Date posted: 30/03/2023

Category: Uncategorised

Author: KM

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Spring clean

The clocks have gone forward giving us lighter nights and with the appearance of daffodils and crocuses there is no doubting the Spring has sprung. This would make most people think about having a Spring clean and it is made more important if you are thinking of getting your property photo ready for sales photos and viewings.

Though it’s a long-standing tradition, the big spring clean can be an overwhelming task. So before you start, read this guide Good Housekeeping put together to help prepare yourself to get the job done. This is what they recommend:

1. Take it one step at a time
A common mistake when doing a spring clean of the whole house is to be overambitious by trying to get everything done in one day. This can not only lead to you feeling defeated, but you can also end up creating clutter without the time to tidy up.

Instead, just take it one room at a time. Finishing cleaning one room before moving onto another will give you a greater sense of achievement than trying to clean multiple rooms bit by bit. Don’t worry about telling yourself you need to have the room cleaned by a certain time, take as long as you need.

More importantly, make it fun! Pop the radio on or your favourite podcast, and lean into it.

2. Be prepared
Just like a chef gathers up all their ingredients, tools, and gadgets before they start cooking, you should do the same before you start cleaning. This will save time, as you won’t be running back and forth to the cupboard under the kitchen sink looking for cleaning products.

If you have the space, separate cleaning products by room, e.g. bathroom cleaning products, kitchen cleaning products, and living room/bedroom/hallway products.

The GHI’s essentials include:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Multi-surface polish
  • Multi-surface cleaning spray
  • Glass spray
  • Bleach
  • Old toothbrush
  • Floor cleaner
  • Mop and bucket

3. Keep it green
Want a greener alternative? Save time and money by using store cupboard items you probably already have.

  • Vinegar is ideal for removing limescale build-up on taps (though not gold plated ones) and shower screens too. It’s also great when it comes to cleaning windows.
  • Mix half bicarbonate of soda and half water to make a scouring paste. It’s brilliant at removing stains from worktops, sinks, cookers, oven doors, and saucepans.
  • Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Use it to remove stains from chopping boards by rubbing with fresh lemon (or the bottled stuff) and leave overnight. It’s also effective at removing rust stains. Also, add half a capful into your wash-load to brighten whites

4. Deal with clutter before you start
Have a few bin liners or storage boxes with you so you can sort the things you want to keep, store, recycle, sell, give to a charity shop or chuck. Be honest with yourself and be ruthless — you almost certainly need less than you have!

If you can, move all of your clutter into a different room before you start cleaning, so you’re not having to move around boxes and bags.

5. Start with the ceiling
Once you’ve chosen your room, work from the top down. Dust can move and resettle so, for example, wiping the mantelpiece before the mirror will just leave dust resettling on the clean surface and make more work for yourself. This order is worth remembering dust, vacuum, wash floors.

6. Prevention is key
A big clean will be a lot easier if you establish house rules that reduce mess. Try these:

  • Place an empty baking tray on the lowest shelf of your oven to catch spills rather than baking them onto your oven floor. Alternatively, purchase an oven liner to do the same job.
  • Put sheets of old newspaper in the bottom of bin liners to absorb any liquids to stop them from leaking onto your bin.
    Spray shower surfaces after every use to stop limescale build-up. Make your own solution by using an empty spray bottle and adding half parts water and half distilled white vinegar.

7. Make your gadgets do the hard work
Cleaning the extractor fan filters or your fridge shelves in the dishwasher means you’ll spend less time scrubbing — just make sure that they’re definitely dishwasher safe!

 

Modified article taken in part from an article from an article by Good Housekeeping   

If you liked this article, you may enjoy this one: Moving Home in 2023

 

Important Information

All property sales and the financial advice that surrounds them are as unique as the people engaging in the transaction. It is important to not decide without seeking professional advice. If you want to sell your home and are considering redecorating before marketing, speak to one of our Property Professionals to get the best advice for presenting your home for sale before making any investment. This article is for the purpose of information only and should not be seen as financial advice.

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