With the clocks springing forward as we speak, making our days longer and hopefully sunnier it is time to start thinking about the dreaded spring clean.
With all the gadgets and gizmo’s we have these days I am pretty sure that the spring clean isn’t as tedious as it was in yester year, but I do use it as an opportunity to have a good clear out of stuff we just don’t need or use anymore.
I hate cleaning! I don’t live in a hovel, but it certainly isn’t a show home. I have the best fridge magnet on my fridge that best describes our situation:
“Cleaning the house when the kids are growing
Is like shovelling snow whilst it’s still snowing”
I do have some great tips if you are looking to spring clean your home though……
- Clear out your kitchen cupboards and check the use by dates – I am, terrible for buying packet mixes promising myself we will use them and then they end up at the back of the cupboard forgotten about. We have found quite a few out of date, by quite some margin too (think 2010, oops)
- Chuck out anything with broken / missing parts. I know it is obvious but I was hoarding kids plastic cups just in case – now they are gone I suddenly have much needed cupboard space
- Invest in a steam cleaner – it is the best thing I have ever bought. Tiles come up gleaming, floors are shiny and everything is sterilized. Fill the water chamber with ironing water and it freshens your home too!
- Duplo / Lego / Megablocks and plastic toys (not with batteries) can all be washed in the dishwasher. If they are small, pop them in a net to make sure they don’t get caught in moving parts. I do mine every 3 months or when needed.
- Odd socks make great window / hob cleaning cloths
- If your fridge is smelly, put some coffee granules (not instant) in an old clean sock and pop in the fridge. Hey presto – a lovely fresh smelling fridge again.
- Keep some anti-bacterial wipes by the loo – great for clearing up little accidents by little and big boys – not sure who are worse ;0)
- If your little one has an accident or is sick on the carpet, mix some bicarbonate of soda up into a paste with warm water. Apply liberally and leave to dry. Hoover off and bingo, the smell is gone!
- Clean your washing machine on a hot wash once a month by adding Soda crystals to the empty tub. It clears all the gunk away!
I was sent some Ecover cleaning products to try as part of a spring cleaning challenge from Intellicig. I have to admit that I am impressed, especially by the hob and oven cleaner that cleans my range cooker up beautifully. The multi-action wipes were a godsend when Isaac was poorly too.
Do you have any tips you can add to my list?
