setting). Use a whitener specifically for net curtains. While the curtains are down, dust then clean rails with a damp cloth and detergent. Hang washed curtains to let creases drop. Wash duvets and pillows in the washing machine (take care not to overload) or take to the launderette. Make sure they are dry and aired before putting clean covers on. Turn the mattress.


If you or your children have eczema or allergies, go to allergyuk.org for specialist cleaning advice.


Bathrooms When cleaning the loo, start with the cistern at the top, then the handle and lid, followed by the seat, then under the seat. Don’t forget the outside of the bowl and on the floor (particularly if you have trigger- happy sons and dads). Pour thick bleach into the bowl and under the


Above: Shark Lift-Away Steam Pocket Mop from JML


rim. For really stubborn stains, empty the water out of the bowl with a disposable cup. This will give the chance for a thick limescale remover to really do its job. Leave to soak for the allotted time as per instructions. Flush a couple of times afterwards. Buy different coloured cloths and rubber gloves for areas like the toilet, or use hardwearing but disposable cloths. If you don’t like toilet brushes, use a disposable brush system with flushable paper heads. (it should go without saying that you should never flush anything else except paper. Even some ‘flushable’ wipes can cause sewage nightmares).


Tiled Areas Clean grouting before tiles. Take a toothbrush and scrub with a specialist grout cleaner (wear rubber gloves for this.) Loosen hard limescale with half hot water, half vinegar and leave for a few minutes before wiping down tiles with a sponge or cloth. Tackle stub- born areas with a specialist tile cleaner. Use a mould- inhibiting spray to keep mildew away.


Windows and Mirrors


like www.swapz.co.uk. Sell clothes and valuable items on Ebay or Amazon. Take your clothes to exchange at swishing events and have fun, whilst also giving your wardrobe a makeover. A list of swishing events around the UK can be found at www.swishing.co.uk


Dusting


Choose a fine day and open windows to let the fresh air in and the winter dust out. Shake out muddy rugs and dusters outside.


Start at the top and work your way down. Get cobwebs with a long-handled duster (ostrich feathers are good) and shake down the dust from tops of doors and picture frames


Cleaning


Professional cleaners wipe surfaces with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth in the other hand. Note which areas need cleaning most. Fight the urge to tackle to the dirtiest area first; start on the areas that require less cleaning. That way, you won’t be transferring more dirt from one area to another.


Soft Furnishing and Bedding Leave lined curtains to the professional dry cleaners. Same goes for sofa cushions and covers, unless the label specifies hand or machine wash (in which case, wash with a mild detergent on the coolest machine


Make your own glass and window cleaner with one part vinegar to four parts water, or spray with a quality window cleaner and remove with a lint-free cloth.


Floors Train your family to always take their shoes off when they come through the door, if they don’t already. Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter which holds onto dust and doesn’t blow it back into the air. For hard floors like laminate, wood, marble or stone, sweep or vacuum up any debris, then use a damp mop, or better still a steam mop, for hygienic, chemical-free cleaning. Check instructions for heat settings for each type of floor. We recently tested the new Shark Lift-Away Steam Pocket Mop from JML. Our testers loved it – they found it light and easy to steer for floors and carpets and the detachable, built- in hand held steamer was ideal for kitchen tops and bathroom tiles. Suffice to say, ‘it saved a lot of time and hard scrubbing’ which is what we are all looking for! For a more comprehensive review of the test, please visit www.mumsmag.net. Grime on skirting boards can be removed by hand with a damp cloth and a little washing up liquid. Stubborn stains on walls and surfaces can be removed with a magic eraser block, available from Lakeland and major supermarkets. Always patch test a small area first.


The Kitchen Oven If you’re not fortunate enough to have a self cleaning oven, it’s time to bring in the big guns. Using disposable gloves, spray heavy duty oven cleaner all over the inside of the oven, avoiding the fan. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for timings. Many cleaners now come with a strong plastic bag to put the shelves in, to allow the chemicals do their work. Make sure you are working in a ventilated area and are wearing gloves when handling or rinsing the shelves. Not feeling up to it? There are plenty of companies willing to take on the job. Take a look at www.ovencleaning.net for a list of companies local to you.


Fridge Throw away anything out of date. Remove shelves one at a time and wash with soapy water in the sink. Use a clean toothbrush to clean edges and rubber seals. Pull the fridge out; carefully vacuum the cooling element at the back to make the fridge more energy efficient.


Dry interior and shelves with a towel and replace food as soon as possible. Add a small bowl of bicar- bonate of soda to absorb any odours.


Microwave Place a large bowl of hot water, bicarbonate of soda and lemon in the microwave and cook on full heat for 4 or 5 minutes. This will generate anti-bacterial steam which can then be wiped off with a cloth. Use a small brush to clean any food residue.


Washing Machine When it comes to hard working appliances the washing machine takes some beating. What would you do if it ever broke down? The best way to keep your machine running effectively and efficiently is to clean it every 2-3 months, to flush out all the dirt you can see as well as the dirt you can’t see. There are specialist washing machine cleaners available such as Service-it from Dr Beckmann for eliminating not just the nasty odours and detergent build up but also limescale. Think about the garments you put into your machine, some will have high levels of bacteria that can remain inside your machine and transfer back onto your clothes. That’s why using an anti-bacterial washing machine cleaner regularly is extremely important as part of your home hygiene regime. When you’re running a busy home the laundry


soon starts to build up and so do the stains. It’s important to check your washing for stains and treat them as soon as possible for the best chance of removing them and help to keep your clothes looking great. There are a number of in wash stain removers that offer a quick fix for everyday stains. But if you have a particularly tricky stain that needs a little more work, such as red wine or curry, you really need to use a stain specific stain remover, like Stain Devils.


So, you’ve finally tackled that winter grime. Sit back, relax in your spring-cleaned, streamlined home and look forward to summertime, when the living is easy. (Or a little easier, we hope.) For more tips, product tests and a comprehensive, room by room spring clean checklist, please visit our website at www.mumsmag.net


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