Spring into action: The only two spring-cleaning checklists you’ll ever need

Just nope. ISTOCK
Just nope. ISTOCK
Cockroaches! Mould! Mildew! Unwanted toys! Now's the time to freshen up for spring, so here's a checklist of 15 tasks to give your home a makeover like never before.

Cockroaches! Mould! Mildew! Unwanted toys! Now’s the time to freshen up for spring.

We’ve come up with two checklists: The first one gives you 15 tasks to get the ball rolling, the second is next level: A 27-strong job sheet to give your home a makeover like never before.

The 15-point spring clean

1. Declutter, donate and dispose

Decluttering and clearing out can be daunting - just think one room at a time. ISTOCK
Decluttering and clearing out can be daunting – just think one room at a time. ISTOCK

Get rid of any items you no longer need including paperwork, toys, clothes and furniture. Start with one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Deal with mould or mildew

The spores produced by the fungi family can be bad for your health. They thrive in warm, moist environments like the bathroom and can easily travel through the home.

Mould can build up over winter, so stop it in its tracks before it starts getting warmer. ISTOCK
Mould can build up over winter, so stop it in its tracks before it starts getting warmer. ISTOCK

To treat, mix a solution of 80% white vinegar and 20% water in a spray bottle and spray over the infected surface. It’s a good idea to wear a face mask when doing this to avoid breathing in the mould. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then use a stiff, bristled brush to scrub the area. Rinse thoroughly.

3. Say goodbye to pests

If you’ve done a thorough clean and declutter you may have disturb pests that have been hiding, like cockroaches.

The dreaded cocky is attracted to easily accessible food sources such as food and pet food – even soap, so give your kitchen and bathroom a good clean under appliances and around the bin.

Cockroach traps are an effective way to kill cockroaches but they do need to be replaced every 3-6 months.

4. Attend to the little repairs

Scuffed walls need a lick of paint? Blown globes need replacing? Dripping tap needs a new washer? Lose doorknob needs tightening? These small, but annoying blemishes can make a world of difference to how you feel in your home.

5. Clean the gutters

Neglected gutters can require expensive repairs in the long term.

Make sure you clear the gutters before the inevitable spring showers hit. ISTOCK
Make sure you clear the gutters before the inevitable spring showers hit. ISTOCK

A gutter clogged with leaves, sticks and pests can cause water damage to the interior or exterior of your home.

6. Delight the senses

If you’ve kept the windows closed throughout winter your home may be smelling a little stale. When decorating your home don’t just focus on what you can see, consider the other senses as well including what you can smell, hear and feel.

7. Spring planting

Plant now to enjoy abundant spring pickings including peas, leafy greens, radishes, carrots, broccoli, cabbages, spring onions, leeks,  as well as sweet corn, tomatoes and basil in frost-free areas.

8. Freshen up outdoor furniture

If your outdoor furniture has been neglected and battered by the weather in the winter months it may be time to give it a refresh. A new coat of paint or oil, or some new cushions can bring it back to new.

9. Service the AC

To ensure your air conditioning works at maximum efficiency and is ready to cool the house when you need it most, it’s a good idea to get it serviced every spring. At the very least make sure you replace or clean the filters to make sure you are not paying more for your energy bill than you need to.

10. Replace the batteries in the smoke detector

While smoke detectors beep when the battery needs replacing, it is recommended in addition you replace the battery at least once a year and check the alarm is working more frequently.

11. Clean out the pantry

There are so many advantages to a well-organised pantry. Not only will it save you time and stress trying to find things, it could also save you money, avoiding double-ups of products (or in my case 12 cans of red kidney beans).

Toss out-of-date foods, wipe down all the shelves and sort items into containers with clear labels.

12. Change over the bedding refresh your mattress

Give your mattress a good vacuum to get rid of dust mites (and their faeces) and wash (or replace) your mattress protector and all bedding in hot water. Store away heavy blankets, quilts and flannel sheets replacing with lighter, brighter bedding for the months ahead.

13. Have a refresh with a new season colour

This season we’re seeing a broad range of new colours trending, including mint, orange and violet.  Instead of overhauling your interiors go for pops of colours with cushions, throws, towels and table linen.

And if you’re feeling really ambitious, why not give your living room a full makeover? Check out our comprehensive guide to decorating your living room from scratch for a whole-new look.

14. Disinfect the tech

Keyboards, phones, remote controls, headphones can all use a clean to get rid of grime and germs.

Unwanted grime, dirt and bacteria can get in anywhere. ISTOCK

Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with a mix isopropyl alcohol and distilled water and getting cleaning.

15. Let the light in

Perhaps one of the most time-consuming jobs, but also one of the most rewarding is giving your windows a good scrub.

Giving your windows a good scrub can be just important as cleaning the rest of the house. ISTOCK

Firstly brush away any dirt, and then make your own cleaner with water, white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol. Spray the windows with the mix and then dry with a reusable microfibre cloth.

The ‘next-level’ spring clean: 27 tasks to leave nothing unturned

  • Grab a laundry basket and go from room to room emptying out everything you no longer need or like
  • Clean out the pantry and the fridge
  • Strip the bed. Vacuum the mattress and wash all bedding (including the mattress cover) in hot water
  • Clean the car, inside and out
  • Remove all screens from the window and give them a scrub with some warm, soapy water
  • Wash the windows inside and out with a mix of water and white vinegar, and dry them with a soft cloth
  • Vacuum and spot clean rugs and carpets. Consider hiring a steam cleaner for a deep clean
  • Dust everywhere, including hard to reach places like ceiling fans, window sills, light fixtures and door frames
  • Clean window covering, wash curtains and wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth
  • Clean the oven, cooktop, rangehood and dishwasher
  • Descale the kettle
  • Clean out the crumbs from the toaster and clean the inside of the microwave
  • Clean out your wardrobe and decide what needs to be kept, stored, donated or binned
  • Remove cobwebs that lurk in cornices, windows and around outside lighting
  • Remove mould and mildew
  • Wash down walls with a solution of sugar soap and water
  • Sanitise tech
  • Wash cushion covers
  • Throw out expired beauty products and medicines
  • Sweep and high pressure clean paths and driveways
  • Wash rubbish bins with an antibacterial solution or wipe. Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda in the bottom to absorb smells
  • Weed the garden and bin any dead plants
  • Replace the silicone and group in the bathroom if mould has struck
  • Clean the dryer vent, clean the inside of the washing machine and empty the washing machine drain pump
  • Polish wood furniture
  • Clean air conditioning vents.
  • Disinfect door handles and light fixtures.

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