Spring Cleaning Tips – Those once a year jobs

It feels like it’s taken forever, but spring has indeed sprung. Notoriously the time of year to dust off the cobwebs and shake out the rugs, here are some thoughts on those once a year jobs…

INDOORS

CHIMNEY

This depends a lot on how much you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Use nacs.org.uk to find a local sweep.

INTERIOR PAINTWORK

Wash walls painted with latex paint using warm water and a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. Dip a clean sponge in the water and wring it dry. Clean the wall by gently rubbing it. Pay special attention to areas that get touched often – such as around doorknobs and light switches.

CURTAINS

Take them down, remove all eye hooks and weights, and loosen heading tape. Check the instructions and either dry clean or cool machine wash.

UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE & CARPETS

Have these deep cleaned by a professional company. Find one using the

National Carpet Cleaners Association

LIGHT BULBS

These need to be wiped with a damp cloth. Make sure they are switched off as well as cool first.

SHOWERHEADS

Unscrew and leave overnight in a bowl of distilled vinegar.

KETTLES

Fill with half water and half distilled vinegar and leave overnight to remove limescale.

MATTRESSES

Many modern mattresses do not need to be turned, however, give them a hoover.

CLOGGED UP BASINS & BATHS

To unblock these simply pour boiling water down the drain, followed by a ½ cup of bicarbonate of soda. Leave for a few minutes, then pour in a cup of distilled vinegar and another of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes, then flush through with more boiling water.

Outdoors

Throughout the winter we are all itching for even the tiniest glimmer of good weather so that we can get outside and enjoy the longer and warmer days. However, before we can enjoy our gardens to the full there is just enough time to get down and dirty with some basic housekeeping, plan a few new projects and even order a few treats to enjoy in the summer months.

Here are few tips to get your garden sorted, planted and ready for a full-on summer extravaganza.

CLEAN UP and REPAIRS

Winter can be hard on your trees, shrubs and hedges

• Clear up fallen leaves and bag them in a black bin liner. Stab a few holes in the plastic and place them somewhere out of the way. Before you know it you will have some lovely lush leaf mould.
• Clean out your potting shed and wash all pots and trays, in a warm water and disinfectant mix, ready for planting.
• Clean, oil and sharpen your tools ready for use. Throw away or repair broken and rusted tools.
• If you have a greenhouse, make sure you wash shelving and glass thoroughly and then ventilate for a couple of days before loading it up with all those tender seedlings.
• Clean out gutters and check downpipes are not blocked with debris and leaves.
• Give patios and decking a good pressure-wash and re-seal wherever necessary.
• Check fences, gates and trellis for damage. Make all necessary repairs and give a good coat of preservative.

SOIL and SHRUBS

• Clear up twigs and old dead growth from garden beds to allow spring bulbs and plants to flourish.
• Turn over borders and beds where necessary and mix in fresh compost/manure to add some vital nutrients to the soil.
• While you are in amongst your shrubs always check for unwanted bugs. Remove slugs, snails and old aphid nests.
• Prune dead branches and twigs off trees and shrubs and generally tidy up the basic shape.
• Trim hedges into shape now to avoid stepping all over your plants later in the season.
• Now is the perfect time to move any deciduous shrubs whilst they are still dormant. Make sure you take care digging them out, plant back at the same level and water in well to give them the best chance to thrive.

SEEDS and PLANTS

• If you have a greenhouse now is the time to buy and sow your seeds to get them off to a good start.
• Consider a rainy day as the perfect opportunity to sit down with your favourite catalogue and choose your favourite summer-flowering bulbs ready for planting during the next dry spell.
• A day out at the garden centre is a welcome treat too if you have managed to get your garden ready for some new shrubs and perennials.

NEW PROJECTS and PURCHASES

Once you have your basic garden housekeeping sorted and your seeds ordered and sown, you can concentrate on planning new projects.

• Create a composting area

If you don’t already have a composting area now is the time to organise one. Not only will you have somewhere to dispose of vegetable scraps but you will end up with some wonderful rich compost. Ready-made bins are readily available or you could build one using old pallets, mesh wire etc.

• Install water butts

Install water butts in your garden now to collect seasonal rainfall. You will be helping the environment plus rainwater is perfect for watering ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons, Camellias and Blueberries. There are kits available which make accessing your downpipes relatively simple. Make sure you position the water butts high enough to make it easy to place your watering can or bucket easily under the tap.

• Vegetable Plot

If you have sufficient space and fancy trying your hand at growing your own, now is the perfect time to get cracking. Do some basic research to ensure that you can achieve your goals in terms of bed sizes and crop yield but remember that you can grow many crops in extremely tiny spaces, including planters and hanging baskets. The internet is your best friend if you are looking for ideas which will suit your space, your budget and your aspirations.

Once you have achieved all of this hard work it’s now time to move into the slightly less arduous maintenance level of gardening.

You may of course prefer to hire a professional to take care of your garden on your behalf, leaving you with more time to sit down, relax and enjoy your exterior space when the warmer months arrive!

Wherever you are in the world, Eden can help you to find good housekeeping private staff to oversee all your homecare needs. Call Now +44 (0)207 471 6000