March is the perfect month to start tackling some of your spring cleaning. The professional residential cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID have created a simple checklist that will help get you on your way. With a bit of care, attention and elbow grease, your home will sparkle for the sunny days ahead.
- Simplify your cleaning supplies cupboard. Limit spring cleaning products to a quality window and glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, tile and grout cleaner and a toilet cleaner.
- Always use the MOLLY MAID system for spring cleaning. Start your cleaning on the top floor of your house and move downwards. In each room, clean from top to bottom, moving from left to right across the room.
- Always dust each room first before vacuuming. This way any dust or debris that falls while dusting can be picked up by the vacuum cleaner.
- The best cloth to dust with is a damp, clean, microfibre cloth. To dampen the microfibre cloth, hold the cloth by the corner and lightly spray it with water. The cloth should be just damp enough to pick up dust without leaving streaks on your furniture.
- If you have pet hair on your upholstery, use a damp microfibre cloth or rubber glove to remove the pet hair. A regular shower squeegee can also be used to remove pet hair by gently running it over the surface of your furniture.
- Before doing any mopping, sweep or vacuum your floors to collect crumbs and dirt. Once you have finished, begin washing the floor starting in the farthest corner of the room and working your way towards the door. Use a damp cloth on the end of a mop handle to reach the narrow spaces between appliances. This will also help get rid of cobwebs.
- To soften food spills inside your microwave, place a cup of water inside and microwave it on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any baked-on food so you can easily wipe it clean. Before wiping the microwave, remember to be extra careful when removing the cup of water as it will be very hot.
- Dish cloths and sponges are a great home for germs. Make sure you wash your dish cloths regularly, and microwave any damp sponges on high for several minutes to kill bacteria. To avoid frequent contamination of cloths and sponges, stick to microfibre cloths, which dry quickly when hung up and help prevent the spread of germs.
- Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas in the bathroom and kitchen. For example, a toothbrush is a great tool to use when cleaning around your soap dish, taps and drain.
- Streaks on windows are tricky to remove. When spring cleaning windows, wipe the interior side of the glass horizontally and the exterior of the glass vertically. Following this method will help make it easier to determine which side of the glass the streaks are on.
- To clean your kettle, fill it with one part white vinegar and one part water and leave it to soak overnight. Using an old toothbrush to dislodge any stubborn bits of lime scale. Rinse the kettle out thoroughly after soaking and boil some water to eliminate any remaining vinegar odour.
