Whatever the season, there's nothing quite like spring cleaning your home. Of course spring is possibly the best time to indulge in a deep clean because that bright sunlight isn't the most forgiving when it comes to showing up cobwebs lurking in corners and dingy paintwork. The other reason to choose springtime to indulge in a deep clean is that you will possibly need to utilise any outdoor space for certain tasks such as beating rugs; which can’t be cleaned in the washing machine.
Whether you live in a small flat or a large house, deep cleaning can be a formidable task but it's well worth it for the results! It's best to start at the top of the house and work your way down, so begin with the bedrooms. Before you start, make sure you have all the supplies which you will need; including plenty of cleaning materials, new vacuum cleaner bags and if you can, a steam cleaner and a carpet cleaner to ensure that all of your soft furnishings and carpets are included in the big clean!
De-Junk!
Each room must be tackled as an individual space so before you begin any cleaning, you must have a good clear out. In the case of bedrooms this will inevitably include sorting out old or out of season clothes; a good rule of thumb to remember when deciding which things to get rid of and which to keep, is to think about whether you have worn the item in the past year. If the answer to that question is no, then you should give the item away or sell it. Each bedroom and each wardrobe should be carefully sorted through and if you have children then the same should be done with toys. If they've not played with the toy in question for a year or more, then it should be sold or donated.
Once you have lightened the load, it’s time to get down and dirty. Begin by dusting and wiping all surfaces, and remember to get the tops of wardrobes and bookcases! Once there is no dust or dirt present, it's time to think about washing curtains or, if they are heavy, steam cleaning them. Bedding should also be changed, at least once a week is healthy. Go through your linen closet and ensure that there are no neglected eiderdowns or holey sheets. Wash everything so the entire closet smells sweet. At this point it is a good idea to add some moth repellent to your linen storage and wardrobes. Check the walls and paintwork for dirty marks or chips, followed by a quick wipe down with a mild bleach solution and, if they need it, a touch up with paint.
Carpets are next on your list, but only once you have thoroughly cleaned and steamed each bedroom should you tackle the carpets. Use a carpet cleaner: you can hire them at many major supermarkets and they are excellent at tearing out any ground in dirt and dust. If you can't manage this, then a good alternative is to liberally spread bicarbonate of soda all over the carpets; leave it overnight and then vacuum as normal. Bicarbonate of soda is an excellent odour remover and once this is done, your carpets should smell sweet.
In the bathroom, look at your grout; does it need refreshing? Try to remove marks and stains with a bleach solution and if this doesn't work, then it could be time for a re-grout. Again, check paintwork and touch it up if it is looking worn.
Windows should be thoroughly checked for any signs of damp or mould. If you spot any at all, then buy a commercial mould remover and keep a close eye on the area in case professional help is required.
Upstairs, Downstairs!
Once you are satisfied with the upper floor then it's time to move downstairs. The same routine should be carried out with close attention being paid to sorting through unwanted or unused items which are attracting dust. Have a clear out and begin the process of cleaning surfaces and walls as well as soft furnishings. Again, check windows for signs of damp and mould and in the kitchen, clean all white goods. Fridges should be emptied and cleaned out, washing machines and dishwashers should be included in the big clean up as should cookers and microwaves.
Your sofas can also be cleaned. Remove any loose covers and wash according to instructions; if you do not have removable covers then use a steam cleaner to refresh the fabric. Check paintwork in all rooms, touch up any chips or stains with paint and your home will soon be fit to face the spring!
Deep cleaning isn’t an easy task but if you set aside a few days to tackle it with no interruptions, you'll find that it’s not as disruptive as it sounds. Deep cleaning will also increase the longevity of your furniture and help you to keep the clutter down.
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