A Few Tips

• Read through the blog from start to finish before starting your spring cleaning as there are ideas and tips that you need to do that will assist you in getting the job done in one day.

• Get the washing machine going – wash items whilst getting on with other cleaning tasks.

• Spray and soak – spray recommended cleaning agents onto the shower walls, bathtub, toilet and basins. They will do the hard work for you while you are busy with other tasks.

 1. Bathroom

• Vacuum and machine wash throw-rugs.
• Vacuum the ceiling and walls using the brush attachment. Then wipe with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Wash mirrors and the insides of the windows with microfiber cloths.
• Rinse the shower from the top down.
• Next, clean the toilet from the top of the tank to the rim, then the bowl (scrub well with toilet scrubbing brush) and then the base.
• Keep all cloths used for cleaning the bathroom separate and wash them in a hot water.
• Add cleanser to the floor. Let it soak. Wipe clean with water and mop on your way out.

2. Bedrooms

• Remove ALL bed linen – and wash them in the order of what goes onto the bed first.
• Items that are too large to wash can be hung on a clothesline to freshen in the sunlight and spring air. (A good idea would be to hang these out before starting your spring cleaning). I especially do this with pillows and cushions. Where possible air mattresses too.
• Vacuum (with the brush attachment) and wipe the walls.
• Wipe switch plates, door frames, architraves and skirting.
• If you cannot wash the curtains, have them dry-cleaned. I have found that hanging the curtains back when slightly damp, helps them to hang out nicely with minimum creases.
• Wipe down mirrors, artwork glass and frames with microfiber cloths.
• Give the carpet a thorough vacuum or have them cleaned professionally.

3. Kitchen

The Refrigerator

• Switch off the fridge at the start of your spring-cleaning day.
• Place all contents from the fridge into a cooler.
• Let shelves and drawers reach room temperature before washing them. This will prevent them from cracking when put into hot water.
• Mix 1 litre of hot water and 2 tablespoons baking soda. Use this mixture to wipe the fridge interior clean. Pay special attention to the egg holders.
• Clean the door seals with mild dishwashing liquid and remove all debris. Dry the seals well.
• Wipe the exterior down and buff with microfibre cloth.

The Stove and Oven

• If removable stovetop parts are very greasy, leave them overnight in soapy water.
• Wash all removable stovetop parts in hot soapy water and scrub them with cleaning pads suitable for use with stovetop items.
• The next step can also be done in advance or between other tasks: spray the oven with approved oven cleaner. Leave the cleaner on for the recommended time and wipe off.

The Microwave

• To get stubborn food particles off from the inside of the microwave oven, boil water and some lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl for 3 minutes. The steam will loosen the particles and the lemon will lift the grease and leave the microwave smelling nice and fresh too. Wipe down the inside.

Windows and Surfaces

• Clean the windows with a microfibre cloth.
• Make a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid to wipe down all surfaces drawers and cupboards.

Floors

• Sweep or vacuum the floors and then mop them.

NOTE:

A product I have been using on my kitchen floors is KOH

I also use it to clean my glass-ceramic stovetop. It is none abrasive and is environmentally sound and certified. I also prefer using it to wipe down the kitchen cabinets etc.

For stubborn marks and spots, I have found using Chux Magic Eraser invaluable.

 4. Living Room

• Dust ceiling fans with a microfiber extendable duster that bends to a 90-degree angle. This saves you getting up on a ladder.
• Clean the windows.
• Dust down electronic equipment.
• Clean out the fireplace.
• Wipe down sofas and chairs or where possible vacuum, taking care not to rip off any buttons.
• Give the carpet a thorough vacuum or have them cleaned professionally.

5. Order In for Dinner – you deserve it.

• Disclaimer: always read manufacturer instruction before using cleaning agents.