Lockdown Spring Clean Tips!
There’s no better time than this current lockdown than to give your home that refreshed feeling with the TLC that it deserves (unless you’re home schooling and trying to WFH, in which case, we feel you!). Whether you’re looking for inspiration on a full deep clean or just a few ideas to brighten up your space, ready for the new season – we’ve got you covered with these top tips on how to give your home the spring clean it deserves.
Decluttering before the spring clean
We know organising your rooms can be an overwhelming task and the bedroom can feel like a big one to start with. Our suggestion is to take on the almighty wardrobe first and then move onto any other drawers or dressers. Completely empty your cupboards or drawers one by one and set up three boxes; one for donating, one for the bin and one for seasonal use. Store seasonal items in a box or packing cube in the attic or garage, or if you don’t have a storage room, opt for shallow storage boxes which you can place under the bed or above your wardrobe.
Once finished, if you’re still struggling for space, or just can’t let go of some of those clothes, investing in stackable hangers or an external shoe cabinet could be a great idea. For a visually appealing final touch, it can be helpful to organise your clothes either by type or colour.
Cleaning your workspace
Your keyboard, mouse, monitor and headphones are swarming with bacteria, up to 7000 micro-organisms in fact. And, if you’re prone to eating at your desk, can you also imagine all the crumbs and sticky spills that have accumulated? Remove every single item from your desk and workspace (including shelves and cabinets), and start with a blank canvas. Sanitise all surfaces and objects, shaking out keyboards and wiping screens to remove dust and smudges.
Once you’ve discarded and sanitised your space, it’s important to make sure that your workplace is as clear and organised as possible. The addition of a bookcase, filing cabinet or desk organisers can help keep your desk neat and tidy.
Decluttering the bathroom vanity
That body lotion set you got for Christmas four years ago and never opened? Chuck it. The tube of lipgloss you never wear but are keeping ‘just in case’. Get rid of it! Stop holding on to the things you never use or are out of date (yes, those lotions and potions do have use-by dates), and make room for the things that are part of your daily routine. This also goes for replacing any broken toothbrush holders or soap dispensers.
Once you’ve decluttered it’s important to try and keep it that way, a simple rule is to avoid leaving anything on your bathroom counter. Make sure the items that you use most are organised at the front of your cupboard or drawer and if you’re out of space consider an external standing cupboard or display cabinet to help keep things organised.
Organising the pantry
Clear airtight containers keep your food fresher for longer, prevent pests, plus enable you to see stock levels. Use stickers, index cards or a label maker to label the storage. Make sure you choose the right size of containers for your space and the food that you’re storing; there’s no point in investing in beautiful jars if they’re too tall for your shelves. Plus, don’t forget to cut out any cooking instructions from the packaging that you may need.
Jute boxes and baskets add a lovely organic look to pantries, but clear boxes are very practical for being able to see what you’re looking for. If you don’t like the look of plastic, go for steel milk storage crates, wire baskets or silver mesh bins.
Clean your rugs
It may seem simple but in addition to regular vacuuming and spot cleaning, it’s worth deep cleaning your rugs to extend their lifetime and keep them looking as good as new. Small and medium flat woven rugs made from cotton and synthetic fibres like polyester and polypropylene can be cleaned in a washing machine in cool water on a gentle cycle. It’s also best to let the rugs air-dry to avoid shrinkage and fibre damage. Wool, silk and synthetic rugs, particularly those that are a lighter colour can also benefit from a professional steam clean occasionally to remove the dirt that a domestic clean can’t quite lift.
The Carousel would like to thank Selma Nada Rajah, Editor, Temple & Webster for these tips!
