We are all living increasingly hectic lives, so finding time to perform detailed cleaning jobs is harder than ever. Many of us are slaving away in our homes during a free time, when we could be doing the things we love. Why? Well, we’re often cleaning things that don’t really need all that much attention.
There are certain areas of the home that — in most instances — only need cleaning once a year… preferably during a spring clean. If you perform these jobs to a high standard at least once a year, your work should last for a full seven months.
While your home require very specific cleaning rituals, here are 7 things in the home that only need cleaning during a spring clean.
1. The outside of your windows
Unless you live in particularly harsh conditions or near a construction site, the outside of your windows probably only need cleaning once or twice a year. Of course, a window cleaner will give them a once-over for you, but even that’s not always necessary. Add this job to your spring cleaning checklist, but make sure you use the right tools, and that you clean frames, sills and fascias at the same time.
2. Your fireplace
If you’re fortunate enough to have a real fireplace, you don’t need to clean it on a weekly — or even monthly — basis. After all, the chances are you’re only using it during four or five months of the year. During your spring clean, remove the fire of large pieces of debris, and use a powerful vacuum cleaner to suck up ashes. Then simply wipe up any dust and fine ash with dampened paper towels.
3. Outdoor furniture
If you can, pack away garden furniture during the autumn — to protect it from bad weather, dirt and wildlife. During the early weeks of spring, get it all back into your garden, and give it a deep clean with the necessary tools and cleaning agents. While there are many approaches, a handheld steam cleaner is perfect for just about every type of furniture. If you do a good job, it should see you through the entire year.
4. Carpets
Of course, you should be vacuuming your carpets several times a week. However, to keep them looking their best, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual deep clean. You can either call in the experts, or do it yourself with a carpet cleaner or steam mop. Clear the room of furniture, and use the relevant attachments to systematically clean every inch of carpeting. Make sure you ventilate the room afterwards, and only return the furniture to its original position when the carpets are completely dry.
5. Guttering
Spring cleaning isn’t just about the exterior of your home; it’s also about preparing the exterior of your property for the year ahead. Clear, fully functional guttering is crucial to a property’s health and cosmetic appeal, as it diverts water away from the walls and roofs. But it can take several months for leaves, moss and general debris to cause blockages. You might be able to clean gutters with a jet wash or hose, but the safest and most effective way to deal with the issue is often to call in the professionals.
6. Curtains
Curtains are susceptible to dust, so they should be vacuumed at least once a month. However, they usually need to be cleaned once a year — and spring is the perfect time to do it. If your curtains aren’t dry clean only, you should be able to clean them in situ with a steam cleaner. Otherwise, you’ve got no option other than to send them to specialists.
7. Deep clean sofas and chairs
If you take precautions with regard to your upholstered furniture, it shouldn’t need more than a weekly vacuuming. However, upholstery inevitably becomes dirty and discoloured over the course of 12 months, so it’s important to schedule a full deep clean at least once a year. Fortunately, the latest handheld steam cleaners come with a range of attachments that are perfect for cleaning these items of furniture.
Don’t waste your precious time cleaning areas of your home more than you need to. If your spring cleaning is up to scratch, once a year should be enough.
