A job a day keeps the spring clean away
Whether you’ve got a few minutes or an hour to spare, take a look at our list and see what job you can tick off, and your house will be spick and span from floor to ceiling before you know it…
Tip: make a wall chart with the below tasks on them and tick each off as you go. There are just nine suggestions here, so add more ideas if you wish. And don’t forget, it’s not all up to mum. Get your partner and kids involved too – perhaps using stickers to assign the tasks to each family member.
I’ve got 15 minutes
I’ve got 30 minutes
I’ve got an hour
Three jobs you can do in 15 minutes
1. Wash your cushion covers
Remove any washable cushion covers and run them through your washing machine. Wash them inside out and make sure any zips or buttons are done up to avoid snagging. Pop in an Ariel 3in1 Pod and they’ll come out cleaner, brighter and looking like new.
2. Tackle limescale
The chalky residue left behind by hard water can ruin the sparkle of your stainless steel. But Viakal makes short work of dissolving tough limescale, and also leaves behind a water-repellent layer to prevent further build up. Simply spray and wipe your taps, showerhead and kitchen sink, or leave it on overnight for tougher spots.
3. Clean your machines
Your washing machine and dishwasher need a clean themselves too every now and then to make sure they work at their best.
For your dishwasher, simply pop a Fairy Platinum Dishwasher Capsule into your empty dishwasher and run it on an empty cycle. This will cut through any grease and grime left behind by your dirty dishes.
For your washing machine, remove the dispenser and clean it with hot water and an old toothbrush. Then pour a cup of white wine vinegar into the drum of your machine and run it on a hot cycle before leaving the door open to allow the drum to air dry.
Three jobs you can do in 30 minutes
1. Dust the nooks and crannies
Grab a feather duster and microfibre cloth and battle those dusty corners, ledges, light fittings, and lampshades. And don’t forget the tops of cupboards, skirting boards and blinds. Also give curtains a good shake and vacuum them with an attachment.
2. Erase marks off walls and skirting boards
From dirty fingerprints to scuff marks, when you pay closer attention to your walls and skirting boards, you’ll notice a whole host of imperfections. But these can be removed with ease. Simply grab a Flash Magic Eraser, dampen it and wipe over the marks. It will remove them without damaging the paintwork underneath.
3. Clean the fridge and microwave
Empty out the fridge and remove the shelves. Give the interior a good clean using Flash Anti-Bacterial Spray, and wash the shelves with a squirt of Fairy Liquid.
While you’re doing this, zap a jug of water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar and a slice of lemon in your microwave on high. Let it heat until the water is boiling and the glass is steamy. Let it cool completely, then wipe the interior down with a sponge. This should remove any dried-on gunk, leaving you with a microwave that looks like new.
Three jobs you can do in one hour
1. Clean the windows
The insides of our windows can get in fingerprints and marks – especially with young kids around. To find out how to achieve spotless windows, check out our step-by-step guide here.
2. Clear out your kitchen cupboards
Empty out those cluttered cupboards and throw away anything out of date. Clean the shelves with some Flash All-Purpose Cleaning Spray and as you put everything back, take the time to ensure lids are on, packets are closed and everything is in its best home.
3. Clean the oven
It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it (perhaps one for the husband?). Firstly, remove all the shelving and trays, and clean them in hot water with a squirt of Fairy Platinum Liquid, which removes even the toughest grease and grime.
Then mix baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you form a paste. Wearing gloves, spread the paste on the inside of the oven and door, avoiding the heating elements. Leave it to work its magic overnight, then wipe off with a damp cloth. Use a little diluted white wine vinegar and a spatula to help remove any particularly stubborn spots. Done!
How do you get your spring clean done and dusted? Let us know your tips in the comments section below.