Spring is in the air, and now is the perfect time to give your home a proper spring clean before summer begins. Cleaning expert Joyce French from HomeHow.co.uk has shared five top cleaning tips for you to get started with.

Clean skirting boards

Joyce says these areas are often disregarded but can quickly accumulate dust, dirt and pet hair, particularly in high-traffic areas such as the living room. 

The areas will need frequent dusting, but if they have become built up with grease and dirt, they may require a deeper spring clean.

The exact treatment will depend on whether they are painted or made from natural wood or tile, but the general approach is to dust and vacuum before using a gentle mix of warm water and dish soap applied with a cloth. 

You should wipe them down with a clean towel afterwards to ensure that they are completely dry.

Dust light fixtures

Lights and lamps draw dust to them every time the bulb is turned on and hot, and a large amount of dust will naturally settle inside lampshades, whether on the wall, ceiling, tabletop or floor.

To clean them, Joyce says you should start by turning off the power source before removing any bulbs and shades and wiping them down with a just slightly damp cloth.

You should use a soft-bristled brush, an old toothbrush or a lint roller to remove any dust and dirt from the fixture itself.

Clean windows

Keeping your windows fresh and clean is a task that you should be keeping on top of regularly, but spring is the perfect time to give them that extra deep clean to ensure that the sunlight can flow freely into your home.

To clean, fill a large bucket with clean, cool water and add a few drops of soapy detergent. 

Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to go over the surface of the window, working your way down from top to bottom. 

Spray thoroughly with vinegar and water solution, and use a clean, lint-free towel to wipe them over for that perfect streak-free shine.

Vacuum and mop floors

Vacuuming your floors and carpets is likely to be a task that is completed at least once a week. 

Kick off your spring clean by moving furniture such as sofas, beds, and refrigerators to combat the dust that has accumulated underneath.

Once the area is vacuumed and free of dust and debris, tackle hard flooring with a mop to leave it looking shiny and new. 

Wet and wring the mop before using it and spot-treat tricky areas. Rinse carefully and allow the floor to dry fully before walking on it again.

Organise your wardrobe

Dividing your items into summer and winter clothing can be a great solution for saving space and is particularly crucial if you have a smaller wardrobe. 

As the weather is starting to become much warmer and sunnier, it is the perfect time to move your summer clothes to the forefront.

If you are limited on wardrobe space, boxes and suitcases stored away in clever spaces such as under a raised bed can be a perfect place to store your winter clothes until next season. 

Make sure that storage areas are completely free of moisture to avoid any damage occurring to fabrics.