Summer is almost here

Summer is almost here…

And that must mean that spring is almost and we couldn’t be happier to see it. It wasn’t that winter was terrible – far from it, as we have been busier than ever at First Call. The start of spring means longer nights, warmer weather, and the approach of summer holidays, but before we can get there we have to work off our winter feelings and the best way to do that is with a thorough spring clean.

A great spring clean method

You’ve heard the phrase “from top to bottom”? That’s exactly how you should spring clean your home. Choose one room to start then:

• Put things away where they belong, and take them out of the room if they don’t belong there.
• Dust (using a microfiber cloth or a feather duster, as they trap dust better) from the corners of your ceiling and light fixtures, working your way down the walls to blinds and shelves.
• Follow your dusting with a good clean. Get into all the nooks and crannies, and look at items from a different perspective (e.g: look down into light fittings, and lie on the floor to look up at furniture). It may sound silly, but it’s a good way to see if you’ve missed anything during your normal cleaning routine.
• Wash windows using your preferred method, whether it is with scrunched up newspaper (great for a streak-free finish) and cleaner, or a steam cleaner.
• Wash any bedding or cushion covers which are washable.
• Vacuum and clean floors and carpet. If possible, throw rugs over the clothesline and give them a good whack with a cricket bat. It will loosen debris and lift the pile to make vacuuming more effective.

Spring Cleaning Tips

Remember to clean:

• Inside cupboards and drawers, removing items and wiping shelves and doors.
• On top of cupboards, refrigerators, ceiling fans, and other places above your eye line.
• Defrost your freezer and organise drawers.
• Walls, light switches, and woodwork. Magic sponges are good for grubby marks on walls, but test somewhere inconspicuous first, to make sure it won’t damage your paint or wallpaper.
• Wash bins inside and out.
• Vacuum dust from behind appliances such as your TV, oven, and freezer.
• Clean your fridge, dishwasher, stove, and oven, including wiping down seals.
• Vacuum, air, and turn your mattress over.
• Store winter clothing and bedding. Vacuum seal bags are excellent for this, but whatever method you use, make sure everything is clean and dry.

Spring cleaning your home will boost your health by reducing allergens such as mould, dust mites, and pet dander. It can also reduce stress and tension by giving you a calmer, clutter free living environment. 

The emotional benefits – not just a clean home

As well as being physically cleansing, it’s a spiritual one as well as it symbolises you removing any dirt left behind by the “old year” so you can begin the new year fresh and untarnished.

Spring is nature’s time for rebirth and renewal, making it a perfect time for you to clean any emotional rubbish from your life. Think about the areas of your life you aren’t happy with and take steps to rectify them. It could be that you want to be better organised, have a livelier social life, or more time to spend enjoying your family and your home. Whatever it is you want to change, now is the time to do it.

 

Once you’ve finished your spring clean, treat your home and your senses to a bunch of fresh spring flowers. Open the windows and sit back and enjoy the results of your hard work.