Willoughbys Hardware, DIY, Home & Garden Store-spring clean

As the days get brighter, you’ll see dust and dirt that went unnoticed during winter. Luckily the long spring evenings are perfect for an extra bit of cleaning, and our top tips will help get you going.

Shopping List

Rubber gloves
Cloths & sponges
All purpose cleaner
Bleach
Basin
Furniture & glass polish
Paper towels
Bin bags
Duster
Vacuum cleaner
Mop & bucket
Oven cleaner
Baking soda

1. Declutter First

Every six months or so, you should take some time to declutter your home. Before your spring clean is an ideal time for this job. Gather any old, unwanted or broken items such as clothes, bed linen, books, toys, ornaments, and even furniture. Sort everything into piles for recycling, charity and storage. You’ll feel great after this therapeutic exercise, and your home will already be looking tidier.

2. Prepare Your Kit

Before you get stuck into the dirty work, make sure you have all the cleaning supplies you will need to hand. Essentials include strong rubber gloves, cloths, sponges, brushes, bleach, all purpose cleaner, furniture and glass polish, bin bags and paper towels. View our article: Top 15 Products for Your Home Cleaning Kit for more help with preparing your spring cleaning kit.

3. Work from the Top Down

Always clean from the ceiling to the floor; first tidying, then dusting along the ceiling, light fixtures, pictures, etc., finally vacuuming and mopping the floor when everything else in the room is done. This just makes sense because the earlier jobs will of course dirty the floor. You may also find it makes your work seem that bit easier and more productive if you finish either the downstairs or the upstairs completely before starting the other.

4. Leave Windows for a Cloudy Day

Wait for a cloudy day to wash your windows, as direct sunlight can dry windows too quickly leaving streaks behind. For more tips on cleaning windows go to our guide: How to Clean Windows.

5. Don’t Forget the Fridge & Freezer

The best time to take on the task of cleaning your fridge and freezer is right before you do your grocery shopping, when the contents are at their lowest. Take everything out and dispose of any items that have passed their use-by date, and almost-empty items that you will never use. Look out for opened jars and bottles which state on the label that they should be used within a certain number of days after opening. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with a damp cloth and disinfectant. The same can be done for food cupboards if you think it's needed. Defrost your freezer and then wipe it down with disinfectant too.

6. Cleaning Curtains & Blinds

Curtains and blinds are usually neglected in routine cleaning sessions but can collect a surprising amount of dust and dirt. Some curtains can be machine washed or dry cleaned; always check the care label and follow the instructions provided. Most vacuum cleaners come with a small nozzle with a short brush built-in that is ideal for vacuuming curtains and fabric blinds. Remember to vacuum both sides to remove as much of the dust as possible. Steam cleaners are ideal for giving curtains and fabric blinds the most thorough clean. Wooden, metal or plastic blinds only need to be wiped down with a dry cloth, or with a suitable cleaner.

7. The Best Oven Cleaning Method

The oven is the heart of the kitchen, but months of roasting and baking can make it grimy and smelly. Begin by removing all racks and placing them in a mixture of hot water and either oven cleaning solution or dishwashing liquid. Allow them to soak while you clean the inside of the oven with oven cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using oven cleaner, as it contains powerful chemicals. Scrub the racks clean, rinse and dry. Make sure to clean off all cleaning chemicals from the oven walls and racks before using your oven again.

8. Mattress Cleaning & Care

Remove all bedding and use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and hair that has accumulated over time. Spot clean any stains with a stain remover and damp cloth. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the mattress and let it sit for at least a couple of hours. The soda will absorb any moisture and leave your mattress smelling fresh. Remove the baking soda with a thorough vacuuming. Every three months, flip your mattress and switch it from head to foot and vice-versa to help it wear evenly and prolong its lifespan.

9. Freshen up Your Rugs

For a beautifully fresh smelling home, it is important to think of things like rugs which can really hold onto odours if not cleaned once or twice a year. Hang your rugs out on a washing line and use the handle of a sweeping brush to beat them. This will remove the bulk of the debris, dirt and dust that gets embedded in the fabric. Take the rugs back inside for a good vacuuming to remove any fine dust, before applying a carpet shampoo to get them like new again.

10. Delegate!

There are some jobs where you can put your feet up and let someone else do the work, safe in the knowledge that you’re doing the right thing. Examples include window washing and chimney cleaning. Spring is the ideal time for both, and sometimes specialist equipment, experience and skill is needed to reach those upstairs windows or the chimney pot.

Top 10 Spring Cleaning Tips