the shelves and salad drawer.
- Clear out the cabinets. Cabinets become full and it is easy for food items to become overlooked and cupboards full of unused gadgets.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another room which will benefit from extra attention. Grimy grout by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts bicarbonate of soda to make a thick paste. Apply it to the grout and leave overnight before scrubbing and wiping away. Or refresh using a grout pen. Wash the shower curtain (it may be machine washable) or even by a new one or replace a curtain with a glass shower screen. Overhaul the medicine cabinet and dispose of any out of date products.
Spring cleaning probably isn’t your favourite task but it does provide a sense of satisfaction when completed. Choose a nice sunny day, throw open the windows to let in the fresh air, put on some lively music and make a cup of tea or coffee to start. Decide on a reward for when you have finished.
If you are cleaning prior to selling your home visit my property styling for sale page to learn more about how I can help prepare your home for sale with a view to obtaining the best possible sale price and a quick sale.
Contact me on 07745 876182 or e mail me at judith@homestyle4u.com. I cover the Wirral, Cheshire and the North West
