We all look forward to spring, when the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. Along with that, spring also brings… spring cleaning!
While it might not be the most exciting task, doing a really thorough clean and clear-out will leave you feeling ready for the rest of a busy year.
Use this checklist to make sure everything gets done:
1. Vacuum Cleaner – Giving your vacuum cleaner some attention before you put it to work. Replace the bag, wash the filter and clean the dust cup. When it’s ready, use the different attachments to really get into every little corner.
2. Doormats – Shake them out and beat them with a broom to get rid of all the accumulated dust and dirt that has been tramped over them through the winter.
3. Lights and ceiling fans – Clean these early so that you aren’t knocking dirt onto previously cleaned surfaces. Use the soft vacuum nozzle followed by a damp cloth. For glass or crystal light fixture, you should also use some polish.
4. Shelves – Empty and wipe down all shelves.
5. Carpets – Carpet will also have a winter’s worth ofdirt in them. Either shampoo them or rent a carpet cleaner. Either way, practice somewhere out of sight to make sure you don’t accidentally spoil the carpet. Use wax paper to protect your furniture.
6. Wood, laminate or tiled floors – After giving them a good mopping, apply wax or sealer to protect your floor for the year ahead. On a side note, you should actually avoid mopping wood floors too often. Stick to every two or three months and spot-clean in between.
7. Walls, cabinets, skirting boards and other woodwork – Even if they’re not obviously dirty, dust can stick to vertical surfaces. Clean them with a sponge or cloth and dishwashing detergent in hot water. Top tip: use a separate bucket to squeeze out the dirty water from your cloth.
8. Old food – Go through your fridge, freezer and cupboards, throwing out any food that has been hanging around for too long.
9. Fridge – Empty your fridge and wipe down all the shelves.
10. Fridge coil – Built-up dust can make your fridge work overtime and eventually break down. Pull your fridge out, and vacuum all over the back of it. Then, vacuum the floor where it usually stands.
11. Oven – Chip off baked-on food, then use baking soda and white vinegar to loosen what’s left before wiping it away with a sponge.
12. Oven hood – Take out and wash the filter in hot, soapy water. Clean the rest of the hood to remove grease.
13. Microwave – Put one cup of water and a sliced lemon in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave it until the window steams up. Let things cool down and then wipe down the inside of the microwave.
14. Coffee maker – Use a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and water to descale your coffee maker. “Brew” the mixture, stopping half way. Let it sit for half an hour and then finish the cycle.
15. Stainless steel appliances – Make them sparkle again with a wax-based spray.
16. Dishwasher – Make sure all leftover bits of food are removed from the dishwasher and then run a cleaning cycle with a cleanser product (two cups of vinegar will also do the trick).
17. Washing machine – Use distilled white vinegar and baking soda to clean out your machine. Remember to run another cycle afterwards to make sure everything is washed out. Lastly, wipe it dry.
18. Windows – Make sure to clean both the inside and the outside of your windows. It’s best to wash your windows on a cloudy (but not rainy) day so that the windows will dry more slowly — giving you time to wipe off the cleaner before streaks appear.
19. Mattress – Flip your mattress and vacuum the underside. Use upholstery cleaner on any stains.
20. Wardrobe and drawers – Empty and dust. As you are doing this, it’s a great time to be ruthlessly honest about which clothes you actually wear. Donate those that don’t make the cut.