My Top Tips For A Quick Spring Clean

Spring is in the air, which means the daffodils are blooming, the days are getting longer (yay!) and it’s time to do a bit of spring cleaning (eurgh). I love the feeling of everything being lovely and clean but I’m really not a fan of the entire cleaning process. Why can’t I just have a fairy godmother like Cinderella that tidies everything up with a swish of her magic wand?

In the absence of the elusive magic wand, I’ve learnt a fair few quick tips over the years to make the cleaning process as painless as possible. So if you’re like me and you want everything clean as quickly as possible, keep reading…

Quick Cleaning Tips

• Let’s start things off with a tip passed down the generations. My Granny used to swear by using vinegar and newspapers to clean her windows. It evidently works though because both my Mum and myself have continued the ‘tradition’. But whatever cleaning solution you choose, just think about all the calories you’ll burn whilst wiping away and that glass of wine afterwards!

• I’m constantly buying new clothes even though I’ve got plenty (too many) in my drawers and wardrobe at home. I just can’t help myself! So I use this as an opportunity to make space for even more new clothes. Be ruthless! Anything you’ve not worn in a year, it’s time for it to go to the charity shop or as is often the case with mine, to my gorgeous nieces who always appreciate a parcel from Auntie Lizzie.
  
  
• Also take this as an opportunity to tidy up the ‘junk’ drawer. Every household has one (Ady calls it his ‘man-drawer’) but chances are, you’re hanging onto lots of items you really don’t need, it’s time to let go, you’ll feel better for it.

• You can clean pesky wine stains with more wine! I’d much rather be drinking it though! Whilst vodka apparently works best, white wine works brilliantly too. Just make sure you blot the stain with some water first (just like Lola below) and then pour your chosen tipple (don’t use more red wine though, drink that instead) onto the stain and it should clear it right up. What’s great about this cleaning tip is that it still works after the stain has dried, so no need to rush next time you spill a little…or a lot

 

• Who knew that condiments could be used for cleaning? Certainly not me, I’m too busy putting them on my dinner. I have no idea who initially tried these tips out but ketchup is great for polishing copper, mayo can remove those annoying water marks from wooden furniture and vinegar can clean almost anything, such as microwaves, windows, stainless steel and so much more! It’s far better on fish and chips though!
  
  
• Shaving cream is surprisingly effective at removing water stains from shower glass (Ady’s always wondering why it’s running out so quickly). I recommend just doing this next time you take a shower, it kills two birds with one stone.

• I’ve found it a much more efficient use of my time (I’m a busy gal) to tackle one job at a time, throughout the whole house. Whether that’s vacuuming, mopping or dusting, whizz through the whole house in one go. Just make sure you vacuum after dusting unless you want to do it twice and why would you want to do that? Betsey certainly doesn’t like the sound of that!

 

• Give those makeup brushes a clean with some gentle shampoo. The last thing you want is a pesky spot or two the next time you’re heading out for dinner!

• Get your kids and partner involved! It might not work with my lot, but you can’t knock me for trying. Use whatever you can to bribe them to get running around the house with a pair of rubber gloves and a feather duster. Pocket money, a lift to their friend’s house, whatever you think. Before you know it, you’ll be putting your feet up. If only my kids were as helpful as Betsey below, you keep scrubbing girl!

 

• Remember to spruce up your Hug Rugs too! First of all, simply brush away any dried dirt and mud (or if it’s a dry, sunny day, take in some spring sunshine and give it a good shake outside) then place your Hug Rug inside a cotton pillow case and pop it in the washing machine. Just make sure you use non-bio detergent! Once it’s nice and clean, hang it up on the washing line to dry in the spring sunshine. It’ll look back to its best again in no time! For even more helpful tips to help care for your Hug Rugs, have a read of our care guides.

 

Hopefully you’re feeling a (little) bit better about having to carry out some Spring cleaning. It’s certainly not my favourite activity to do, but needs must if I want a nice and clean house! These tips have helped me to speed up my process over the years so hopefully they’ll have you doing something much more fun in no time!

Right I need to dash, between you and me, I’ve already attacked Ady’s man drawer and he’s asking where all his stuff is! 

Busy Lizzie x