Getting Prepared
Start by thinking about everything you want to tidy up and clean. Check which cleaning supplies you already have and then make a list of the products you’ll need for your big clean. Do this room by room, considering which products are necessary (for instance: oven cleaner for the kitchen, limescale remover for the bathroom, etc.). You can easily pick up most supplies from your local DMart or Star Bazaar. If you’re short on time or prefer not to go out, you can also place an order with Amazon – chances are you’ll have everything you need delivered the next day!
When tackling the big spring clean, it’s essential not only to focus on your home’s aesthetics but also on your safety. Always wear gloves when handling cleaning products to protect your skin from potential irritants. Ensure proper ventilation in the areas you’re cleaning, especially when working with strong chemicals. This helps prevent inhaling potentially harmful fumes and makes for a safer cleaning experience. Also, always keep cleaning products out of reach of children.
To help you get started, here’s a basic list of products you’ll likely need:
- Cleaning wipes
- Scouring pads
- Bin bags
- Squeegee
- Window wiper
- All-purpose cleaner
- Kitchen spray
- Oven cleaner
- Dishwasher tablets
- Scouring powder
- Bathroom spray
- Limescale remover
- Toilet cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Cleaning vinegar
- Special cleaners for stainless steel, wood, and leather, if necessary
The Kitchen
Kitchen Cabinets And Pantry
Start with the cabinets. Empty them out and vacuum any crumbs away. Make a hot soapy solution with all-purpose cleaner and scrub the cabinets clean. Don’t forget the sides. Then, reconsider the contents of the cabinets and think about how you want to organise them. Dispose of outdated products and put porcelain and dishes that don’t look entirely clean in the dishwasher. If your pantry could use some organisation, consider purchasing some storage containers and jars. You can find these at IKEA and Temu, among other places.
Fridge And Freezer
Empty everything out, check expiration dates, and clean the inside with a mild cleaning agent. Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals and the exterior, often overlooked breeding grounds for bacteria.
Oven And Stove
Use oven cleaner according to the package instructions. For the stove, use a special kitchen spray to remove grease and burnt-on food. Remove the filters from the extractor hood and clean them thoroughly.
Dishwasher
Clean the filter and run an empty cycle at a high temperature with a dishwasher tablet. Add rinse aid and salt if needed.
Countertops And Sink
Thoroughly clean these with a kitchen spray. Don’t forget to descale the taps.
The Living Room
Dusting
Dust all surfaces, including bookshelves and electronics. Vacuum the floor and also beneath furniture, between sofa cushions, and under carpets.
Rearranging Furniture
Sometimes, simply changing the layout of your living room can give it a whole new feel. Experiment with different arrangements to use the space more efficiently or to create a new focal point.
Decorations
Consider refreshing or rearranging decorations for a fresh look. Think about candles and fragrance sticks, for example, from Pepperfry. Also consider new indoor plants – take a look at Rolling Nature.
The Bedroom
Mattress
Flip the mattress and vacuum it. Use a mattress cleaner for any stains if necessary.
Wardrobe
Declutter your wardrobe and donate or sell clothes you no longer wear. Selling is easy via Vinted (for all types of clothing) and FarFetch (for designer clothes). This way, you can make someone else happy and also earn a bit of extra money. Did you know the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions? You can read more about it in this article by the Geneva Environment Network. By giving your clothes a new life, you contribute to a circular economy, reducing the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. Neatly organise the rest back into the wardrobe.
Linen
Wash all linen and air out duvets and pillows. Every few years, it’s also nice to replace bedding. Shops like Bed Bath & Beyond offer many duvet cover sets at attractive prices.
The Bathroom
Shower Enclosure And Bath
Remove limescale and soap residue with a suitable cleaner. Clean the showerhead by soaking it in a bag filled with vinegar.
Toilet
Use a powerful toilet cleaner and don’t forget to clean the outside and the floor around the toilet.
Mirrors And Taps
Make them shine with a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water.
Products
Place new shower products like shampoo and shower gel, for example, from Forest Essentials.
Outside
Garden And Patio
Sweep the patio, remove weeds, and prune plants and bushes. Use a pressure washer if necessary to get your outdoor area ready for spring!
Garden Furniture
Clean garden furniture and check if it’s still in good condition. Repair where necessary. Purchase new plants or flowers for extra colour!
Window Cleaning
Cleaning the windows can make a significant difference. You’ll notice how it changes the light in your home! Wipe down the doors on the outside too. Check the gutters and clear them of leaves and debris.
With this comprehensive spring cleaning checklist, you have all the tools you need to refresh your home from top to bottom. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s an opportunity to create space, both physically and mentally, for new possibilities. Remember, every little effort contributes to a bigger result. So, put on your favourite music, slip on those gloves, and let spring into every corner of your home. May this spring cleaning not only bring you a clean house but also the joy of a fresh start!
This article, originally authored by Len, was first published in TrustDeals.co.uk on 15 March, DOI: https://www.trustdeals.co.uk/articles/refreshing-your-home-the-spring-cleaning-checklist. It is reprinted here with permission from the publisher and the author(s). Any modifications made to the article since its original publication are noted in the text.
