Our Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Home

Welcome to the Bensons for Beds guide to spring cleaning your home! Spring is in full swing (or so they tell us) and as the seasons change and the weather starts to warm up, we are presented with the perfect opportunity to give our homes a good and proper clean ready for those brighter days ahead.

In this guide, we'll take you through some of the processes and prep-work to set yourself up for a successful annual spring cleaning session. We’ll also share some top tips and tricks you can apply while cleaning each of the different areas of your home.

From the bedroom to the kitchen, the bathroom, and beyond, we've got you covered. We'll also share some insights to help you maintain a clean home after your spring cleaning session too. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make your home sparkle this springtime!

Preparing for spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is a great way to give your home a thorough refresh while creating a clean and organised space. But, before you dash off to begin this annual cleaning ritual, it's important to have a plan in place.

Here are some top tips to help you prep like a pro for a successful spring cleaning session:

De-cluttering: Start by decluttering your space. Work your way through your home room by room and get rid of any of those things you no longer need or use. You can donate or sell items that are in good nick, but be sure to dispose of any broken or unusable belongings too. Decluttering helps to make your home look tidier almost instantly. But it will also create more space to allow for a deeper clean too.

Plan your cleaning session: Once the decluttering is done, you can focus your attention on creating a cleaning plan. Try to break tasks down by room or floor. Remember to prioritise tasks in those rooms that are most in need of your attention. You could choose to tackle one room at a time, only moving onto the next room when you're satisfied that the one you're working on is now immaculate. Alternatively, you can work through the to-do list on a task by task basis - so cleaning all the windows, or dusting all the surfaces in your home - before moving onto the next task. You may also wish to think about spreading the tasks over a few days too as this can make the whole process easier to manage.

Stock up on cleaning supplies: Ensure your cleaning cupboard is well-stocked with the cleaning supplies needed. Check that you have essentials such as all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, disinfectants, and cleaning cloths a-plenty before you begin. You could also think about using eco-friendly products too. This will help to minimise the impact of your cleaning session on the environment.

At Bensons for Beds, we are well aware of the impact of having a clean and comfortable bedroom to retreat to after a hard day. Our ranges of mattresses, storage bed frames, and bedroom furniture have been designed to help you enhance your sleep environment. A fresh and organised bedroom is much more conducive to a restful night's sleep. And after all your spring cleaning efforts, you'll have well and truly earned a good night's sleep.

Spring cleaning the bedroom

Spring is a great time to give your bedroom a refresh with a thorough cleaning. Here are some top tips to help you tackle three of the most important areas in your sleep space: your mattress, wardrobe, and the space under your bed.

1. Cleaning your mattress: Get started by stripping off all the bedding. Then, using the upholstery tool, vacuum the mattress carefully to get rid of any dust or debris. If your mattress has any stains, you can spot clean them using a mild detergent and warm water. And to get rid of unpleasant odours, baking soda is a handy tool. Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit for a few hours. Then vacuum it up. Again, be sure to use an upholstery tool when hoovering your mattress as this helps to protect the exterior of the mattress and prevents the mattress fillings from being disrupted too. Finally, flip or rotate the mattress to ensure even wear and tear. For more info on how to clean and care for your mattress, our dedicated guide explains everything you need to know.
2. Organising your wardrobe: Streamlining your wardrobe is also a key part of the spring cleaning process. Sort through your clothes and try to get rid of anything you no longer wear. You can either donate or sell your old clothing to help free up space in your wardrobe. Next, wipe down the shelves in your wardrobe (and the hangers too) with a damp cloth. Storage hacks such as hanging organisers and drawer dividers are a great idea for those looking to maximise space and keep everything in their wardrobe tidy, organised, and accessible.
3. Cleaning under the bed: Moving the bed will most likely unveil an entourage of hidden dust and dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to clean the floor and those hard-to-reach areas. And for those with storage boxes under the bed, seize this opportunity to declutter and organise them too.

By following these spring cleaning tips, you'll be able to establish a clean and inviting bedroom environment that is optimised to help you sleep better. And if you're in need of a new mattress or bedroom furniture, be sure to take a peek at our range of high-quality products.

Spring cleaning the kitchen

Spring is also an ideal time to give your kitchen a deep clean. From refreshing essential cooking appliances to organising your pantry and kitchen cupboards, there are several areas we can focus our efforts to ensure that our kitchens are left sparkling clean.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Deep-clean appliances: Kitchen appliances work really hard and yet, in most homes, they get very little love (in terms of cleaning anyway). Spring cleaning gives us an opportunity to love them back to their best. Start by taking away any removable parts such as shelves and drawers, and wash them using warm soapy water. Then, wipe down the interior and exterior of these essential appliances too. Your fridge, oven, microwave, air-fryer and dishwasher will all thank you for this! Remember to use a non-abrasive cleaner - if in doubt, you can choose to refer to your manufacturer's guide for additional advice too. And don't forget to clean any filters or vents to ensure optimal performance.

Organising your kitchen cupboards: Decluttering and better organising your pantry and kitchen cupboards will help make meal prep easier. Start by getting everything out. Get rid of any expired items and begin grouping similar items together. Before you start putting everything away again, give the inside of your kitchen cupboards a thorough wipe down. You could also think about using storage containers or baskets to keep things neat and organised. Shelf liners are another great product you can use to protect your shelves and make cleaning spills easier too.

Cleaning work surfaces: Take your spring cleaning session as an opportunity to wipe down your work surfaces properly. Everything from your countertops to your kitchen island will benefit from a good scrub using a mild cleaner that is appropriate for the materials in your kitchen. Pay attention to any stains or marks and use the right cleaning products to remove them. Once you've given them a thorough clean, you can also give your work surfaces a good polish to help restore their shine too.

With these tips, giving your kitchen a fresh, clean look for the spring season is an achievable goal. Plus, while a clean and organised kitchen looks great, it also creates a more enjoyable cooking and dining experience for the foreseeable future too.

Spring cleaning the living room

You’ve guessed it! Spring is also great time to deep clean your living room and refresh the space.

So, here are some tips to help you tackle the task ahead:

1. Cleaning furniture: Start by dusting all surfaces in your living room. This includes everything from coffee and side tables to shelves, bookcases, and beyond. A microfiber cloth or a feather duster is a handy accomplice in your mission to banish the dust from your living room furniture. If you have wooden furniture, a wood polish can help to restore its natural shine. And don't forget to vacuum or spot clean upholstered furniture to get rid of any dirt or stains.
2. Cleaning electronics: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your electronics, affecting their performance and appearance. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your TV, speakers, gaming consoles, and any other electronic devices in your living room. Pay special attention to the vents and crevices where dust tends to accumulate. For stubborn stains or fingerprints, use a gentle electronic cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent (1).
3. Freshening up soft furnishings: Soft furnishings, such as curtains, cushions, and rugs, can trap dust and odours over time. Start by vacuuming your curtains using a brush attachment. For machine-washable curtains, follow the manufacturer's instructions. For cushions and rugs, check the care labels for cleaning instructions. Some may be machine washable, while others may require professional cleaning. Consider using fabric fresheners or sprays to eliminate any lingering odours.

By following these spring cleaning tips, you can keep your living room looking fresh and inviting. If you're in need of new furniture or a sofa bed to update your living room, explore our range of products. Our collection includes stylish and functional pieces that can enhance the comfort and aesthetics of your living space.

Spring cleaning the bathroom

Surprise, surprise! While you’re spring cleaning, it’s the perfect time to give your bathroom a fresh start too. With a little elbow grease and the right techniques, you can make your bathroom sparkle and shine.

Here are some tips for tackling the bathroom during your spring cleaning routine:

1. Disinfecting and cleaning the shower and toilet: Start by removing any personal items from the shower and wiping down the surfaces with a mild disinfectant. Use a scrub brush or sponge to clean the shower walls, floor, and glass doors. Don't forget to scrub the toilet bowl and seat, and disinfect the handle and flush button.
2. Dealing with mould and soap scum: Mould and soap scum can build up over time, especially in damp areas of the bathroom. To tackle mould, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray it on the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly (2). For soap scum, use a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Scrub the surfaces with a sponge or cloth, then rinse well (3). These are just our thoughts from our research but if you are unsure or in any doubt feel free to do your own research in this area and clean accordingly.
3. Refreshing towels and bathmats: Over time, towels and bathmats can become dull and musty. To refresh them, start by washing them in hot water with a small amount of detergent. If they have any stains, treat them with a stain remover before washing. Hang them outside to dry in the fresh air and sunshine, if possible, or use a dryer on a low heat setting (4).

By putting these tips into action, your bathroom will be sparkling clean and ready for the spring season.

Maintaining a clean home post spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is an essential task to refresh and rejuvenate your home after the long winter months. But what happens once the spring cleaning is done? How can you maintain the cleanliness and freshness of your home throughout the year?

Here are some practical tips to help you keep your home clean and tidy:

1. Creating a cleaning schedule is key to maintaining a clean home. By setting aside specific days or times for different cleaning tasks, you can ensure that no area of your home gets neglected. Divide your cleaning tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly routines. For example, you can allocate daily tasks like making the bed, doing the dishes, and wiping countertops. Weekly tasks might include vacuuming, mopping floors, and dusting surfaces. Monthly tasks can involve deep cleaning tasks like washing windows, cleaning appliances, and decluttering.
2. Incorporate quick daily clean-ups into your routine. This can make a big difference in keeping your home tidy. Spend just a few minutes each day tidying up and putting things back in their place. This can involve tasks like organising clutter, wiping down surfaces, and sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic areas. By staying on top of these small tasks, you can prevent dirt and mess from accumulating and save yourself from overwhelming cleaning sessions in the future.
3. Keep your home smelling fresh. After all, a clean home should not only look clean but also smell clean. To achieve this, consider using natural air fresheners like essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or simmering pots with herbs and spices. Regularly open windows to let in fresh air and dispel any stale odours. Additionally, be mindful of any potential sources of unpleasant smells, such as dirty laundry, rubbish bins, or pet areas. By addressing these issues promptly, you can ensure your home always smells inviting and pleasant.

Sources:

1. https://uk.pcmag.com/how-to/132478/how-to-disinfect-your-phone-and-electronics-from-viruses-and-germs
2. https://www.merrymaids.com/cleaning-tips/diy/a-guide-to-cleaning-mold-with-vinegar/
3. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-soap-scum-4137657
4. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-wash-towels