Your 13 step spring cleaning checklist - Marigolds at the ready!

Typically, the annual spring clean is used to dust off and air out our homes so that they sparkle for the new season. 

Not only does it serve a practical purpose but there’s also a psychological element of coming out of the dark cold winter months and into the light….sound familiar?!

Our expert designers have offered up their best cleaning hacks, plus, we have all the top tips from the total cleaning pro, @the_organised_mum to help make the seasonal scrub down a complete breeze.

So without further ado - marigolds (and baking soda) at the ready people!

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1. Declutter

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Number one on the spring cleaning checklist is a good old declutter. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and work through each cupboard, shelf and drawer in your home ridding yourself of objects just taking up valuable space and gathering dust. 

The 4-box system can be incredibly useful here - each item should either be kept, chucked, donated or stored (in your loft for example). 

Be strict with yourself here! Just like William Morris said: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

"Make sure to not overwhelm yourself by taking on too much when you embark on a declutter.  Set aside a realistic time that you can commit to, and work out what you are realistically able to declutter in that time frame. This means that you won't take on too much and overwhelm yourself". - @the_organised_mum.

Now is also the time to check all those use-by dates in your kitchen cupboard and fridge...no judgment here. 

Now you have a blank slate, the cleaning can commence!

2. Hoover your ceilings and walls

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The best way to tackle a deep clean is starting from the top and working your way down.

That means it’s time to hoover up those cobwebs! You know...the ones in the corner of your ceiling that you’ve been keeping a watchful eye on just in case its owner is still in residence.

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3. Dust ceiling lights, picture rails and the tops of cupboards

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While you’re up the ladder, grab your duster and give your ceiling lights and picture rails a good sweep. 

If the tops of your wardrobes and kitchen cabinets are anything like mine you might need to grab the hoover first before the duster comes into play! 

4. Refresh curtains and blinds

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Dust can quickly build up on your curtains and blinds and so it’s important to clean them regularly to keep them looking and feeling fresh.

Try to wash your curtains every few years as the fibres can rot meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner than you might like. Make sure you follow the washing guidelines for the specific fabric so that they aren’t damaged in the process.

If you’ve not long washed them then they might just need a hoover. Open them up wide and give them a shake (open up the windows first!) Use your fabric or upholstery vacuum attachment (the brush!) and gently work your way from left to right starting at the top.

Make sure you pay particular attention to the edges as this is where most of the dust builds and don’t forget the curtain rail or track. Spray them with a fabric freshener and voila!

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5. Clean the windows (and open them up!)

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There’s nothing like the sun hitting your windows to highlight just how badly they need a good clean! 

"Even though the sun may help you realise your windows need cleaning, try to avoid cleaning them on a bright day. Choosing a duller day is much better because when it's hot and sunny the products often dry before you can clean it off which leaves them streaky".

Once you’ve removed your window treatments - hoover and wash away any dirt to avoid just smearing it over your window panes - no need to make them any worse!

You can use either a homemade diluted white vinegar option (the smell will fade!) or a bowl of warm water and a small amount of washing up liquid for this step. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth so you don’t scratch the panes.

To avoid streaks and smudges you’ll then need to grab a dry microfiber cloth and work in an S shape across the glass to buff away the smudges. 

While you’re at it, use your homemade vinegar spray on your mirrors too using the same process to let them sparkle.

6. Wipe down skirting boards

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Before tackling your floors don’t forget to give your skirting boards a good dust and a wash to tackle any scuff marks. This will also prep them nicely for step 9 which is to touch them up with paint.

"My favourite top tip for cleaning your skirting boards is to get a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and use that to get rid of the dust on your skirting boards regularly".

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7. Deep clean your carpets and rugs

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Our carpets really take the brunt of daily life, so it’s high time we showed them a bit of love! Start by hoovering up loose dirt and dust. If it’s a rug then you can always take it outside and use a broom for this step.

"When using a steam cleaner, don't forget to follow the manufacturer's instructions. People often come unstuck when not doing this and using the incorrect technique."

If you don’t have a steam cleaner or don’t fancy renting one then it's still possible to deep clean your carpets by hand if you’re willing to put in the time and the elbow grease! 

Mix salt and baking soda together in a small bowl and then sprinkle over the carpet taking a section at a time (start in the far corner away from the door so you don’t get trapped!) Spray the section with water and then use a stiff scrubbing brush to work the mixture into the fibres in different directions.

Use old (clean) towels to wipe up the excess water and then let it air dry. Finally, get the hoover back to pick up the baking soda particles and ta da!

8. Scrub your floors

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Now it’s your floorboard's turn - mops at the ready! Take care with wooden floors to not use any cleaning products that will scratch and damage them.

"It is really important to make sure you are vacuuming or sweeping the main traffic areas of your home on a regular basis. This will stop that dirt from for instance the front door door and hallway being trodden elsewhere in your home".  

9. Touch up the paint

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Now is also the perfect time to grab a paint brush and touch up any scuff marks or fingerprints on your walls, ceiling and skirting boards. These small touch ups can all add up and make your house look like the day you decorated it!

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10. Deep clean your grouting

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"Prevention is much better than cure so make sure that you are regularly cleaning your tiles and also making sure in areas that get damp, like bathrooms, you are regularly airing to avoid mould developing".

Call me crazy but this is one of my favourites as it’s so satisfying! It’s only once you start that you realise with horror that the grouting was never meant to be that colour.

Arm yourself with an old toothbrush and either whitening toothpaste (to have your tiles feeling minty fresh) or that homemade vinegar spray you made earlier.

11. Clear out your wardrobe

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I stand corrected - this is my favourite Spring Cleaning task!

Get everything out of the wardrobe and onto the bed in clear view. Judge each item based on whether it should stay, go or be put away in a vacuum storage bag for next winter. 

Once you’ve worked out what goes assess what’s in good condition to be donated and what needs to be recycled. Certain retailers like H&M and & Other Stories will take your old clothes, recycle them and then give you a voucher - win win. (Just try to resist the temptation of buying more clothes to replace the ones you’ve just recycled!)

For the items that are staying,  turn the hangers towards you when you hang them back up. Then when you wear the item put it back the other way. After a few months, you’ll be able to see exactly what you wear and what sits there unloved. Time for another charity run perhaps?!

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12. Air out your mattress

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Note that this step comes after you’ve emptied the contents of your wardrobe onto your bed! Strip the bed completely then give your mattress a once over with your hoover to pick up any dust. Then leave it to air near a window or outside if you have a helper to carry it.

13. Dust off your patio furniture

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Last but not least it’s time to get your outdoor space ready for visitors. So give your patio furniture a wash down and the deck a good sweep.

Finally, make yourself a well earned gin and put your feet up on your nice and clean patio furniture with a smug look on your face. Enjoy!

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