It’s that time of year again – winter is over and summer is rapidly approaching! Whether you’re a keen cleaner or you’ve been putting it off for months, there’s no time like the present to get stuck into some spring cleaning jobs.
The many benefits of spring cleaning
Spring cleaning feels like a chore, but there are actually many brilliant benefits that come from a good spring clean.
1. It can help reduce your risk of allergies.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, spring cleaning can help reduce your symptoms by getting rid of dust, pollen, and other allergens that can accumulate in your home over the winter.
Be sure to vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, wash bedding and curtains in hot water, and dust all surfaces to help reduce allergens in your home.
2. It can improve your respiratory health.
If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, spring cleaning can help improve your symptoms by removing dust, mold, and other irritants from your home.
Again, be sure to vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, wash bedding and curtains, and dust all surfaces to help reduce irritants in your home.
You may also want to consider investing in an air purifying heat pump to help remove allergens and other airborne particles from your indoor air. There are many heat pump specials in the lead up to summer, and you could save a lot of money.
3. It can boost your energy levels.
If you feel like you’re constantly dragging during the winter months, spring cleaning can help give you a much-needed energy boost. Not only will the physical act of cleaning help get your blood flowing, but the fresh, clean air in your home will also help you feel more alert and energized.
4. It can help you save money.
A lot of spring cleaning is actually preventative maintenance. As you clean you will discover problems before they become too serious. Fixing things quickly will almost always save you money in the long run.
5. It can make your home more inviting.
If you’re planning on entertaining guests in your home this spring, a good deep cleaning can make your home more inviting and comfortable for your visitors. No one wants to visit a home that’s cluttered and dusty, so take some time to clean up before your next gathering.
6. It can be therapeutic.
There’s something about the act of cleaning that can be therapeutic, helping you to relax and de-stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, taking some time to tidy up your home can help you feel more in control and better able to cope with whatever life throws your way.
7. It can provide a sense of accomplishment.
If you’ve been putting off cleaning your home because you feel like it’s too daunting a task, spring cleaning can help you finally get organized and get your home in tip-top shape. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you’re done will be well worth the effort.
8. Get Ready for Summer
Summer is the time for BBQs, pool parties, and spending time outdoors. But before you can enjoy the warmer months, you need to get your home summer-ready.
This means decluttering your space, deep cleaning your kitchen and bathrooms, and making any necessary repairs. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to get a head start on your summer prep.
How to do a great spring clean
Here in New Zealand, we’re lucky to have access to some great spring cleaning products and services. So, if you’re not sure where to start, or you’re just looking for some inspiration, read on for our top spring cleaning jobs in NZ.
1. Get those gutters cleaned
One of the most important spring cleaning jobs, particularly if you live in an area with lots of trees, is to clean your gutters. Over the winter months, leaves and other debris can build up in your gutters, causing them to become blocked.
This can lead to serious problems including water damage to your home. So, get those gutters cleaned out and avoid any nasty surprises this spring.
Pay attention to any signs that your gutters need repairing or even replacing. Fixing small problems early can save you from a complete replacement in the future.
2. Give your windows a good clean
Another important spring cleaning job is to give your windows a good clean. Not only will this let in more light and make your home feel brighter and more cheerful, it will also help to keep your windows in good condition.
Did you know you can make your own streak-free window cleaner? Simply mix 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water in a spray bottle.
Then, begin by saturating your window cloth or microfiber towel with window cleaner. Gently wipe the surface of the window in a circular motion, being careful not to miss any spots. Once the entire window is clean, go over it once more with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove any leftover streaks.
3. Clean your carpets
After a long winter, your carpets are probably in need of a good clean. Not only will this freshen up your home, it will also remove any dirt, dust and allergies that have built up over the winter.
Be sure to go over each area thoroughly and to empty your vacuum bag regularly.
After you’ve vacuumed, you can shampoo your carpets. This is an important step in getting rid of that musty smell. You can either rent a carpet shampooer or use a product that you can apply with a sponge or brush.
4. Dust all those hard to reach places
One of the most satisfying spring cleaning jobs is getting rid of all the dust that accumulated over winter. We all know the feeling of dusting an entire surface and then finding a big clump of dust lurking in the corner or on top of the bookshelf
Sure, dusting may not be the most exciting way to spend a day, but it’s definitely a necessary one. After all, dust can accumulate pretty quickly, and can even cause health problems if left unchecked.
Start from the top. Dust tends to settle on surfaces, so it makes sense to start at the top of the room and work your way down. That way, you won’t have to worry about re-dusting areas you’ve already cleaned.
Use the right tools. A feather duster may look like the perfect tool for dusting, but it’s actually not very effective. Instead, opt for a damp cloth or microfiber cloth, which will trap dust instead of just moving it around.
Don’t forget to dust hard-to-reach areas. It’s easy to forget about dusting areas that are difficult to reach, but it’s important to make sure these areas are clean as well. Use a long-handled duster or brush to reach high surfaces, and don’t forget to vacuum or sweep underneath furniture.
Be thorough. When it comes to dusting, it’s important to be thorough. That means dusting not just visible surfaces, but also taking care of items that may collect dust, such as ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, and baseboards.
Dust regularly. The best way to keep dust from accumulating is to dust regularly. Once a week is a good goal to aim for, but depending on your home, you may need to dust more or less often.
5. Clean out your fridge and pantry
If you’re like most people, your fridge and pantry probably need a good spring clean. Over the winter months, it’s easy for things to build up and get forgotten about. So, take this opportunity to have a good clear out and get rid of any expired food or products.
Remove everything from your fridge. Take everything out of your fridge, including all food, beverages, condiments, and any loose items. Check expiration dates and throw away anything that’s expired. Put all food items in a cooler while you clean.
Clean the shelves and drawers. Wash the shelves and drawers with hot, soapy water. If they’re removable, take them out and wash them in your sink. If your fridge has a self-clean cycle, now is a good time to run it.
Vacuum the coils. While the shelves and drawers are drying, vacuum the coils at the back of your fridge. coils help your fridge run efficiently, so it’s important to keep them clean.
Wipe down the inside of the fridge. Once the shelves and drawers are dry, put them back in the fridge and wipe down the inside of the fridge with a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water.
Restock your fridge. Now it’s time to restock your fridge with all of the food and beverages you removed earlier. Be sure to put all food items in airtight containers and label them with the date so you can keep track of when they need to be used or thrown away.
Now do the same for your pantry. Remove everything from the pantry and give it a good dusting. This includes wiping down shelves, vacuuming the floor and cleaning any light fixtures. Take inventory of what you have and throw away any expired or unused items.
When you put everything back, have a think about how to organise it more efficiently, and don’t be afraid the get the label maker out!
6. Don’t forget the outside of your house
Finally, don’t forget the outside of your house when you’re doing your spring cleaning. This is the perfect time of year to give your gutters a good clean (see above!), wash your windows and give your front door a fresh lick of paint.
Start at the top: Begin your Spring cleaning by washing your home’s exterior. This will remove any built-up dirt, grime, and mildew that has accumulated over the winter months. If you don’t have a water blaster, you can rent one from your local hardware store, or use a good old-fashioned house wash brush.
If your home tends to grow a bit of mildew or mold over the winter, try a spray on solution that removes mildew and prevents build-up.
Water blast your driveway and paths. Over the course of a winter, your driveway can become stained and dirty. A good wash will quickly clean up all the grime, making your home look like new again.
Just be careful not to use to much pressure, or you will damage the surface as well.
Don’t forget the windows: Once you’ve washed your home, it’s time to clean the windows. This will let in more light and make your home look brighter and cleaner. Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving streaks.
Get rid of the cobwebs: Take a look around your home’s exterior – are there any cobwebs lurking in the corners? Use a broom or a garden hose to remove them.
Freshen up your landscaping. After a long winter, your landscaping might be in need of a little TLC. Prune any overgrown shrubs and pulled up any weeds. Add fresh mulch to your flower beds to give them a boost of colour.
Don’t forget your deck. Most people don’t give their decks much thought during the winter. But as the weather starts to warm up and you start spending more time outside, you may notice that your deck is in dire need of a good cleaning.
Don’t forget to clean your deck furniture at the same time. Whether you have patio furniture or deck chairs, giving them a good cleaning will make your whole deck look more inviting. You may even want to re-stain or oil any timber furniture you have.
Inspect your home for any damage. Take a close look at your home’s exterior, paying attention to any cracks, holes, or other damage. This is a good time to make any repairs that are needed to help protect your home from the elements.
Above all, try to have fun as you spring clean. Its doesn’t seem like work that way and you enjoy the process as much as the outcome!