The blooms are out, the windows are open more and if you have already done your February clean (click here to learn more), then gear up for the next level of godliness (as in cleanliness is next to ….). This is also a good time to stock up on new marigolds, I just love marigolds and everyone who knows me knows that Marigolds and wine are the two things I always have in the house. Here are some rather fashionable spring ones that might get you in the mood for cleaning.
Here is a room by room guide to get your home looking divine (I could not help that pun, did it make you smile?). Some of the items you may just roll your eyes at and poor yourself another glass of wine, but I hope there are some gems in here for you. I tend to do one task a day to break up the monotony of cleaning, but if you are feeling motivated, the whole list should not take you more than a few hours.
Kitchen
Clean out your fridge: Take everything out, wipe it down with a mix of barcab of soda (baking soda) and water, then dry with micro fibre cloth to ensure you remove every bit of moister. Re-stock and enjoy the benefits of having a clean fridge. This is also a good time to look at your parts, is everything ship shape and Bristol Fashion? If not, call your manufacture and order replacement shelves, drawers et all.
Defrost your Freezer: Take everything out, shut off the power and wipe clean with barcab of soda (baking powder) and water. Replace contents after getting rid of any undesirable items. If you are feeling blissful, spend the next week making dishes that you can re-stock your freezer with so you have meals at the ready for days when you are not feeling so blissful.
Clean your hob: Take all the parts off the stove top off, clean them in your dishwasher and give the surface a really good scrub. I also remove the nobs and give them a good scrub, amazing what lies beneath.
Clean your oven: I usually get Mr. Oven in to give my oven a factory finish – ah the sparkle. If you don’t have someone to do the messy work for you, remove all the inside parts, use a good oven cleaner, put the parts in your dishwasher and then replace once clean. Nothing feels better than a clean oven – well maybe that’s not true but you take my point.
Clean your microwave, coffee pot, kettle, et all.: Give them all the Bliss treatment and they will love you back for longer.
Linens and things
Clean your pillows: Take them to the cleaners, wash them, beat them, do what is called for. Pillows harbour mites, bacteria, odours and what not. Be sure to give them a good clean and you will sleep and lounge better for it.
Clean your carpets and rugs: You should have done this in February, but this is a good reminder to get them cleaned and banish all traces of winter from your home.
Duvets, blankets and throws: Like with your pillows, follow the suggested cleaning method. You will be amazed at how well they feel once cleaned. This might also be a good time to store your heavier items and bring out the lighter spring versions.
Bathrooms
Beauty Products and Toiletries: Go through your mountain of goods and discard old, expired or ‘yucky’ products. Give your toiletry bag and your husband’s dop kit a good clean, along with your bathroom cabinet. Good news is, if you have done this thoroughly you now have room to rush out and buy more goodies- so do it well and reward yourself later.
Update your first aid kit: Get rid of expired meds, and make sure that you have everything you need to keep your family safe and healthy for the next few months ahead. (If you are neurotic like me, you have a kit in your car, so review your car kit as well.)
Outside spaces
Renew your garden: You should have done this in February, if you did not because snow and bitter winter days kept you from reviewing your garden, have a look here for a few suggestions.
Clean outside spaces: Wendy Houses, porches, decking, furniture, et all. Give them all a good clean, dust, sweep and clear. You will be using your outside spaces more now that the weather is improving, treat your garden like an extra room and you will spend more time in it.
Inspect outside fixtures: Check your lights, railings, paths and doors. Do they need any attention? If so crack on, what are you waiting for?
If you are looking for more cleaning inspiration, check out these snazzy posts, made just for you to keep your home ship shape and Bristol fashon…..
[...] Give ‘em a good beating. Your soft furnishings have worked hard for you all summer, and will work even harder in the coming months, so roll up your sleeves, grab a broom and start dusting your rugs. Here is a good guide to getting it all done yourself , click here. [...]