One of the main benefits of lockdown is that now we have enough time to do a thorough spring clean of our homes. This is actually very important during a period of a global pandemic, because your home needs to be clean and sanitised at all times. It is also a great opportunity to get rid of things you don’t need or rarely use.
The Kitchen
We would recommend starting from the kitchen, because this is the place with most appliances and often needs a lot of sanitising and decluttering.
Step 1. Begin the process of oven cleaning. It takes some time, so you should start by soaking the racks in warm soapy water and applying oven cleaner to the inside of the oven. This would need 30-60 minutes to start acting.
Step 2. While you are waiting for the oven cleaner to work and the racks to soak, take everything out of the fridge and wipe it inside and out. Throw away everything that may have passed its expiry date.
Step 3. Take everything out of the cupboards and the pantry. There might be stuff that has sat there for too long and it has to go. Wipe and disinfect your cupboards inside and out. You could even use the vacuum cleaner to get rid of any spillage or cobwebs.
Step 4. By now your racks should be ready to be scrubbed and the oven cleaner would have done its magic. Wash the racks and let them dry. You could use an old toothbrush to scrub any burnt on and other greasy pieces. Wipe the oven with a sponge and warm soapy water.
Step 5. Soak your pots and descale the kettle. You can use white vinegar to get rid of any calcium build-up and to give that new shine to your pots.
Step 6. Scrub the stoves and wipe all working surfaces with antibacterial wipes. Rearrange any plates, glasses or jars in the cupboards if they are looking cluttered.
Step 7. Wash your soaked pots and pans and let dry.
Step 8. Mop the floor with a disinfectant.
Your kitchen is now good as new!
The Bathroom
Next comes the bathroom. That’s another place that you can never clean too often and it needs special attention.
Step 1. Descale the shower head and the shower cabin door or the bathtub. Apply apple cider vinegar or a limescale remover on the problem areas and let it sit for about half an hour.
Step 2. Apply a toilet cleaner to the toilet bowl and let it act.
Step 3. Take everything out of the cabinets and vanity. There’s usually quite a lot of stuff that has expired without you noticing. All those face creams you use close to never should also go. Wipe the cabinets inside and out.
Step 4. Wipe the walls in the bathroom. They too need some cleaning attention. If there is a radiator in the bathroom, this should be cleaned as well.
Step 5. It’s now time to scrub the shower cabin, bathtub and the shower head. Hopefully all hard to get out stains should have softened and it would be relatively effortless to clean them off.
Step 6. Use the toilet brush to clean the toilet. Your toilet brush holder should be cleaned too! Flush the old water that’s in the holder and add new one with a few drops of tea tree oil. It has antibacterial properties, which may help prevent infections.
Step 7. Wipe and disinfect the sink.
Step 8. Mop and sanitise the floor.
You can place a scented candle or a diffuser to give the bathroom a fresher feel.
The Living Room
You will have a lot of work in your living room. Remember spring cleaning involves moving furniture and cleaning behind and under it too!
Step 1. Start by opening the windows to allow fresh air to come in.
Step 2. Take the curtains off and put them to be washed or take them to a dry cleaner. You can also add any washable cushion covers, sofa covers or small rugs.
Step 3. Move the heavy furniture and clean behind and under it using a vacuum cleaner and wipe if needed. Don’t miss the radiators! They need a good scrub and dusting to work properly.
Step 4. Wipe and dust the light fixtures and the skirting boards.
Step 5. Declutter, declutter, declutter. Old magazines, newspapers and stuff you don’t use must go. Books you’ve read and are unlikely to go back to can be donated. Same goes for furniture and souvenirs you don’t want to keep any longer.
Step 6. Think of ways to use your wall space. Get as much free space on the floor as possible.
Step 7. Give your carpet some love. Treat any stains with the appropriate carpet cleaning products. Always check the manufacturer instructions before you do anything to your carpet! You may end up doing more damage than good if you use the wrong product or solution.
Step 8. Mop and disinfect the floor.
Think about rearranging the furniture, adding new colours and using an aromatherapy diffuser to brighten your home and make it a more exciting place.
The Bedrooms
You sleep better when your bedroom is clean, well aired and with minimal clutter.
Step 1. Put all your bedding and curtains for a wash. Items that can’t be washed in the washing machine should be taken to a dry cleaner or you could use a commercial laundry service like the one we offer at Bredon Hill Cleaning Services.
Step 2. Dust and flip the mattress. It will help you sleep better.
Step 3. Dust and wipe the light fixtures, the skirting boards and any furniture.
Step 4. Pay special attention to your closet and wardrobe. It’s time to rearrange it. Winter clothes should go in boxes or at the back. Bring forward the light and bright spring and summer outfits. Needless to say you should get rid of everything that is small or you haven’t worn in over a year. Donate it to a charity shop or anyone you know may be needing some good quality clothes.
Step 5. Clean the area behind and under the bed and the bed stands.
Step 6. Wipe and dust the radiators.
Step 7. Vacuum the floor or mop and disinfect if it is a hard floor.
Step 8. Allow fresh air to circulate and wipe the windows inside and out.
Adding a lavender scented candle to your bedroom is a great touch. It will help you relax and calm your mind.
During your spring cleaning you should pay attention to your windows and clean them both inside and out. Your garden, shed and garage may also need decluttering and tidying up.
Usually spring cleaning takes a few days for non-professionals. But it could be a great bonding experience for the whole family.
Alternatively, if you feel it is too much work and something you would absolutely not enjoy, we are ready to step in and get it all done in just one day. Our cleaners are trained to practice all safety measures during a lockdown without this affecting the quality of their job.
