During the big spring clean, a time of renewal has arrived. And that also applies to your home. 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 polish away those winter blues together!
Why a big clean in spring?
Spring is about a new beginning with fresh energy. This is a perfect moment to give your home a proper going-over for a fresh start. It can also feel wonderful to make everything spic and span again. A tidy environment helps you lower stress and improve your concentration.
Preparing for the big clean
1. Make a cleaning schedule
• Decide which rooms you are going to tackle.
• Plan specific days and times for each room, so you 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 microfibre cloths.
• Bin bags for waste and things you want to throw away.
3. Organise your cleaning supplies
• Put all cleaning products and materials ready in a portable caddy or bucket. This makes it easy to take everything from room to room.
4. Start with a tidy space
• First clear away all excess items. This makes cleaning more efficient and more pleasant.
Step-by-step guide for the big clean
Kitchen
1. Degrease: Start by thoroughly degreasing cooking surfaces and the extractor hood.
2. Tidy: Sort and organise kitchen cupboards and the pantry. Throw expired products away.
3. Clean appliances: Clean the oven, microwave and fridge. Do not forget to check and clean the fridge seals.
Bathroom
1. Descale: Focus on descaling the shower, bath and washbasins.
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 the floor and under furniture.
2. Furniture care: Clean furniture upholstery and treat leather items with a conditioner.
3. Windows: Wash the windows inside and outside for a clear view out.
Bedroom
1. Mattress: Flip your mattress and vacuum it thoroughly. Consider using a steam cleaner to reduce house 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 the floor and any furniture.
2. Attic and basement: Check for moisture or pest problems and tidy where needed.
Special attention points
During the big spring clean there are a few special attention points that need extra care. Here are some tips to tackle these areas thoroughly.
Window treatment - Clean the windows both inside and outside for a clear look. Do not forget to thoroughly clean the window frames and sills.
Large appliances - Large household appliances such as the fridge, oven, and washing machine deserve extra attention. Carefully pull these appliances forward so you can also clean the space behind them. Check the filters and replace them if needed.
Carpets and large rugs - Give carpets and rugs a deep clean. Use a carpet cleaner for a thorough clean or hire a professional if the rugs are very delicate.
Cupboards and storage spaces - This is the perfect moment to empty cupboards and reorganise. Take everything out, wipe the shelves clean, and sort the contents before you put them back.
Garden furniture and outdoor spaces - Prepare your garden furniture for spring by cleaning it well and treating it where needed. Sweep terraces and balconies and remove leaves and other dirt.
Using specific cleaning products
All-purpose cleaner
A good all-purpose cleaner is really nice to use for almost everything. You can choose a Cosmeau all-purpose cleaner that looks good in the cleaning cupboard.
Glass cleaner
For streak-free windows and mirrors you use a special glass cleaner. This gives a shiny result without marks.
Descaler
In the bathroom and kitchen, limescale can be a stubborn problem. An effective descaler helps remove limescale easily.
Floor cleaner
Do you have a wooden, vinyl or tiled floor? Then check whether your floor cleaner is suitable. And if you have pets that are sensitive to the stubborn substances in floor cleaner, the Cosmeau floor cleaner strips are recommended.
Furniture polish
For wooden furniture a good polish is important to nourish the wood and protect it against 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 outside
• Wash or air curtains
Kitchen
• Empty and clean fridge and freezer
• Thoroughly clean oven and microwave
• Tidy cupboards and clean the outside
• Replace or clean extractor hood filter
Bathroom
• Scrub shower/bath, including grout
• Thoroughly clean the toilet
• Clean washbasin and mirror
• Wash bathroom mat(s)
Living room
• Clean furniture and treat where needed
• Dust electronics (such as TV and stereo)
• Dust decorations such as photos and artworks
Bedroom(s)
• Flip and/or air mattresses
• Wash bedding, including pillows and duvets
• Tidy wardrobes; swap seasonal clothing
Garage and storage
• Organise and clean tools
• Donate or throw away unwanted items
• Sweep the floor and remove stains
Tips for maintenance after the big spring clean
1. Daily quick tidy rounds: Take a few minutes every day to walk around and clear general clutter. This helps keep order and prevents a build-up of dust and dirt.
2. Weekly dusting and vacuuming: Give weekly attention to dusting and vacuuming, especially in rooms that collect dust quickly such as the living room and bedroom.
3. Monthly deep cleaning: Each month pick one room to clean thoroughly. This ensures no space collects dirt for a long time.
