Spring cleaning is about more than giving your home a quick once-over. It’s your chance to tackle the jobs that get missed during your regular cleaning routine, clear out clutter and give your home a deeper clean. Here’s how to make your spring clean more effective with the ultimate spring cleaning guide:
1. Start with the spring cleaning jobs you always put off
Your regular cleaning routine keeps everyday dirt and dust under control. Spring cleaning is the time to tackle the jobs that don’t happen as often. Think about the inside of the oven, the cupboard you’ve been avoiding, dusty window tracks or the area underneath your furniture.
Start with the jobs you’ve been putting off. Once they’re done, the rest of your spring clean will feel much easier.
2. Work from top to bottom
The easiest way to make cleaning more efficient is to work from high surfaces down to the floor. Start with ceiling fans, light fittings, shelves and the tops of cupboards before moving onto furniture, skirting boards and floors.
This stops dust and dirt from falling onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
3. Clean what you usually overlook
Spring cleaning is your opportunity to look beyond the surfaces you see every day.
Check areas such as:
- Behind and underneath furniture
- Skirting boards
- Door frames
- Light switches
- Curtain rails
- Lampshades
- Ceiling fans
- Window frames and tracks
- Tops of cupboards
You don’t need to clean these areas every week, but they can make a noticeable difference when they’re included in your seasonal clean.
4. Give your bedroom a deeper spring clean
Start by washing your bedding and cleaning heavier duvets and blankets before storing them for the warmer months. Then tackle your mattress, wardrobes and the areas underneath your bed.
Spring is also a good time to declutter your wardrobe. Set aside anything you no longer wear to donate, sell or responsibly dispose of. A less cluttered wardrobe is easier to organise and clean.
5. Go beyond the everyday kitchen clean
Your kitchen may already get cleaned regularly, but there are plenty of areas that don’t make it onto the daily or weekly list. Clean inside cupboards and drawers, check for expired food and tackle built-up grease.
Give appliances some extra attention too, including your oven, fridge, microwave, extractor fan and washing machine. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning appliances or removable parts.
6. Deep clean your bathroom
Spring is a good time to tackle the build-up that your regular bathroom clean might miss.
Pay particular attention to:
- Shower glass
- Grout
- Shower heads
- Drains
- Behind the toilet
- Bathroom cupboards
- Bath mats
- Shower curtains
- Extractor fans
If mould keeps returning, cleaning it repeatedly may not solve the problem. Poor ventilation, leaks and excess moisture can all contribute, so address the source where possible.
7. Don’t forget your soft furnishings
Sofas, cushions, curtains, rugs and mattresses can collect dust and everyday grime. Vacuum your sofa thoroughly, including underneath the cushions, and clean removable covers according to their care instructions.
Check the labels on curtains, rugs and other fabrics before washing or treating them. Some materials require specialised cleaning.
8. Clean your windows properly
Spring sunshine can make dirty windows particularly noticeable. Don’t just clean the glass. Window frames, sills and tracks collect dust and debris too.
Remove loose dirt first, then clean the glass with a suitable product and a clean cloth or squeegee. For difficult-to-reach windows, don’t risk standing on furniture or unstable surfaces. Get professional help instead.
9. Spring clean your outdoor spaces
Spring isn’t only about cleaning indoors. As the weather warms up, patios, balconies, courtyards and braai areas become part of your living space again.
Sweep away winter debris, clean outdoor furniture and tackle dirt on paving and floors. If you’re planning your first spring braai, clean the grill and surrounding area before guests arrive. Don’t forget sliding door tracks and the areas around doors connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces.
10. Make your spring clean last
The best spring clean is one that makes the rest of the year easier. Once you’ve tackled the bigger jobs, create a simple maintenance routine. Keep on top of everyday cleaning and rotate less frequent jobs throughout the year rather than waiting for the next spring.
You don’t have to clean everything in one day either. Work room by room or spread the jobs over several weekends.
Need help with your spring clean?
Cleaning can be a big job when you’re fitting it around work, family and everything else on your plate.
Sweepsouth can help you tackle the cleaning jobs on your list, from regular indoor cleaning to getting your home ready for the season. So you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying spring.
Ready for a better spring clean? Book your Sweepsouth clean today.
ALSO SEE: HOW PROFESSIONAL HOME CLEANING SERVICES CAN HELP PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING
