Spring is in the air, and this is possibly the best time to renovate your place and prepare it for the current season. Spring cleaning is actually quite rejuvenating for the living space and it will add years to the life of the infrastructure in your home, if the small tasks related to the maintenance can be sorted out.
Whether you are trying to tidy up, deep clean, or conduct some essential maintenance, this blog will take you through 15 spring cleaning and home maintenance tips that help give your home that revamped feeling and make it well looked-after.
If time is short, or you just want to leave the heavy lifting to the pros, consider hiring a professional cleaning service for some of the more intensive tasks.
1. Clean Up and Organise Each Room
Eliminate each item that is superfluous. Every room should be cleaned, getting rid of what you don’t need or use, from kitchen cabinets to bedroom closets. You can then categorise items into what is known as the “Three Box Method”: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Minimal clutter makes cleaning easy.
If organising feels daunting, take it one room at a time. Set the timer for 30 minutes and be amazed at what you’ll get done in that short length of time.
2. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs have been gathering lots of dirt, dust, and allergens over the winter. Spring is a good time to give these a thorough cleaning. Employ a steamer to lift away embedded dirt, or get a professional cleaning service so that your carpets are just as good as new.
The fibers of carpets are somewhat difficult to be cleaned out completely without the right equipment. Professional services can reach deep within the fibers, helping remove stubborn stains and making your carpets look as good as new again.
3. Inspect and Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is one of the most important things you can do for spring maintenance. During winter, the amount of leaves, dirt, and other types of debris can block your gutters and make them non-operational, affecting proper water drainage. This could cause water damage to both your roof and its foundation.
Cleaning Gutters: How to Do It
- Safely access gutters using a strong ladder.
- Replace debris by using a gutter scoop or small shovel.
- Use a hose to flush the gutters and make sure the water is draining correctly.
If heights bother you, then it is best to call in a handyman or a gutter cleaning service to handle this possibly hazardous job.
4. Dust and Clean Light Fixtures
The grimy dust that builds up can make appliances look dingy and much duller than they actually are. Remove each fixture and gently wipe with a microfiber cloth or another gentle, dry cleaning solution. Also remember ceiling fans, chandeliers, and lamps.
However, make sure the fixtures are turned off and bulbs are cool before cleaning to avoid any burns or damages.
5. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Spring is an excellent time to ensure your home safety devices are in good working order. Change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure they are working correctly.
Quick Safety Tip:
Consider replacing detectors that are older than 10 years because their sensors degrade over time.
6. Seal Leaks around Windows and Doors
Winter weather will have the effect of breaking down the caulking and the seals around various windows and doors; this, in turn, allows cold air to sneak in, bringing energy costs up. Inspect for any visible gaps or cracks and re-caulk if needed.
How to Sealing Gaps
For this, make sure the caulk is of good quality and suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Apply a thin, even bead around the edges, then finish with the caulking tool for a nice, clean bead.
7. Freshen Up Walls and Baseboards
Give your walls and baseboards a deep clean from dust and fingerprints. Wipe down with a soft sponge or cloth, wet with a light cleaning solution. Touch up paint in those high-activity areas to give it that nice, clean feeling.
Pro Tip:
Pay special attention to the corners, where dirt and dust tend to build up without anyone even noticing.
8. Service HVAC Systems
The winter season is a workout season for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. You’ll want to get your HVAC system inspected and serviced quickly as you go into spring. Changing your air filters will raise the quality of air and reduce strain on the system.
Why Regular Servicing is Important:
A properly maintained HVAC system is more efficient, which will save you on energy bills and help you avoid costly repairs.
9. Clean and Seal Decks and Patios
Before you know it, warmer weather will be here and your outdoor living spaces will be utilised once more. Sweep the dirt away, and scrub grime and moss off the deck or patio. If you have a wood deck, you may want to put on a fresh coat of sealant to protect it from moisture and UV damage.
How to Properly Seal a Deck:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry out completely.
- Apply a weather-resistant sealant uniformly with a brush or roller.
- The space should again not be utilised until the sealant is fully cured.
10. Check Plumbing for Leaks
Spring is one of the peak seasons when one can find leaks in a plumbing system. Check underneath sinks, around toilets, and outdoor faucets for any drips or signs of moisture. Small leaks must not be allowed or it might lead to water damage and costly repairs.
DIY Solution:
Just about every minor leak you turn up can be fixed by you–with a wrench to tighten loose connections or with a new washer. However, major problems are best left to the professional.
11. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Dust and dirt can build up on the coils of your refrigerator, making the appliance work much harder and using much more energy. Unplug your refrigerator, then vacuum or brush off coils to remove debris.
Pro Tip:
Cleaning refrigerator coils once at least every six months should be done for it to keep your refrigerator running efficiently and extend the life of the appliance.
12. Clean Windows Inside and Outside
Now is an excellent time of year in spring to let more light in by giving the windows a thorough cleaning. Clean outside windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth for no streaks and smudges. Do not forget about cleaning window tracks and sills, which houses tons of dust and grime.
13. Inspect the Roof for Damage
Winter storms can beat down on your roof. Check for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and make minor repairs yourself if you are able. If damage is widespread, call a professional roofer.
It is hazardous to walk on the roof, so if you are not experienced, then hiring a professional can help with ensuring safety with repairs.
14. Power Wash Siding and Driveways
Over time, the outside of your home will accumulate a decent amount of dirt, mold, and algae. Power washing will give your siding, driveways, and sidewalks that fresh, clean look.
Pro Tip:
Work on fragile surfaces, especially wood, requires less pressure so that it would not get damaged.
15. Lawn and Garden Preparation
Spring is also the best time to get your lawn and garden ready for the new season. Clear off debris and dead branches from trees, adding mulch around the flower beds. Aerating of the lawn during this period and reseeding the bare spots for dense growth is also recommended.
If you are not into gardening or own a huge house, it is best to hire a professional landscaper who can save you time and make your yard look great.
Conclusion
\While self-satisfaction has a high reward when doing some tasks yourself. However, professional cleaners bring expertise, equipment, and efficiency into your home. They are able to handle deep cleaning tasks-like upholstery cleaning or tile and grout scrubbing-that are usually too hard to do yourself. Therefore, you can save your time by investing in a professional home cleaning services Melbourne; the results can often be much better at making your home sparkle clean and well-maintained.
