As millions gut their homes after winter, a professional has warned of one item that shouldn’t be overlooked
The spring clean might be well under way for many householders or it could be still on the to-do list for some, but the yearly spruce up after a long winter is something millions will will undertake this month. And it’s the perfect chance to catch up on jobs that are often missed during a general clean.
But one job which is often overlooked, even when spring cleaning, is one that Lisa Williams, executive housekeeper at five star hotel The Grand, York, says should never be skipped. And that is the cleaning of an appliance that is designed to clean.
Lisa said that you should always make time to clean your dishwasher, a piece of kit that works hard to sanitise your pans, crockery and cutlery, but often overlooked during a cleaning spree.
Lisa said: “It’s easy to overlook the appliances that do the cleaning and forget that they also need cleaning.
“Disinfecting your dishwasher prevents a build-up of nasty bacteria, as well as ensuring filters aren’t clogged with food, and should not be missed off your spring cleaning list.”
And she shared her way of making sure the hard-working appliance is sparkling too.
She said: “To deep clean the dishwasher, make sure you clean the door, rubber seals and removable parts such as the utensil holder and filter, ensuring anywhere that typically harbours hard-to-reach grime has been scrubbed.
“I like to fill a bowl full of white vinegar, pop it in the bottom of my dishwasher and sprinkle with a teaspoon of baking soda.
“When run on a hot cycle, the vinegar should break down any lingering grease and the baking soda will help to eliminate any bad smells.”
As well as deodourising your dishwasher, Lisa has some more tips for perfecting your spring clean.
Deep clean wooden utensils
Wooden utensils are a kitchen staple and great for reducing damage to pots and pans, however, their porous texture means they can harbour lots of bacteria.
Lisa has a tip on making sure your wooden utensils stay clean. “Many people steer away from using bleach to clean cooking utensils, for good reason, but when done properly it’s a safe way to make sure there are no harmful bacteria left engrained into the wood.
Mix 100ml of bleach with 2L of hot water, submerge your wooden utensils into the water and leave to soak for up to 30 minutes. Once soaked, rinse with cool water and pop them in the dishwasher for their final clean.”
Wash windows inside and out
The bright sun shining through windows in spring often makes marks, dust and fingerprints much more visible. Lisa recommends using a homemade window wash.
“Homemade window wash is super easy to make and effective at removing dirt on glass, making it useful for mirrors and shower screens too.
Combine 500ml of lukewarm water with three tablespoons of white vinegar, one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and ten drops of your favourite essential oil. The essential oil is great for masking the smell of vinegar and filling your home with a fresh, spring scent.”
Don’t neglect the skirting boards
Skirting boards are unlikely to be on your weekly cleaning list, however, if they are neglected for too long, dirt can soon build up leaving them looking dull and discoloured. Adding skirting boards to your spring-cleaning list can leave them looking brand new.
Lisa suggests: “Using a microfibre cloth with warm soapy water will always do the trick on painted surfaces. Microfibre is great for lifting hidden dust whilst also being soft enough not to scratch any paintwork.”
Lemons are a cleaner’s best friend
One of the unsung heroes of the cleaning world is lemon. Lemons are naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, due to their citric acid content, making them a great option for removing mould and mildew.
Lisa says: “To make a cleaning mixture from lemons, mix the juice of two lemons per every one litre of hot water. Paired with a good scrubbing tool, this mixture is great for freshening up ovens, microwaves, fridges, floors and even taps, leaving them all shiny and sparkling.”
