Spring is right around the corner, and for most home owners it’s an exciting time to get your home ready. In the winter time, many portions of your home are neglected or aren’t used as often because of home owners staying inside their homes. From the interiors of your home to the exterior, getting your home ready for spring will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather once it hits.
Spring cleaning rituals go way back and are often based on religious traditions. Houses became very grimy due to open fires and in particular coal fires. Today with modern living standards we do not suffer from the same form of grime, but such things as dust mites prevail. In addition with our greater emphasis on cleanliness we suffer from allergies so the need to spring clean is just as great today.
Planning is the key to a proper spring clean followed by the need to get all the family involved. Make a “to do” list, put on the coffee and the music system and start at the top. Don’t forget to reward yourself for achievements and the job will not seem so tedious.
Start at the top work down, and spring clean room by room.
- Just Move it – get everything movable outside. This gives furniture and furnishings time in the fresh air and sunshine and allows you to vacuum in places that are normally inaccessible.
- Simply Dust it – slightly dampen your soft dusting cloth (microfiber cloths are best) and work from ceiling to floor, room by room. Dust everything that can collect dust including tops of doors, tops of curtain rails, window frames, skirting boards, behind radiators, high shelves and blades on ceiling fans. What about inside those kitchen presses and did I mention bookshelves and wardrobes. Plenty of cloths required otherwise you will be washing them in the middle of the job.
- Yes – Wipe it – even light bulbs need cleaning, but ensure they are cool first. Wipe gently with soft cloth dampened with hot water and white vinegar. Glass light shades and chandelier fixtures should be washed in hot water with mild dishwashing liquid. If you are concerned about chandeliers then call an expert Dry thoroughly before replacing. Dust lampshades with a clean, dry paintbrush flicking dust downwards then wipe it up with a damp cloth.
- And Vacuum it – blinds and skirting boards can be vacuumed with the dust brush attachment. Use the upholstery attachment for curtains and furniture. The floor should be vacuumed last, then washed or carpets shampooed. If carpets are really grimy then you will need an expert to steam clean it.
- Don’t forget to Wash it – all soft furnishings should be washed according to manufacturer’s instructions including curtains, cushion and pillow covers, mattress covers, duvet covers and inners. If they can’t be washed have them dry cleaned, or hang in the sun for several hours.
- If Necessary Scrub it – windows and exterior window frames need dirt and grime removed first. Then scrub using a soft brush or large sponge in a solution of equal parts hot water and white vinegar, or hot water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Scrape windows with a soft blade window scraper and polish with a soft cloth. Floors may need a deep scrub, especially floor tiles and grouting. Don’t forget to rinse off the cleaning solution last.
- Definitely Dump it – If you haven’t worn it, used it, referred to it, cooked with it, or looked at it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it. Spring cleaning includes clearing the clutter from your home and your life.
Like secrets, homes benefit from sunlight and fresh air. I suggest that you talk to our nearest office and ask Pristine Home to take care of that Spring Clean. We can do a full spring clean, or just a piece of it such as your oven, carpets or this high level outside windows. Using the experts will ensure that your home is filled with fresh spring smells to help you enjoy the longer days of summer.