The birds are singing, daffodils are in full bloom and the days are getting longer – spring must be in the air! Whilst there’s a hive of activity going on outside, as nature busies itself for the months ahead, there’s plenty we can be doing ourselves indoors to get our own home ready for the new season. Here are some top spring cleaning tips from the experts at Carpet Bright UK.
1. Clean your windows
Winter wind and rain can leave your windows looking dull, streaky and dirty, preventing the spring sunshine from fully flowing inside. When the sun does put its hat on, the marks and streaks on your windows will be glaringly evident – both inside and out. Now’s the perfect time to give your windows the full wipe down they demand, so you can enjoy clear, uninterrupted views of the blossoming world outdoors.
Use a soft brush to loosen any dust and dirt from windows, then use a damp microfibre cloth to work all around the windows, finishing off with a dry cloth. You can use a mild, soapy detergent or a special window cleaning solution. Pick a cloudy day to clean your windows, as they might start drying whilst you’re still cleaning them if the sun shines, which could create streaks.
2. Refresh your curtains
Once your windows look sparkling, streak-free, clean and fresh, it makes sense to finish the job off properly by paying attention to your window coverings. If you’ve hung up heavy, insulating drapes to keep your property warm during the winter, now’s the ideal time to consider replacing them with lighter curtains for the warmer months ahead.
Curtains can become dusty, attracting particles and allergens in the fabric folds. If you have pets, you might also find that the lower parts of your curtains are covered in hairs, where your furry friend has brushed past them. Whether you decide to change your curtains for spring or stay with the ones you’ve got, it’s a good idea to get your curtains professionally cleaned, in readiness for the months ahead. Not only will your curtains look better, but the removal of dust and allergens from them can help to improve the surrounding air quality.
3. Spring clean carpets and rugs
Winter mud and dirt from outdoors can end up in your carpets and rugs, so by the time spring arrives, your carpets and rugs could be looking as dull and drab as a grey, bleak midwinter’s day.
Getting your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your property, whilst removing all the dirt, grime, germs, bacteria, dust mites and stains that may have built up over the previous months.
At Carpet Bright UK, we recommend you get your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned at least once per year or more, depending on how frequently they’re used, and how dirty they are. Using our carpet and rug cleaning London business can give you peace of mind that your items will be professionally cleaned using industrial strength machines that provide a more intensive, deeper clean than you could ever achieve yourself. What’s more, because our professionals use high-tech cleaning equipment that cleans and dries your carpets and rugs quickly, there’s minimal disruption involved, so you can get on with other spring cleaning chores.
If any furniture is moved off your carpets whilst they’re being deep cleaned (we can organise this for you) now might also be the ideal time to have a rethink of how you use your space. Moving furniture around can refresh the look and feel of your property – without you needing to spend any money. Plus, moving furniture around can help to prevent carpet discoloration, where some areas receive more light than others.
Getting your carpets cleaned also provides you with the ideal opportunity to have a thorough declutter of your space – whether it’s tidying up piles of books and magazines on your floor that have collected over winter or moving belongings you no longer need or use. Decluttering not only makes your space look neater and more organised, but it could be good for health, with countless studies suggesting it can lower anxiety and stress levels, whilst improving your mood.
Once mats and rugs near door entrances have been cleaned and the dirt and debris from winter washed away, keep entrance areas tidy and organised. Winter boots can be cleaned of mud and then stored away.
4. Give upholstery a new lease of life
Over the colder months of the year, our sofas and armchairs will have had plenty of use as we hunker down indoors keeping warm. And it might start to show. If your upholstery furniture is looking a little tired, stained and dull it could do with a spring clean. Ideally, you should aim to give your settees and chairs a weekly vacuum clean to remove surface dust and crumbs, but around every six months we recommend professional deep cleaning. This can remove ingrained dirt and allergens from upholstery fabrics, as well as get rid of spills and stains. If you have a pet that has a favourite spot on the sofa, professional cleaning can also eliminate stray hairs, dander and other pet soiling.
As well as getting your upholstery deep cleaned, consider changing cushions for lighter, more seasonal fabrics, colours and designs. Cushion covers can often be machine washed, but always check the cleaning labels beforehand.
5. Upgrade your mattresses
Mattresses do an incredibly important job – they provide us with the restful sleep we need, keeping us comfortable and supported. But how much attention do we give them back? When it comes to spring cleaning your property, mattresses are often overlooked, but it’s time to give them the TLC they need and deserve.
Over time, mattresses can become hotbeds of germs, bacteria, dust and allergens like dust mites, which can aggravate your health. There are already enough allergy-triggering substances around in spring, with pollen from the trees, for example, so why make matters worse by exposing yourself to even more nuisance health irritants than you need to? Getting your mattresses professionally cleaned this spring can give you peace of mind that dust and allergens are evicted, while giving your mattresses a new lease of life, so they look cleaner and fresher for longer.
Bear in mind that the average mattress lasts for about 7-10 years, so if your mattresses have already clocked up a few years and start to feel uncomfortable, replacing them might be the best option.
As it gets warmer, now’s the time to also wash winter bedding and replace high tog winter duvets with lighter ones. When you put winter bedding away, give your cupboards, drawers and wardrobes a good sort out.
Following our spring cleaning tips can help to keep your space neat, tidy, clean, fresh and organised. Even better, with regular professional assistance from our carpet and rug cleaning London experts, we can help to add years to the life of your curtains, mattresses, upholstery, carpets and rugs. Contact Carpet Bright UK for a free quote.
