Tips on the Best Way to Spring Clean the Home - Leave the Heavy Work Till Last it Makes Sense

It`s never too early to prepare for the big spring clean. There is no question that the cold frosty months of winter can be unbearable, but nevertheless still a beautiful season regardless, however, beauty doesn`t help clean the home. The cold season has us prisoners in our own home. The fear of slipping on ice and that of aching flesh from the cold are reasons why we cage ourselves in. Being stuck behind four walls we tend to notice the jobs that need to be done and see the major changes that need changing. Some people don`t settle just for dusting down paintwork, they may decorate instead. Spring cleaning in the eyes of some is about "out with the old and in with the new" i.e., new carpets or curtains, not a bad idea if you`re in a financial position to fund these requirements. Now there's a thought for a new year's resolution, to save up for next year's big spring clean and buy something new. What could you buy that will make your spring cleaning for the home/garden a chore you look forward to.

1.     Conservatory or New Patio

2.     Block Paved Drive

3.     New Shed for Storage

4.     Fitted Kitchen

5.     Install a Bidet

6.     New Windows (Bay etc)

7.     Replace carpets with Laminated Flooring

8.     Have a new Fireplace built to personal taste

9.     French Windows

There is a possibility throughout winter imprisonment you will have taken note of every nook and cranny filled with cobwebs etc, if so; it is time to tackle them head on. Spring cleaning in winter is not the same as in spring. How can you pleasure in mopping/dusting while the music plays, when shut inside. Windows need opening to let fresh air in, this alone will put a spring in your step while dancing and singing at the top of your voce. Spring air breezing in a window sure beats a bitter cold one for airing the house

Why should a person prepare for spring cleaning? Well it makes things easier and helps get the jobs done in half the time. People get frustrated because they find they never had time to finish what they started. Mapping out chores will have you "finish" what you started. Keep to the light work first, leaving the heavy stuff till last. Doing this back to front can tire you, resulting in nothing getting done.

Tips on Spring Cleaning

First you need to air the house to rid any smell of damp mustiness. Because the temperature is milder in spring, it allows for the opening of every window and door, take advantage of this so the air can circulate round.

Clean out your wardrobes, cellar and loft; then hold a garage sale for unwanted items. Less clutter will have the house look tidier. Wash curtains and swap dark colored bed linen for crisp white sheets. Buy new plump pillows and throw out the old flattened ones which you beat endlessly to fluff them up A new set of pillowcases and matching bedspread which can be bought for as little as £9.00 will give the bedroom a new look.

It is best to set a date in your diary for the big spring clean. Having a particular day in mind will give you time to prepare, meaning, having a needle and cotton to hand for drapery repairs, and cleaning fluids like disinfectants bleach etc.  Plan to spring clean the day before your garbage collector is due so they can remove excess rubbish. The night before you start if possible, and to lighten the load, throw out newspapers that is cluttering the shelves that need washing down. Throw out the junk from under the bed that you forgot about. If you forgot about it then this tells you it is not quite important as you thought it was. Removing old clutter from under the bed will give you room for fresh needed clutter, that is till you forget about it again. If the house is already in tip top shape then work on your yard/garden. Early spring is the best time to plant grass and different shrubs and plants. You also have the benefit of longer days, giving you more evening hours to dig and sow seeds for them spring flowers (Daffodils Crocus and Tulips.) I can just hear those beautiful lyrics "When it Springs Again I`ll Bring Again Tulips From Amsterdam " Plan a day for visiting a garden centre to choose plants and flowers that fit your gardens' needs.

Don`t take on the task on of cleaning the 3 piece suite, this will take up to much of your time and energy wearing you out. For the cost of about £35 to £40 you can have it cleaned by the professionals. Prices vary on furniture size. Consider calling in a company to steam the carpets. Some companies may clean both (couch and carpets) at a reduced rate. Like "two for the price of one" offer. Remember to shop around.

Cleaning the Kitchen

In the kitchen we are mainly looking to remove grease grime and bacteria accumulations. Move small appliances off work tops to clean away hidden bacteria that may have settled underneath the toaster, kettle or coffee percolator. Spray disinfectant in the sink and let it soak. This kills all bacteria and viruses. Then scour the sink with a sponge, rinse thoroughly. Replace disinfectant for bleach for removing tea stains from a stainless steel sink. If you sweep the floor, dust rises so consider hoovering.  If you dampen a cloth and manually wipe your kitchen rugs by hand, you will find it picks up dog and cat hair more easily. I myself never buy flannels, dishcloths or polishing dusters. I use rags cut up from old T-shirts. From Azda I buy a pack of 2 "white" extra large tee shirts, (more cuttings off the large shirts and still the same price) I get my wear out of the T-shirts, and when faded they are cut up into household cloths. Out of 1 garment I get 10 if not more duty cleaning rags. The best part about using rags is you don`t feel obligated to keep them which is more hygiene than using the same cloth for wiping down the bath and lavatory – washing it, and using it again to wipe kitchen sides.

Dilute some disinfectant and using a cloth dipped in the solution wipe bacteria off fridge and freezer handles, and light switches. Wipe central heating pipes also to leave the room smelling hygienically fresh.

Cleaning the Bathroom

• Get the most out of your pre-moistened cloth and clean the edges of the bath tub, window sills and skirting and then the toilet before flushing it. Once again I would never consider spring cleaning without bleach, and find it more powerful for killing germs. Pour bleach into the bowl and leave till any brown stains are gone.
• Wipe the mirror and faucet/taps with a damp cloth and then polish up with a dry one.  
• Squeegee down the shower door and shower curtain, renew curtain if mildew is present
• Bathroom tiles can be freshly grouted
• By a bathroom set, toilet cover and pan pedestal rug can be bought for around 3 to 5 pounds.

Keep on top of household chores.

 Make the bed right before or after your morning shower/bath. A neat bed will motivate you to tend to other messes. Fold or hang clothing in the closet and put away jewelry. Although smoothing sheets and plumping pillows might not seem like a high priority, well it is and you will see this when it comes bed time. If the cushions on the couch or throws are not positioned right then the living room will never look tidy. Plump up cushions and fold throws neat. Clean up crumbs and give tabletops a wipe and spot-clean cabinets if you see fingerprints Straighten coffee-table books and magazines. Throw out newspapers. Put away CDs and videos.  Sorry, Dean Martin stays where he is, "close at hand" because without him I find no joy in spring cleaning.

Depressed with all the Cleaning