Spring cleaning!
Dusting, polishing and scrubbing may not sound glamorous, but a good spring clean can transform a home. Gabrielle Fagan reveals a spring strategy, time-saving tips and stylish kit
Spring is in the air and it’s time for that annual ritual – giving rooms a good clean and polish.
If the prospect of Spring cleaning fills you with gloom and you’re tempted to ignore this chore, be aware that welcome sunshine pouring through the windows can shine a harsh light on pockets of dust, dingy paintwork and grubby surfaces.
Luckily, modern cleaning products and tools can make light, speedy work of the process, compared to the weeks our grandmothers used to take beating rugs, scrubbing and scouring and rehanging drapes.
Raspberry Spectrum Collection Dustpan and Brush, £2.09, slim 3-tier indoor airer, £9.99, Cookshop collection hand towel, £2.49; Minky pegs, £2.49, Dunelm.
“A top-to-bottom, thorough clean won’t just make a home look more appealing, it can also boost your spirits and make you feel more energised, as rooms will feel more airy and spacious,” says Simon Glanville, managing director of specialist storage company, STORE.
“Use the opportunity to take a good look at spaces and, if need be, de-clutter, which isn’t about throwing everything away.
“Rather, it’s about losing what’s useless and ugly in order to have space for things that are useful and beautiful.”
Before you begin your super spring sort-out, check out these expert tips on making it easy, and smart kit that will make even the most reluctant yearn to blitz away the winter blues.
SMART STRATEGY
“To get over that mental block that prevents you actually starting, break the task into bite-sized pieces. Allocate 20 minutes each day to tackling just one area,” suggests Glanville.
“Always start with the bedrooms and work your way down, and never tackle more than one room at a time, otherwise you’ll get overwhelmed.”
TOP TIP: Turn on the music, get a timer and get each member of the family to fill one bag full of unwanted items, then recycle or sell them.
HIDDEN HORRORS
Dust mites love to lurk in duvets and carpets, and these can cause problems for those with allergies, says David Begley, cleanologist at Johnson Cleaners.
“Often, duvets are overlooked but they should really be cleaned twice a year,” he advises.
“Most domestic washing machines are too small to clean a duvet effectively and professional laundering is more likely to kill off dust mites and the allergens produced by them. This is particularly important for people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory ailments.”
People shed enough skin each day to feed one million dust mites, so regularly vacuum your mattress, bed and headboard.
Curtains need cleaning at least once every six months, to prolong their life and keep them looking as good as new, he says. If washing at home, iron while still damp and don’t forget to release the pleats, as they can harbour dust.
TOP TIP: Carpets accumulate a lot of dust, dirt and even fungi over time, all of which are unsightly, unhygienic and can be potential health hazards. Up to 80% of carpet dirt is loose and can be removed with regular vacuuming. Make it a rule that people remove shoes at the front door so you avoid dirt and grit being walked in.
GREEN GODDESS
If you’re concerned about the ozone layer and don’t want to use chemical-laden cleaning products, there are plenty of ranges to gladden your green heart.
“Scrutinise cleaning product labels like you would food labels,” says Eric Ryan, co-founder at eco-friendly cleaning products company, Method. (Pictured above)
“You wouldn’t want toxic ingredients in your food, so don’t inadvertently put them on food prep surfaces by using chemical cleaners.
“Our products are as easy on the eye as they are on the nose, and are 100% vegan-friendly and paraben-free.”
TOP TIP: Seal granite or marble worktops so they’re not prone to etching, the corrosion due to wear and tear and harsh cleaners.
Do you spring clean each year, or clean as you go?
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