Winter is slowly ending, even if no one has told the weather that! So, it’s time to start the spring cleaning process.
Now is the perfect time to start deep cleaning your home. Spring cleaning will be easier with this checklist that covers your house from top to bottom, inside and out.
Pull on your rubber gloves and get cracking – or even better, contact the experts on Yellowtom. Yellowtom UK is Northern Ireland’s largest digital community directory. All your local experts are here. So, why not leave it to the experts, and let them help you with your household chores.
From window cleaners to gardeners and painters, you’ll find them all in Yellowtom.
Here’s the Yellowtom guide to spring cleaning.
WASH WINDOWS
Pick a cloudy day (not too difficult in Northern Ireland). If it’s too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast, and you’ll have streaks. Water and a microfibre cloth will typically clean windows more effectively than chemicals. Some people swear by shop bought products, others reckon Fairy Liquid and newspaper is the key to dazzling windows. Whatever you prefer, make sure you clear all the spiders’ webs and dust before you begin.
OVERLOOKED SURFACES
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to address those surfaces you overlook during regular tidying. It’s time to tackle doors, skirting boards, and walls. Wash them with a sponge and a squirt of washing up liquid mixed in a bucket of warm water.
DEEP-CLEAN CARPETS
Nothing beats a professional clean from a carpet cleaning expert, or you can do it yourself by renting a steamer or buying a professional-style model designed for home use. Follow the directions for mixing the cleaning solution, rinsing, and drying carefully to ensure you get the best clean.
CLEAN UNDER FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES
Before vacuuming the floors, move your sofa, chairs, and rugs, to get the dirt trapped below. Move kitchen appliances away from the wall as much as you can. You’ll be amazed how much dirt you find hidden out of sight.
CURTAINS AND BLINDS
If curtains are dusty, it’s time to go over them with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. Otherwise take them down and carefully follow the laundry instructions. Blinds should be carefully cleaned with a damp cloth to remove built up dust.
LIGHT FIXTURES
Replace any missing bulbs and dust down existing bulbs with a microfibre cloth. Remember to ensure bulbs have been switched off so they are cool and tackle light fixtures before cleaning the rest of the room, so any falling dust doesn’t disrupt already-clean surfaces.
SAFETY INSPECTION
Check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Get your gas appliances checked by a registered expert. If you don’t own a fire extinguisher, purchase one and learn how to use it.
EXTERIOR PAINT
Consider freshening the outside of your home if the time is right. The average exterior paint job lasts ten years, so you’ll want to bring in the experts for a quote. If your home doesn’t require a complete paint makeover, you can take a DIY approach to touch ups.
POWER WASH
Spruce up your home’s exterior surface by power-washing outside. Cleaning these surfaces will take away unsightly moss and mould. Hire a professional to do the work, if you aren’t sure whether your home’s exterior can handle the force of pressure washing.
GUTTER MAINTENANCE
Your roof’s drainage system diverts thousands of gallons of water annually from your home’s exterior and foundation walls. An annual spring inspection from an expert will ensure gutters are clean and clear to keep everything in good order.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Get ready for the summer. Clean and repair the furniture in your garden, decking or patio, including chairs, tables, and benches.
BEDROOM CLEANING
Rotate and flip mattresses.
Wash blankets and throws or take them to be cleaned.
Wash mattress toppers and valences.
Wash rugs or have them dry-cleaned.
Freshen pillows by hanging them outside in the fresh air or tumble drying them on a low heat. If they are heavily soiled, think about buying new or sending them to a professional cleaner.
BATHROOM CLEANING
You may clean your bathroom every week, but spring cleaning is a great time to get on top of any clutter. Go through your medicine cabinets and safely discard any outdated items. Replace worn bathmats, shower curtains and towels.
KITCHEN CLEANING
Declutter your kitchen cupboards and drawers and wipe them down. Store or donate kitchenware you don’t use, such as small appliances or crockery. Throw out stale spices and food. Move your fridge, freezer and if you can, your cooker, and clean underneath.