Tips for the Ultimate Home Spring Clean

Hello, Spring! If you've been meaning to tackle a good old Spring clean, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty. 

Regular cleaning and decluttering (not just during Spring) will help you keep a hand on those household to-do's that tend to get out of control if you leave them too long. Then it won't seem like such a mammoth task - and you might even enjoy it once you get going and see the results. Plus, it will keep your home sale-ready, should you eventually decide to sell.

Are you ready to get stuck in? Let's go!

Here are some key focus areas for your next Spring Clean:

1. Do a good declutter 

There's nothing as satisfying as a decluttered, organised home, but it does take time. Go in with a plan and take things room by room. Here's a quick checklist of some priority tasks:

Indoors

• Clear out and clean cupboards
• Deep clean appliances, including the fridge, microwave, oven, kettle, toaster, grill, washing machine and tumble dryer
• Unclog, refresh and rinse all drains
• Steam your mattresses and furniture to kill dust mites
• Declutter your closet and donate old, unused or unwanted items

Outdoors

• Clear any garden refuse that's taking up space 
• Remove clutter that could become a potential home for pests
• Clear out your garden shed 
• Clear your drains of any debris, leaves or gunk
• Store bags, potting soil, fertiliser and other items off the floor
• Clean your garden tools and store them safely in your garden shed or garage 
• Run your pool's backwash, check the filter and apply shock treatments
• Disinfect your refuse bin

2. Get into those gutters

Ah yes, the dreaded gutters. The one thing you keep putting off and vow to sort out 'next year'. Do yourself a favour - maintain them now (and regularly), because leaving them unattended can cause bigger problems further down the line, including reducing the structural integrity of your home and reducing its value. 

Cleaning out your gutters regularly:

• Prevents clogging and overflowing
• Stops birds, pests and mosquitoes from nesting and breeding 
• Extends their lifespan including that of your roof
• Prevents water and structural damage to your roof, walls and foundations
• Stops growth of weeds and seedlings that can damage your roof
• Boosts curb appeal and the look of your home's exterior
• Allows water to channel away from the house correctly
• Prevents soil erosion

3. Pay attention to your pavers

Your garden bricks and pavers should get a good clean several times a year, especially after the colder months. A wet winter can leave your pavers looking damp and mossy, especially if certain spots don't get much sunlight. Give them attention regularly and they'll give you many years of aesthetic appeal.

Regularly cleaning your pavers:

• Keeps them resistant to grease and oil stains
• Prevents water absorption to prolong their lifespan
• Stops growth of mould, mildew, fungus and algae
• Keeps dirt and grime at bay
• Enhances their longevity and saves you money long term​

4. Wash the walls

For your indoor walls, a damp microfiber cloth should do the trick. Wipe down any dust, dirty marks, grease and fingerprints. Don't forget to wipe down the skirtings, cornices, light fixtures, door frames and ceiling fans.

As for the outdoors, a good spray from a high pressure hose is usually all it takes to loosen caked-on dirt, grime and cobwebs from your outside walls. 

5. Clean your carpets

Your carpets and upholstery may look clean, but they still need to be deep cleaned. Have your carpets, couches and curtains professionally steam cleaned to kill dust mites and odours, prevent mould and extend their lifespan. Freshen up your carpets regularly with carpet powder or baking soda to get rid of any pet or cigarette odours. 

Happy cleaning and reap the rewards! Take care of your home and you are guaranteed to enjoy it for many years to come. 

Getting your home sale-ready? Contact us!

Our professional agents would love to view your property and help you maximise your sale price. Find a SAProperty agent near you or book our online e-valuation for a free property valuation.