Diy cleaning

The first category of SPRING DIY is cleaning. We have already written about various decorating tips & solutions in order to avoid too much cleaning, but unfortunately our homes still do need a good overall clean once in a while. These are the most common cleaning tasks for the Spring..

Window cleaning

This should be done more than once a year, but window cleaning is an essential part of a thorough spring clean. Clean all your windows and frames – take note of the external paintwork. If the paint is flaky or peeling off, you’ll need to repaint it. Try not to use chemicals – vinegar & water or lemon juice & water clean windows really well.

Window, Door, doorway painting

If you live near the sea; in an extreme climate; near to busy roads or your openings face south, you’ll need to do external painting more often – sometimes once a year is required. Make sure you use appropriate paints that are also environmentally friendly.

Floors

Most floors need some kind of maintenance. If you have carpets, they need to be cleaned at least once a year – get the professionals in or hire an industrial carpet cleaner. Wooden floors get scratched during the year – repair these and polish the floor. If your floor is waxed, it’s time to re-wax it now! Stone tiles need to be resealed whilst ceramic tiles need to have a good scrub! Rubber and vinyl floors also need to be treated with an appropriate sealer.

Curtains & upholstery

All window treatments and soft furnishing need to be freshened up at least once a year. Wash you curtains, cushion-covers, throws & blinds – or take them to the dry-cleaners. Wooden & metallic blinds can be cleaned with special blind-cleaners or just give them a shower in the bath or in the garden. Get your couch, armchairs & chairs cleaned too! It’s best to call out a professional cleaning company – most upholstery cleaners sold in stores can leave stains on the fabric.

Cupboards cleaning

Take everything out of your cupboards and cabinets – then clean the insides. Only put back things that you actually use.  Pick out clothes that you haven’t worn for a couple years and household items that you no longer need – give them to charity shops. Clear your vanity cabinets of old cosmetics & creams. Go through your kitchen cabinets – unused gadgets should be placed on top shelves, in the garage or given away!

Outdoor clear-up

When the weather is pleasant, spend an afternoon attending to the outside of the house. If you live near the sea; in an extreme climate; near to busy roads or your openings face south, you’ll need to do external painting more often – sometimes once a year is required. Make sure you use appropriate paints that are also environmentally friendly. If you take care of your property, you’ll have to deal less with replacement windows. Add some containers to your front porch & terrace, clear the pathways, tidy up your flowerbeds, clear up any weeds & moss, clear the gutters, clean or paint the fence etc Take note of the state of the roof, walls & paintwork. If they need maintenance – deal with it now, rather than putting it off till a later date.

Then, relax!