SPRING CLEANING - A FULL CHECKLIST FOR YOUR HOME

There is nothing I love more after a long, cold Winter than to open up the windows and deep clean my home. Although I do have a regular cleaning schedule that I stick to, a few times a year I like to completely blitz through every room and get my house in order, just in time for the warmer season.

As with the promise of a New Year, Springtime is an opportunity for change and renewal, especially at home. I have devised this thorough checklist so that you can work your way through, at your own pace, and refresh your home for Spring. Happy house-keeping!

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

These are the tasks that you could do throughout your home in each room. My basic tips will help you clean every surface, object, and space.

• CLEAN UPHOLSTERY - If you have upholstery that has removable covers for laundering, I would start with this first so that they can wash and dry whilst you get on with everything else. Make sure you check the care labels so that you don’t damage or shrink your covers. If your upholstery can’t be laundered, take it outdoors and beat it to remove dust. Use a vacuum to clean crevices and down the sides of seating.

   

• DUST THOROUGHLY - I would advise to start from the top down when dusting and cleaning a room as the dust will settle as you work your way down. Dust door frames, coving, ceiling lights and fans, and window casings. Then dust tall pieces of furniture. Finally dust everything else including all ornaments, objects, lighting, and furniture.

   

• WIPE DOWN WALLS - Once you have dusted, go through each room and wipe down any stains on the walls - especially in kitchens where there can be lots of grease.

   

• DUST BOOKS AND SHELVES - I like to use a damp microfibre cloth to dust books. I remove every book from the shelf and dust the covers, spine, and page edges. Dust the shelf and then put the books back.

   

• CLEAN WINDOWS & TREATMENTS - I like to use a natural cleaner with newspaper for a streak-free shine on my windows. If you have curtains or blinds, vacuum away any dust. For wooden blinds use a damp cloth to remove dust.

   

• CLEAN FLOORS - For carpets I like to vacuum thoroughly. From time-to-time I also like to shampoo my carpets with a specialist machine. For hard floors I vacuum away dust and then clean with a damp mop.

   

• POLISH METAL HARDWARE - I like to polish the hardware in my home - door handles and furniture, light switches, and window hardware. I use a brass liquid cleaner that rubs on and buffs with a clean cloth.

THE BIGGER TASKS

These are the room-by-room tasks that require a little effort but only need to be done twice a year.

KITCHEN

Clean the oven - I like to combine water, baking soda and vinegar in a spray to clean my oven without chemicals.

Defrost the freezer - Turn off the appliance and then empty the contents. Wipe inside with baking soda and hot water.

LIVING ROOMS

Swap soft furnishings - I like to change heavier blankets and cushions for more lightweight items.

BEDROOMS

Flip and rotate the mattress

Change heavier blankets and duvets for lightweight options

BATHROOMS

Reseal grout lines

Clean out drawers and cupboards

Discard expired cosmetics

Restock supplies

WARDROBES AND CLOSETS

Swap out Winter clothing for Summer options

Donate unwanted clothing to charity

Restock hangers

HOME OFFICE

Organise all files and make sure all policies, insurances, etc are up to date

File letters, bills, and important documents

Clean all computers and devices

Restock printer cartridges and paper

Restock all stationery

CHECK OUT MY SPRING CLEANING VIDEO HERE ON YOUTUBE