For those ready to tackle their spring clean, these hacks could make the process a lot easier.
Many Brits across the UK are now taking on the task of a spring clean.(Image: Getty Images)
After being stuck inside throughout the chilly winter months, many Brits are excited for the spring season to finally be here. While the weather is still a bit unsettled, many homeowners are getting ready to bring the fresh and colourful season into their homes.
However, before they can do that, many Brits first decide to take on the challenge of a spring clean. While the majority of people give their home a clean at least once a week to get rid of any built up dusk or pet hair that has gathered on the floor, there are quite a few tasks that we may neglect more than others.
Therefore, with a big spring clean homeowners can set their minds on giving the whole house some much needed TLC. Along with vacuuming, mopping and popping dirty laundry in the wash, a spring clean allows you to tackle your curtains, skirting boards, kitchen cupboards, clothing, and give your washing machine a good clean.
While this can be a daunting task to begin with, if homeowners break it down into sections they will be able to get it done in no time. For those wanting to get their home looking brand new again, now is the time to get all the tough jobs done so you can sit back and enjoy the sunny weather when it finally hits.
For those who are unsure of where to start or how to clean certain parts of your home effectively, Good Housekeeping has shared a variety of cleaning hacks that will leave you home looking sparkly and fresh in no time. We have collated five of the lesser known hacks that homeowners may have not considered before.
Five spring cleaning hacks to try now
1. Clean cutting boards with a lemon
When it comes to making tasty meals either for yourself or family, one piece of cookware that can look worse for wear over time is your cutting boards. As a product that is used in the kitchen quite frequently, they can develop some nasty stains depending on what they are being used for.
For those debating whether they should splurge on a new set of boards, there is another kitchen staple that could bring your old boards back to life. All you need is lemon.
Simply slice the lemon in half and rub the cut side of the lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells. And for those wanting to go the extra mile, you can sprinkle the board with salt or baking soda to finish off the job.
Lemons can have a great deal of uses in your spring cleaning routine. Along with being added to at-home cleaning sprays and being used to tackle soap scum in bathrooms, lemons can also help steam your microwave and get rid of pesky stains.
2. Use ketchup to shine copper pots and pans
A more unusual hack that many wouldn’t think to try is using your regular bottle of ketchup to help bring back to shine to your copper cookware.
All homeowners need to do is massage the sauce over the surface of their pots and pans. This works as the ketchup helps dissolve tarnish on your cooking accessories to leave them looking sparkling and new.
If homeowners do come across some tough stains that just won’t budge, it is recommended that you add a pinch of salt to help get the leftover gunk moving.
3. Clean toys in the dishwasher or washing machine
Ideal for busy families, many of your children’s much loved toys can get the clean they need by either going in the dishwasher or washing machine. Saving you time on hand soaking the toys, this process will allow you to hand the toys back to your kids in no time.
For plastic toys, it is advised that they are put on a crystal or quick cycle in the dishwasher to take away any accumulated muck. However, it is important that you make sure you skip the heated dry so you don’t even up damaging the plastic.
Meanwhile, for those wanting to refresh some of the kids’ favourite stuffed animals, it is important to first check the care labels. If they can go in the washing machine, it is best to place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase before going on a gentle cycle as this will provide an extra layer of protection.
4. Clean windows on a shady day
One job many people tackle during their spring clean is tidying up with windows. Along with dusting the shelves and washing the curtains and blinds, the glass of the window also needs some attention so you can have a clear view.
However, while you may be on a roll with your spring clean with the windows being the next job to tackle, it is advised that you wait to do this job on a cloudy day.
Cleaning windows on a sunny day is said to be one of the most common cleaning mistakes to avoid. This is because the cleaner will quickly dry onto the hot windows before you have a chance to wipe it off. As a result, this will leave hard to remove streaks, making your job more difficult.
5. De-gunk your oven
The final hack should restore your oven to looking brand new. Cleaning your oven is an essential part of a spring clean as a variety of food and gunk will have built up over time. While some appliances have a self-cleaning function, other people will have to take a more hands on approach.
While the oven racks can be soaked and cleaned in the bathtub to allow cleaners more space to work, a simple cloth can help release any stubborn gunk.
Simply place a hot, wet cloth on top of burned spots in your oven, this will help soften any gunk. From there you can apply an oven cleaner for the recommended time the product states. After that you can rinse with a wet cloth and wipe dry.
