1) Open the windows
The first thing to do before you start cleaning is to open the windows in each room. This will let fresh air into the room as well as giving the dust somewhere to escape.
2) Clean the Oven & Microwave
- Oven- Use a quality oven cleaner that you just leave the solution in the oven for approximately 4 hours (over night or whilst you do the rest of your spring clean) and then use a sponge to wipe away any residue.
- Microwave- Next onto the microwave; first pour about a half cup of water into a bowl. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. Put the bowl in the microwave and microwave it for 3 minutes. When it's finished let stand for 5 minutes but don't open the microwave door. You'll have a wonderful new smelling microwave once this is done!
3) Clean Cupboards/Cabinets
While you have cupboards (especially in the kitchen) empty remember to hoover and wipe down both the inside and outside using a sponge and a bowl of soapy water or disinfectant wipes.
4) Clean Carpets & Upholstery and Sweep & Scrub Floors
You might not think that furniture needs cleaning but it does! Use a hoover to clean carpets as well as sofas/chairs. Sweep tiled floors initially before using a mop to wash the floor. Remember to move large items such as sofas and cabinets when vacuuming and tables and chairs when washing floors into storage to allow for a better/deeper clean.
5) Dust, Wipe and Polish Furnishings & Surfaces
Use a dust cloth to clean surfaces that may have collected dust, a few areas to remember to dust include the top of the TV, around photo and mirror frames and surfaces such as cabinet tops, shelves and window sills. Remember to take care when dusting electronics such as TVs, DVD players, radios and speakers. When cleaning inside units remove all the items first to give you easier access and a better clean. Afterwards use a polish spray and cloth on any wooden areas that you have cleaned such as cabinets and shelves. For the kitchen counters use disinfectant wipes to clean them.
6) Wash Doors, Windows and Window Sills
These are some of the quickest places to collect dust and if they are white it will show very quickly! First of all wipe them down with a cloth. Next use a sponge and a bowl of water with a small amount of detergent to clean the doors, window sills and windows. Use a clean, dry cloth or disinfectant wipes to wipe over the areas that you have used water on to help it dry quicker. Before you start to clean the windows use a broom or duster to remove any cobwebs and pull back curtains/lift blinds out of the way. For the windows wash both the inside and outside (where reachable) firstly with a bowl of soapy water, followed by a bowl containing just water. Finally use a dry cloth to dry the windows quicker and avoid any drip marks being left on the windows.
7) Clean Light Fittings
Dust all light fixtures such as lamps and ceiling lights. Remember to clean both the lamp shade as well as the base of any lamps. Gently use a feather duster to clean chandeliers and ceiling fittings. While you have the feather duster in hand remove any cobwebs around the ceiling.
8) Declutter
Clear out any cupboards/wardrobes and sort out items that you don't need and give them to charity such as clothes that don't fit or throw them away e.g. out of date food. I bet you'll be surprised by how many out of date tinned good you may have lurking in your cupboards! On the other hand, there may be items that you want at a later date either for children when they move out such as kitchen items/ironing board or when they are in season again e.g. coats/wellies/skis then put them into storage.
9) Clean the Bathroom Thoroughly
- Shower- First put a bag of vinegar over the shower head, secure it with a rubber band and leave it overnight. This handy little trick will help to move the lime scale and any dirt caught in it. In the morning run the water to wash away any remaining vinegar. Then soak your shower curtain in salt water for a few hours, let it dry and rehang it. For a shower screen, use a dedicated bathroom cleaner, following the instructions on the label. Afterwards, rinse the screen and use a squeegee to get a streak free finish.
- Walls and the ceiling- First spray tiles, countertops, walls and the ceiling with all-purpose bathroom cleaner and turn the shower on at its hottest temperature. After 5 minutes turn off the shower and leave the room for about 20 minutes (remember to shut the door). Use a clean cloth to wipe down all surfaces and mop for the ceiling.
- Sink- Either pour a drain unblocker or put white vinegar or baking soda down the drain and turn on the hot water. This is a more cost effective yet powerful option! For the taps and the rest of the sink use disinfectant wipes.
10) Give walls, doors and ceilings a lick of paint
Give any walls, doors and ceilings that look a bit tired, a lick of paint. Remember if you are painting in any rooms that have large furniture (particularly the ceiling) such as bedrooms and the living room to put the items into storage to avoid them getting splattered in paint.
If you're going through a late spring clean and need somewhere to store you're personal belongings during the process - check out your nearest store with us today!
