In spring, it’s common to cleanse the home. In fact, whether you’re settled or readying to move, there is no better time to give your property a good and thorough clean. Fear not: it’s an easy task if you take time to follow tips highlighted by Sellhousefast.uk, which have been selected to help you transform your living space and save time.
1. Declutter
The golden rule with a decluttering is: if you haven’t used it in a year it’s likely you never will. Someone else might. Consider donating to charity, passing on to a friend or dropping off at an appropriate recycling centre. There are few exceptions, such as seasonal clothing and items you only require once in a blue moon.
To keep the exercise simple, separate items into ‘keep’, ‘donate’ or ‘recycle’ and clearly label to avoid any mishaps or misjudgements. By taking a ruthless stance, you will soon discover how many excess items your home holds and how much additional space you stand to gain after a clear-out.
2. Revamp Your Wardrobe
Often, one of the most-cluttered spaces in the home is the wardrobe. Donate any suitable items you haven’t worn in a year or more. Then, take time to separate your clothes into seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Try each outfit on. Is the fit OK? Do you still like the style? If the answer is “no” then pass it over to the ‘donate’ pile.
For the clothes you decide to keep, box up out of season and store these in your loft or at the top level of your wardrobe. Another time-saving tip is to organise your garments by colour. This method will help you put outfits together in half the time, without the need to hunt out what goes with what.
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3. Deep Clean Carpets
All manner of dirt and dust builds up in carpets, especially in rooms where you are less likely to move large furniture to clean, such as the bedroom. A deep clean will restore the colour and texture of carpet. For effective results, try a high-performance vacuum cleaner or hire a professional to breathe new life into old rugs, mats and carpeted flooring.
Cleaning the carpet also provides an opportunity to rearrange stagnant furniture, which may have been in the same place for years. Of course, you may decide to invest in new furniture but this isn’t always necessary. Simply moving old pieces into new places can give a room an entirely new look and will make you appreciate items you may have fallen out of love with.
4. Tackle Pet Hair
Speaking of carpets, pet hair can be difficult to control. This is where a good pair of marigolds comes into action. Because of the material they’re made from, and the friction it creates, hair will naturally stick to them. So, whether you need to de-hair your sofa, curtains or bedding, a trusty pair of rubber gloves is essential. Failing this, an effective lint roller can help.
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5. Breathe Life into Bedsheets
Over time, colours can fade on bed linen leaving it lank and unloved. To revive beloved duvet sets, try soaking them in bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. This will also aid the removal of any lingering odours. But be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to eradicate any vinegar before using.
It’s also possible to use bicarbonate of soda to deodorise your mattress. All you need to do is sprinkle it across the mattress and leave it for up to eight hours. Then, vacuum up any excess powder and voila! Your mattress is as good as new.
6. Cleanse the Bathroom
White vinegar is a bathroom saviour. Limescale is notoriously hard to remove, but versatile white vinegar will break down its molecules and aid the removal of a tricky limescale build-up. In fact, it can help to remove stains from the toilet, shower and sink.
For effective use, spray the liquid on surfaces and leave to soak. For showerheads, simply fill a bag with white vinegar, tie it around the head and leave to soak overnight. This will break down the limescale. Wear protective gloves and ventilate the bathroom while you work.
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7. Combat the Oven
Cleaning the oven is a time-intensive task, but a small amount of bicarbonate of soda can go a long way. Add bicarbonate of soda to water in a spray bottle and you’ve got your own instant, over-cleaning solution. To clean, spray the solution on interior surfaces of your oven, but avoid the heating elements. Leave overnight and wipe clean the next day. Remove any excess with a spray of vinegar.
It’s important to avoid using any harsh chemicals as they can irritate your skin and damage the oven. Of course, if the task is beyond self-made solutions, it may be worth hiring a professional to help you out.
8. Clean the Fridge
It’s easy for stains, food matter and water to build up in your fridge. To combat this, you need a few household items. The first two are a toothbrush and toothpaste. The chemicals found in toothpaste will help to remove stains easily and the toothbrush will provide the friction and accuracy to get the job done.
To rid unpleasant smells, cut a lemon in half and place the two halves in your fridge: one on the top shelf and one on the bottom shelf. The lemon will naturally absorb any odours and leave your fridge smelling fresh.
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9. Steam the Microwave
Combine vinegar and water to fight dirt and grime that easily builds up in your microwave. To achieve a solution, heat a measuring jug with a fifty-fifty mix for ten minutes in the microwave, until it steams up. Then, remove the jug and use a cloth to wipe away any moisture and dirt left behind.
10. Utilise the Dishwasher
If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher in your kitchen/utility room, use it to its full potential. Not only will it clean dishes: you can place children’s plastic toys (without batteries) into the dishwasher, along with your normal detergent or tablet, to get them sparkling new and germ-free! A thorough clean, with minimal effort.
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