With snow melting off and leaving everything a wet, muddy mess, it’s natural to start looking forward to spring and having a big clear-out so that everything is fresh and tidy after a long period when no-one wants to do anything.
Here are some things you should get in stock to assist you to with your spring-cleaning adventures:
Bicarb and vinegar
If you have stubborn stains and baked-on grime (for instance, if you put your oven through its paces over Christmas) , a heap a few teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda onto what you’re trying to shift, and then pour some vinegar over. If you’ve never done this before, watch what happens because it’s great fun. Wait till the bubbles have subsided and then let it sit for a while. You might need to repeat a few times for the stains to
Borax
This naturally-occuring mineral is a great natural disinfectant and can be added to water to clean floors and tiles.
Shampoo
There is a surprising amount you can do with humble shampoo. It can be used to clean your dirty washing in place of laundry detergent; you can also use it to remove stains from rugs and carpets (dab a few drops on with some water, blot with a towel, rinse and repeat); you can clean bathtubs, showers and sinks with shampoo; it can also be used to shine shoes and loosen tight nuts and bolts! It’s a great way to use up shampoos you might pick up in hotels.
A skip
De-cluttering is an essential part of the spring-cleaning process. While a skip might appear to be a big outlay, it’s a big hassle-saver as it is delivered to you and taken away, with all contents disposed of responsibly. You can get them in a range of sizes to fit your needs.
A square shovel
Borrow one from a friend if you haven’t got one, and get into the garden. Clear any dead, decaying green matter and your outdoors spaces will instantly be rejuvenated for springtime enjoyment.
Carbonated drinks
Instead of rotting your teeth, use fizzy pop to clean your toilet.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste has a huge range of non-tooth applications, including stain removal, cleaning your trainers and removing scratches from CDs amongst many others.
You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to clean out your house. Using ordinary things you already have (such as shampoo) will save you from purchasing separate items that you might not use all of.
Vivienne Egan writes for Thomson Local who provide listings of local cleaners