As we reach the end of another long winter, spring can still feel a long way off. Soon, flower buds will start to open, the colour will return, and the sun might even make an appearance.
We all make an effort to keep our homes tidy and clutter-free but how often do you really give the place a deep clean? Spring cleaning has become an integral part of the annual cycle in Ireland, but the practice actually has its roots far from the Irish shore.
How spring cleaning began
It’s believed the tradition either comes from the Nowruz, the Persian New Year or Jewish preparations for Passover. Iranians still practise khaneh tekani - which translates literally as ‘shaking the house’ - when families conduct a deep clean before the turn of the year which comes in spring. The Jewish faith has also long called for the home to be carefully cleaned before the Passover festival which typically falls at the end of March or the beginning of April.
But for those of us in Ireland, spring cleaning goes back as far as anybody can remember. It’s a time to brush away the thick cobwebs of winter and look forward to the start of a new blossoming cycle.
What should your spring clean include?
Spring cleaning can feel like a big task. These tips, a sunny day and an uplifting soundtrack can make it feel more manageable.
1. Make a Plan (but be realistic)
Yes, we know that making a cleaning plan sounds like a pitiful use of your time, but trust us, it’ll save you plenty of time in the long run. You don’t need to go all Monica Geller, but a rough outline of what needs to be cleaned and who it’s been assigned to can speed things up.
There’s also that wonderful flicker of satisfaction each time you get to tick something off the list. It’s the little things in life - right?
Timebox your effort
Try to approach the whole project with as much realism as you can muster. It might sound great in theory to deep clean that dusty cellar that you haven’t used in years, but do you really have the time or the inclination?
That does not mean you should scrimp on the cleaning, but just be realistic about how much time you have or how much time you’re willing to dedicate to the Spring Clean. There will always be more to clean, so you will need to draw the line somewhere.
2. Get yourself a cleaning kit
If you’re anything like me, excuse-making is a tried and trusted method to justify procrastination. The first step to starting your Spring Clean is getting your supplies together. Don’t try to clean your home with a couple of mix ‘n’ match supplies because realistically you won't get too far - and deep down you probably know it.
Essentials list
You’ll need a basic list of supplies such as
- An all-purpose cleaner
- Plastic gloves
- Disinfecting wipes
- Oven cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Sponges
- Duster
For a budget-friendly and eco-conscious approach, consider household staples like:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon
These natural cleaning agents can tackle everything from hard water stains to deodorising surfaces.
Vacuum attachments
Don't forget useful tools like vacuum attachments for reaching crevices and upholstery, and an extendable duster for high-up areas like ceiling fans. Once you have all the relevant equipment, use a basket or a bucket to keep these together so that you're not running in and out of the kitchen, dirtying those freshly mopped tiles as you frantically search for a sponge.
3. Declutter before you deep clean
Sometimes it’s hard to get rid of the little things we see around the house every day. Burnt-out candles in fancy jars, cute trinkets that don’t work anymore, even small appliances we promised ourselves would come in handy someday but never have.
That moment when you decide to declutter
You’re sorting through your wardrobe and find a jacket you haven't worn in at least 3 years. You tell yourself it might come back in fashion, but you know it’s just taking up valuable space. You finally decide to add it to the charity bag, making room for things you actually wear and instantly feeling a little lighter.
All of these things are consuming space and leaving a cluttered look in your home. Remember what textile designer William Morris said in 1880, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
Decide what stays or goes
So detach yourself from all your little knick-knacks and be ruthless. Anything that does not serve a valuable purpose – bin it and don’t even bother looking back. Consider donating clothes and items to a charity shop, or tackle specific clutter hotspots like your garage organisation or medicine cabinet, checking expiry dates on old medications and toiletries.
Create storage spots
Anything that you feel is useful enough to keep, set it aside until you’ve finished cleaning and dedicate a specific space to keep them all. If it comes to it and you can’t find anywhere for it, thanks carefully again, do you really need it?
4. Step by step, room by room
We all know the feeling of rushing around your home trying to clean everything at once when your in-laws are only ten minutes away from their 'surprise visit.'
Kitchen deep clean
This method is quite simply a recipe for disaster – you'll clear the big obvious things like coats and bags; you will not notice the dirty plates and the coffee spills until it is all too late.
If you've set aside time for your Spring Clean, you may as well optimise it. Make a list of each room you have to clean. Under each room, you should then make a sub-list of each job that has to be completed in that room.
You might also consider keeping a room-by-room house contents valuation, which can act as a cleaning checklist and an insurance inventory.
Blinds and fans
Don't overlook often-neglected spots like oven racks, blinds, your mattress, light fixtures, and ceiling fans—these areas accumulate dust and grime but can be easily refreshed with targeted attention. This will ensure that you don't miss anything, and let's face it, lists never let us down.
Shine up the bathroom
Once you've finished the bathroom (including the floors, shower, sink, toilet and mirrors), move on to the next room and tackle the jobs one by one.
5. Bring Spring into your home
Once you have all the cleaning jobs done and dusted, it's time to treat yourself and your home. With Spring knocking at your door, why not let it in? Buy some fresh flowers or a new plant, even a cheerful painting that brightens the mood. This will bring an air of freshness to your home, and without all the clutter, you'll have plenty of room to put them.
Green touches around the home
Fresh flowers can open up the room and fill it with a pleasant aroma, and they can also enhance your general well-being as they can improve indoor air quality. A fresh home and a fresh mind make a positive start to Spring.
Open up for a breeze
We also suggest opening every door and window for a short period and allowing that blustery Irish wind to circulate through your home. There's nothing like fresh air, and our homes can become horribly musty during winter.
6. Daily and weekly cleaning tasks
Consider breaking down your tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules to maintain a tidy home beyond the initial deep clean.
Safety checks and home maintenance
Speaking of air quality, don't forget to change your air filter regularly to keep your home's ventilation system running efficiently and improve the freshness of your indoor environment.
Clean gutters and drains
Spring is also an ideal time to address exterior maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters to prevent water damage, a proactive step that helps protect your property and can even support your insurance coverage.
7. Home Insurance
Now that your home is sparkling, de-cluttered, and sporting a few new plants and pictures, your final act of letting go of the old and embracing the new is to ensure that your home has the right kind of insurance.
123.ie has your back
Home Insurance from 123.ie comes in various options to help match your needs, and can provide financial support if something goes wrong, within the terms of your policy.
Spring is all about starting afresh and letting those worries float away, so once you've given your home that deep clean it deserves, you can get a home insurance quote from 123.ie and add that final piece to your plans. For full details of cover and limits, read your policy documents.
