Spring Cleaning… the list is long Yes but this is simply what is required >> Blog by Julie Finch-Scally author of “THE THIRD OLDEST PROFESSION… The A-Z of House Cleaning. www.juliefinchscally.com.au

Spring Cleaning… the list is long Yes but this is simply what is required >> Blog by Julie Finch-Scally author of “THE THIRD OLDEST PROFESSION… The A-Z of House Cleaning. www.juliefinchscally.com.au

“Spring cleaning inside and out

Having been in the cleaning industry for over 25 years and written articles and books on the subject Julie Finch-Scally has compiled some thoughts on all of this…

What is a Spring Clean? This is a clean that doesn’t have to be carried out in Spring, but because of the desire to fill the house with clean smells after being couped up inside during the winter months, this job is generally done in Spring. But what does it entail? Actually a thorough clean of the inside of a home, if done properly, means the removing of curtains and having them washed or dry cleaned, emptying out and cleaning the inside of all cupboards and drawers, disassembling and cleaning the extractor fans, washing down the walls, cleaning the light fittings and having the carpet and the windows cleaned. This of course takes a considerable time, even with two people. But, for a regular spring clean that won’t take several days, here is a list:

· Remove and wash all light and flimsy curtains and when dry rehang

· Clean all windows throughout the property or call in a window cleaner to do the job

· Dust, with a duster-on-a-pole or a damp cloth, all horizontal surfaces throughout the home, making sure the window sills and skirting boards are dusted (especially behind furniture)

· If there is polished furniture clean with furniture polish

· If keen, gently wash in soapy water any pottery or china ornaments and lightly brush any imitations flowers with a small paint brush

· Clean all mirrors and glass of framed pictures with glass cleanser and a micro-fibre cloth

· Vacuum through the property moving the furniture where possible so the floor can be accessed and cleaned underneath each item

· Make sure the vacuuming of the floors includes the bathrooms and kitchen

· In the bathrooms

Thoroughly clean the shower recess – tiles as well as the screen (best method is to rub over with a cream cleanser then remove product with a dry cloth)

Wipe over all the wall tiles with glass cleanser and a micro-fibre cloth

Clean the front and sides of the vanities and the mirrors with glass cleanser and micro-fibre cloth

Clean the bath, sinks, taps and the toilets with cream cleanser and a damp sponge/scourer

Mop the bathroom floors with hot water and floor cleanser (add ½ cap of either eucalyptus oil or lavender disinfectant to the water)

· In the kitchen

Clean the front of every cupboard and drawers with glass cleanser and micro-fibre cloth

Remove filters from range hood and wash both the filters, the fans and the metal work with hot soapy water (The filters, if they fit, can be put through a dish washing cycle)

Wash the inside of the micro-wave with hot soapy water

Clean the inside of the oven and shelves using oven cleanser and rinse by removing product with a cloth wrung out in hot soapy water

Clean back splash behind sink and stoves with glass cleanser and micro-fibre cloth

Clean gas or electric cook top with cream cleanser and a damp sponge/scourer removing knobs and washing clean

If induction or ceramic cook top wipe over with special cleanser and recommended cloth

Clean kitchen sink and taps with cream cleanser and damp scourer/sponge

If made of melamine or Formica, clean bench top with glass cleanser and micro-fibre cloth (should marks not lift, try small drop of cream cleanser)

If bench top made of stone or marble use recommended cleanser with a micro-fibre cloth or hot water

Mop kitchen floor with hot water and floor cleanser (If wooden floor use white vinegar or methylated spirits as the added cleanser)

Yes this list is long, but that is what is required for a spring clean. I haven’t mentioned the cleaning of the tops of the cupboards in the kitchen, which are always very sticky and dirty, but these are usually only done when someone is vacating a property after renting.”

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