Time For A Spring Clean

Stuck Home? Take The Chance For A Thorough Spring Clean

If you're anything like us, we are climbing the walls. So now is a chance for a good clear out and deep Spring clean! After all, Spring is a time of renewal, and a good clean can really make you feel much calmer at home.

At Escapology, we put our heads together to come up with our Top Five Spring Cleaning Tips.

1. A Good Clear Out Is Cathartic

While attacking the clutter that has accumulated over the years can be a big job, having a good clear out is the best way to start.

Decluttering creates space and makes room for the beautiful things that you love.

2. A Kitchen Scrub Down



Most of us use our kitchen every day. And in the current climate a good scrub and wipe down can really help you stay motivated in keeping things tidy, even when you are busy with career, kids, or just life in general.

Here's our top Spring cleaning ideas for your kitchen:

• Clean that greasy extractor filter. Soak the extractor in a solution of warm soda crystals to clean and invigorate them. But don’t get the solution on any wood worktops.
• Clean Your Fridge. We should all do it regularly, but let's be honest, we don't. Avoid using any chemicals, such as bleach, as this could be ingested. Instead, opt for a natural product that is safe. There are lots of really effective choices available these days. To start, remove everything from the fridge and clean with warm water, washing up liquid and a microfibre cloth. Soap and warm water are still the best. For any tough stains, mix baking powder with water to create a paste. Layer on top of the stained area and leave for a few hours. Then simply wipe the paste away.
• Scrub your sink. Your kitchen sink should be sanitized regularly. To do so, simply use a little baking soda and scrub the sink down with a sponge to remove food and stains. And then shine. Baby oil works wonders, but check your sink doesn't have a special protective coating before you start.
• Kitchen Sink Plugholes and drains can, from time to time, give off a smell. So keep them smelling fresh by calling upon the big guns and buy a Drain Unblocker. That will shift the culprit causing the smell.
• Remove streaks and hard water stains from your stainless steel taps using a soft microfibre cloth and glass cleaner.
• Don't forget your oven. Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning function, but they aren't always that effective. A baking soda paste made with a few tablespoons of water and baking powder is effective. Coat the inside of your oven (avoiding the fan and heating elements). Leave overnight and then spray the inside of your over with a vinegar and water solution. Using a damp cloth give it a thorough wipe down.

3. Clean Out Your Utility Rooms and Hallway

Utility rooms and hallways are busy, high-traffic, areas of your home. A good spring clean will get them back in order.

• Clean out your washing machine. Most modern machines now have self-cleaning cycles, but if yours doesn't simply fill your machine with washing machine cleaner (available from most supermarkets) and run a hot cycle.
• For your dryer, be sure to empty and clean your filter regularly. A build-up in your dryer filter or vent is a potential fire hazard, so remember to do this after each dry cycle.
• Refresh your doormats, rugs and runners. Give your rugs and doormats a good beating and hoover to get rid of any dirt and dust. If your rug and runner can be machine washed give it a quick refresh. But, if your rugs, runners and doormats have been well and truly worn down then we recommend replacing them. And one of Escapology's rugs could make the perfect replacement.
• Clean and polish door handles, cupboard knobs and light switches.
• Vacuum and dust behind your washer and dryer to remove the build-up.

4. Give Your Bathroom A Thorough Scrub

While your bathroom requires regular cleaning, a good deep clean will really help you keep things feeling fresh.

• Wash Your Shower Curtain. If you have a vinyl or plastic shower curtain take it off its hooks and pop it in the washing machine for a refresh. Throughout the month, keep it clean with a little All-Purpose Spray and water.
• Give the grout & sealant a once over. Build up on your grout and sealant is inevitable despite regular cleaning. For a through clean, use fungicidal bathroom spray or bleach spray. For hard to get at areas use a toothbrush with bleach to scrub away any nasty markings.
• Remove watermarks with descaler or use glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth to remove any hard water stains.
• Freshen up your drains. Pour 1/2 of baking soda, 1/4 cup table salt and a cup of warm vinegar down your drains for 15 minutes. It will bubble and foam as its working during this time. Then after 15 minutes run the taps for a minute to wash the solution away.
• If your drains need more than a freshening then you'll need to unblock them with a proper drain unblocker.

5. Smart Up Your Living Areas

Your living room is the hub of your home. Give your living areas and sitting rooms a spring refresh.

• You may not move your sofa or units when vacuuming normally. But a spring clean is a great opportunity to get into the nooks and hidden spaces. Move furniture and give everywhere a thorough vacuum.
• Don't your carpets and rugs. Some rugs can be machine washed, check the label. If not, a simple carpet cleaner on both your rugs and carpets will help reinvigorate them.
• If you have curtains given them a wash. Check the label, and if you can give them a quick wash and dry. Hang them straight away to prevent creases and wrinkles in the fabric. If you can't wash them, get them professionally cleaned; the cost is worth it once a year
• Clear out your bookshelves and cabinets. Remove everything off your shelving units, cabinets and display surfaces and give them a good dust. It's also an opportunity to sort through old books and display pieces and give away or donate anything that you don't want to keep.

6. Don't Forget Your Bedrooms

Your bedroom is where you sleep, and spend the majority of the time in your home.

• We all forget to turn our mattress as often as we should. If yours needs turning take the opportunity - turning helps with comfort and ensures the longevity of your mattress.
• Take your duvet and pillows to the dry cleaners for a professional clean. If you're pillows and duvet have seen better days, then replace them. Your quality of sleep will improve.
• Dust thoroughly. Get a microfibre cloth and polish and wipe down bedside tables, ceiling lights, table lights, chest of drawers and skirting. Bedrooms are notorious for gathering dust, so this should be something that you incorporate into your cleaning routine.
• In kids bedrooms or playrooms disinfect their toys and wash any cuddly toys that you can.
• Take the opportunity to go through your wardrobes. Sort your clothes and get any clothes out from storage for the warmer weather. In Tidying Up With Maire Kondo, Maire recommends getting all of your clothes out and putting them on your bed. Once done, be disciplined and only put the clothes back in the wardrobe that you wear or love. Everything else can be put into storage or better yet, donated or recycled.