Spring Cleaning Schedule

It makes good sense to clean twice a year instead of leaving everything for one overwhelming clean-up, so schedule a second cleaning session six months or so after your spring clean. Even if it takes you a few days, undertaking major cleaning twice a year is time saving because your house will remain cleaner and more organised for longer, and easier to maintain with just a light daily touch-up.

Do it in spring, when it's time to open up the house after winter (but before the Christmas season when you’re getting ready to welcome family and friends), and also during autumn, when it's cooler and there’s less incentive to spend your days outdoors.

Plan the operation to avoid finishing only part of the work. If you can't do it over several consecutive days, draw up a schedule for each room and follow it rigorously as soon as time allows.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials and that they are in good condition. And check that you have enough garbage bags to get rid of all those things that are useless or beyond repair.

In the bedroom
Twice a year
• Empty the wardrobe and drawers, sort and discard unwanted clothes
• Vacuum all interiors before replacing items
• Dust/vacuum the tops of cupboards
• Move the bed and vacuum thoroughly underneath
• Clean curtains, blinds, rugs and upholstery
• Clean lamps and light fittings
• Replace moth-repellent sachets if you use them
• Wash pillows made from synthetic fibre in the washing machine, two at a time, selecting a short cycle and placing tennis balls in the drum. Dry-clean feather down pillows
• Treat bed linen with an anti-dust mite product if there are allergy sufferers to consider
Once a year
• Air Doonas (duvets) and pillows outside (not in direct sunlight), and clean the covers, too

In living areas
Twice a year
• Clean curtains, blinds, rugs and upholstery, and wash the windows
• Clean lamps and light fittings
• Clean out and sort bookshelves; sort, cull and re-arrange videos, DVDs and CDs
• Move furniture that you don’t normally move and vacuum thoroughly