Few of us look forward to spring cleaning, but there is a great sense of achievement when you turn your home from trashy into flashy. Here are some tips to zip through the process. It is amazing how a few small changes can make a huge difference.
Enlist help
Get the kids involved. Even pre-schoolers can put things in a box, sweep or wipe down surfaces. It may even encourage them to keep their rooms tidy in the future.
De clutter
If you have not used it in the past year, you probably do not need it, and the less clutter you have, the less you have to clean. As you go through each room, place clutter in a box that can later be donated to charity or kept for a garage sale.
Breathe easy
Before the summer months set in, arrange for all air conditioning units to be checked and cleaned. There are a few routine chores that pay off more handsomely, for health, comfort and reducing that electric bill. Whether you own or rent your property, you will probably want to bring in a reputable company for this. Ensure that you see the filters when they are removed so that you can ensure that they are properly cleaned and replaced.
Let the sun in
Clean windows inside and out and wash mosquito screens using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush then rinse thoroughly.
Walls and ceilings
To clean walls and ceilings, use a vacuum to remove dust and cobwebs first. Then, tackle stubborn surface grime wipe with a solvent-free degreaser or a warm damp cloth.
Rug attack
Give your carpets a deep clean and vacuum and shampoo rugs. You may want to hire a carpet cleaner or rent a carpet-cleaning machine.
Curtain call
Curtains gather a lot of dust and if you do not clean them regularly they will rot. Most fabric will need to be dry cleaned but cotton and similar textiles can be washed, but remember to remove the hooks. Wooden blinds can be wiped with a damp cloth, and warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds. These can even be cleaned in the bath.
Shed some light
Light fittings are another major dust collector, so remove chandeliers, shades and bulbs, then wash and wipe with a damp cloth. Ensure that lights are switched off before attempting to take down shades and fittings.
Bust that dust
Dust your home thoroughly, not forgetting those hard-to-reach places like the tops of pictures and mirrors, shelves, door frames and ceiling fans. Work from the top of a room down so that you can vacuum the dust that settles on the floor.
Feed your wood
Wooden furniture can dry out especially if the sun shines on it. Wipe surfaces with a soft damp cloth, apply a wax, then when it is dry, buff with a clean cloth.
Soft furnishings
Remove the sofa and scatter cushions, take them outside and beat them by hand to remove the dust. You may find they need washing or dry cleaning as well. Using the nozzle, vacuum inbetween the crevices of sofas and chairs.
Sleep easy
We spend a third of our lives in bed, but how much thought do we give to our mattress? A mattress should be flipped every few months, and switched from head and foot. This will ensure that it maintains its shape. You should also vacuum both sides of the mattress, and the base, to prevent bacteria, bed bugs and a buildup of dust.
Revive your linen
Wash pillows and duvets in the washing machine, or take them for dry cleaning if the duvet is too big. You could also put comforters and pillows out in the sun for a few hours as the moisture that builds up will evaporate and the pillows and duvet will fluff up over the course of the day.
Get grouting
Grouting in kitchens and bathrooms is extremely porous and stains very easily. It can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer.
Home appliances
We all hate scrubbing away at baked-on food in the oven, but there are so many great products available for cleaning the oven, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, or to de-scale the kettle. It does not have to be hard work. You will be surprised how different your appliance will look after putting it through its paces.
Stay safe
Check batteries in smoke detectors and replace them if needed. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans.