After the dust has settled following Christmas and New Year celebrations and we become inspired to make positive changes in our lives that will see us through the following year, thoughts may turn to keeping on top of our cleaning. Bring on the big spring clean!
Psychologically we all feel lighter and happier after having a good de-clutter and deep clean. Our checklist will help you plan for your spring clean and keep you focussed on the tasks at hand.
Start by making your spring clean jobs list
Check your cupboard for the essential cleaning items; cloths for using wet in different colours, cloths for dry polishing/buffing, scouring sponge, toothbrush, all-purpose spray cleaners, limescale remover, toilet cleaner, heavy duty degreaser or cream cleaner, wood polish/wax, window cleaner or vinegar and water mix, stainless steel cleaner, carpet spot remover, laundry detergent, empty bucket or clean washing up bowl.
Open the windows, remove curtains, throws, loose covers, cushion covers, bed linen and rugs. Wash or send them to the dry cleaners
If you intend to clean the bathrooms and kitchen on the same day, apply limescale removing toilet cleaner to all the toilets in the house, this often requires a few minutes to be most effective
If you are using limescale removing sprays, apply this to the taps, plug holes and plugs, grout and the corners of the shower trays and kitchen draining boards. You can make a limescale solution yourself, following our recipe at the end of this blog
Starting at the top of the house, ensure all horizontal surfaces are clear of objects and furniture is pulled away from the walls to allow access behind
If the dust and cobwebs are heavy, use your vacuum cleaner or ‘tickling stick’ to remove the worst of it
Using a bowl of warm soapy water and, safely reaching heights, begin by wet dusting the tops of the doors and curtain rails or venetian blinds.
Top tip: Close your venetian blind and dry dust for a light clean, or open the slats and try tumble dryer sheets to remove any spots and leave a fresh smell
Work your way down the room, including window frames and sills, doors, panels and frames, pictures, furniture surfaces and skirting boards.
Top tip: The use of a toothbrush may come in handy here, especially if you have a build-up of dirt in the window seals or on the skirting boards
Use your dry buffing cloth to remove any damp residue and streaks
Using your window spray cleaner and a soft cloth or kitchen paper, remove any streaks from all the glass, including mirrors and door panels. If you can, safely reach the outside of your windows, if not, now is the time to find a good window cleaner
Vacuum furniture, carpets and larger rugs that don’t require dry cleaning
Use your leather cleaner for furniture if necessary and wax your table top of you are so inclined
Mop any hard floors according the manufacturer’s instructions and replace furniture and rugs
Then Start the Wet Stage of Your Spring Clean - Bathrooms and Kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens require a higher standard of hygiene and so often it is easier and less daunting to tackle these rooms on a separate day. Start at the top of the house and the top of the rooms.
Top tip: Use different coloured cloths and sponges for the toilet, bathroom and kitchen. You might like to think, pink for the sink, blue for the loo and choose another colour to use in the kitchen!
Scrub the toilets if the limescale remover has had long enough, if you are starting work on a new day, apply it now and let it get to work while you continue with the rest. Close the lid and forget about it until later on
If the dust and cobwebs are heavy, use your vacuum cleaner or ‘tickling stick’ to remove the worst of it
Using a bowl of warm soapy water and, safely reaching heights, begin by wet dusting the tops of the doors and curtain rails or venetian blinds. Work your way down the room, including window frames and sills, doors, panels and frames, mirrors, furniture surfaces and skirting boards.
Use your dry buffing cloth to remove any damp residue and streaks
Using your window spray cleaner and a soft cloth or kitchen paper, remove any streaks from all the glass, including mirrors and door panels. If you can, safely reach the outside of your windows, if not, now is the time to find a good window cleaner
Check your plugholes for any potential blockages and use a plughole sanitiser if required
If you have a steam cleaning machine, go over the grout, behind the taps and around the plugholes, removing limescale remover as you go
Using an all-purpose spray cleaner and a light scouring sponge, give the bath, shower, basin or kitchen sink a good clean. Start with the bath panel and the basin pedestal, working towards the ‘dirtier’ areas last of all.
Top tip: Your dedicated toothbrush is useful here if you have a build-up of dirt behind the taps or around the plug hole
Switch cloths or sponges to the toilet specific colour now! Scrub away the toilet cleaner if you haven’t already and using the all-purpose spray cleaner and a damp cloth, wipe the flush handle, the top of the cistern and the pedestal first. Then complete the job by cleaning the rim and seat of the toilet
If you’re in the kitchen, tackle the cooker hood now. These are easily removable, as are the hob knobs and detergent drawer of the washing machine (if it’s not in use right now!). Heavy duty degreasers are available, or a cream cleaner may do the trick. Replace the hood filter
Spray the cupboard doors with all-purpose cleaner and clean the surfaces
If you have the energy, tackle the oven and fridge now, if not clean the exterior and leave the interior until tomorrow
Dry buff or polish away any streaks and continue to the glass as before
Finish the job by mopping hard floors or vacuuming, and putting out lovely fresh towels and washing up sponges.
Hate Spring Cleaning?
If you hate spring cleaning or are really too daunted to tackle it alone, don’t do it! Get Pressed for Time to do it for you. We are happy to work alongside, or for you and are available to quote for your home on 07517 210647. Just give Samantha a call today to take all your worries away and leave you with a spotless home, ready for the warmer weather.