During the big spring clean, it’s time for renewal. And that goes for your home too. Why not seize this chance to give your house a fresh start? So roll up your sleeves, put on your favourite music, and let’s brush away those winter blues together!
Why do a big spring clean?
Spring is all about new beginnings with fresh energy. It’s the perfect moment to give your home a thorough clean for a fresh start. Plus, it feels wonderful to make everything spotless again. A tidy environment helps reduce stress and improves your concentration.
Preparing for the big clean
1. Make a cleaning schedule
• Decide which rooms you will tackle.
• Plan specific days and times for each room to have a clear overview.
2. Gather supplies
• Cleaning products for different surfaces (glass, wood, tiles).
• Protective gloves and possibly a face mask.
• Cleaning tools such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, buckets, and microfiber cloths.
• Bin bags for rubbish and items you want to discard.
3. Organise your cleaning supplies
• Place all cleaning products and materials in a portable caddy or bucket. This makes it easy to carry everything from room to room.
4. Start with a tidy space
• First, clear away all excess items. This makes cleaning more efficient and enjoyable.
Step-by-step guide for the big clean
Kitchen
1. Degrease: Start by thoroughly degreasing cooking surfaces and the extractor hood.
2. Organise: Sort and organise kitchen cupboards and the pantry. Dispose of expired products.
3. Clean appliances: Clean the oven, microwave and fridge. Don’t forget to check and clean the fridge seals.
Bathroom
1. Descale: Focus on descaling the shower, bath and sinks.
2. Remove mould: Check grout for mould and clean it with a suitable mould remover.
3. Organise: Tidy medicine cabinets and replace old or expired products.
Living room
1. Dust and vacuum: Wipe all surfaces, vacuum floors and under furniture.
2. Furniture care: Clean upholstery and treat leather items with conditioner.
3. Windows: Wash windows inside and out for a clear view.
Bedroom
1. Mattress: Turn your mattress and vacuum it thoroughly. Consider using a steam cleaner to reduce dust mites.
2. Wardrobe: Organise your wardrobe, donate clothes you no longer wear and swap seasonal clothing.
3. Bedding: Wash all bedding, including duvets and pillows if possible.
Other rooms
1. Hall and entrance: Organise shoes and coats. Clean floors and any furniture.
2. Attic and cellar: Check for moisture or pest issues and tidy up where needed.
Special focus areas
During the big spring clean, some areas require extra care. Here are tips to thoroughly tackle these spots.
Window treatment - Clean windows inside and out for a bright appearance. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean window frames and sills.
Large appliances - Large household appliances like the fridge, oven and washing machine deserve extra attention. Carefully pull them forward to clean behind. Check and replace filters if needed.
Carpets and large rugs - Give carpets and rugs a deep clean. Use a carpet cleaner for thorough cleaning or hire a professional if the rugs are very delicate.
Cabinets and storage spaces - This is the perfect time to declutter and reorganise cabinets. Remove everything, wipe shelves clean, and sort contents before putting them back.
Garden furniture and outdoor spaces - Prepare your garden furniture for spring by cleaning and treating it where necessary. Sweep terraces and balconies and remove leaves and other debris.
Using specific cleaning products
All-purpose cleaner
A good all-purpose cleaner is really handy for almost everything. Consider choosing an all-purpose cleaner from Cosmeau that looks great in your cleaning cupboard.
Glass cleaner
For streak-free windows and mirrors, use a special glass cleaner. This ensures a shiny result without spots.
Descaler
In the bathroom and kitchen, limescale can be a stubborn problem. An effective descaler helps remove limescale easily.
Floor cleaner
Do you have wooden, vinyl or tiled floors? Make sure your floor cleaner is suitable. And if you have pets sensitive to harsh substances in floor cleaners, the floor cleaner strips from Cosmeau are recommended.
Furniture polish
For wooden furniture, a good polish is important to nourish the wood and protect it from dust and dirt.
Checklist for the big clean
General
• Vacuum all floors and carpets
• Mop hard floors
• Dust furniture, skirting boards and windowsills
• Wash windows inside and out
• Wash or air curtains
Kitchen
• Empty and clean fridge and freezer
• Thoroughly clean oven and microwave
• Tidy cupboards and clean exteriors
• Replace or clean extractor hood filter
Bathroom
• Scrub shower/bath, including grout
• Thoroughly clean toilet
• Clean sink and mirror
• Wash bathroom mats
Living room
• Clean and treat furniture where needed
• Dust electronics (such as TV and stereo)
• Dust decorations like photos and artworks
Bedroom(s)
• Turn and/or air mattresses
• Wash bedding, including pillows and duvets
• Tidy wardrobes; swap seasonal clothing
Garage and storage
• Organise and clean tools
• Donate or discard unwanted items
• Sweep floor and remove stains
Tips for maintenance after the big spring clean
1. Daily quick tidy-ups: Take a few minutes each day to walk around and clear general clutter. This helps maintain order and prevents dust and dirt build-up.
2. Weekly dusting and vacuuming: Pay weekly attention to dusting and vacuuming, especially in rooms that collect dust quickly like the living room and bedroom.
3. Monthly deep cleaning: Choose one room each month to clean thoroughly. This ensures no area stays dirty for long.
