Spring cleaning plan: tips and tricks
It’s that time again – the annual spring cleaning is coming up. Half of the Germans clean every year and that’s a good thing. Unfortunately, with the first rays of sunshine, the dust of the last few months also comes to light. So that your apartment will soon shine in new splendor, you will find many tips for a successful spring cleaning here.
Where does the “spring cleaning” come from?
Spring cleaning is not an invention of the cleaning agent industry, because even in ancient Rome people fell into the annual cleaning mania. The word February comes from “februare”, which means to clean in Latin. So the Romans probably used February for an annual cleaning. And in ancient Persia, too, the house was cleaned for “Noruz”, the New Year’s festival. This celebration took place on the equinox, the beginning of astronomical spring between March 19th and 21st. Spring cleaning has a long tradition.
Prepare for spring cleaning
The long-awaited spring is just around the corner – now we have to put things in order. Because where before the wintry darkness covered all dirt corners, dusty reality now prevails. And something has to be done about it. So it’s now: “To the cleaning buckets, get set, go!”
- Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast in advance
- Put all the cleaning materials down – are all the cleaning materials in the house and are there still enough bags in the vacuum cleaner?
- Provide empty boxes for cleaning out
The decision whether you want to do the spring cleaning with or without your child is entirely up to you. You can of course involve your child, because this way the little helpers learn early on that cleaning is not just mum’s job. However, you should give your offspring age-appropriate tasks so that they can do them with pride. For example, they can tidy up their own room first, wipe the furniture with a duster or go out with the vacuum cleaner on their own.
Systematic spring cleaning
After the preparation, it’s getting serious now. So that the cleaning action is also a clean affair, the motto applies here: “Cleaning with a system”. At the very beginning there is tidying up on the cleaning plan. Because cleaning is only possible in a tidy apartment. After that, dusting and then vacuuming could be on the agenda. It is best to take care of one room after the other – that means first removing the dust in all rooms and then devoting yourself entirely to cleaning. Basically, cleaning should be done from top to bottom and from back to front. In addition, we give you a few tips for cleaning:
- Keep all cleaning materials away from children and lock them away.
- Clean with music! This is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
- Take breaks in between and reward everyone with a little something. This can be a piece of chocolate, a cup of cocoa or a healthy snack.
- Make a to-do list and check it off together. This is how everyone sees the state of affairs.
- If there is a lot to do, the house cleaning can also be divided into two days. This way, stress is kept within limits and a bad mood doesn’t stand a chance.
What does spring cleaning clean?
After the “standard spots” the special dirt spots are cleaned thoroughly. Because they really exist, the places and objects that seem to magically attract dust and dirt, even if you don’t see it at first glance. It’s time to clean these places properly again:
- Cabinets: interior and exterior surfaces
- lamps
- radiator
- Clean the washing machine: detergent compartment, rubber seals and lint filter
- refrigerator interior
- freezer
Declutter and declutter during spring cleaning
During the big spring cleaning, not only is the cleaning rag swung, but cupboards, boxes and the like are also cleared out. According to the motto: “Spring is coming and old stuff is going!” buried clothes and defective household appliances are finally disposed of. This includes sorting out anything you haven’t worn or used in months or even years. Three boxes are recommended to help you decide:
- All the stuff goes in the first box to be thrown away
- In the second all to pick up
- Cases of doubt go into the third box. You put this box in the basement for a year and if you haven’t missed or needed anything from the box by the end of the time, then it goes in the garbage. Finally!
Spring cleaning – How to remove dirt with home remedies
- Cooker: The miracle cure for stubborn crusts in the oven is called sodium carbonate or simply washing soda. Mix a teaspoon of washing soda with a cup of warm water. For application to the incrustations, absorbent and tear-resistant kitchen paper is recommended, which is soaked in the solution. Then line the oven with it and let it soak at least overnight. The next day the incrustations should be able to be wiped away by itself.
Note: Sodium carbonate irritates the mucous membranes and has a degreasing effect, so you should wear gloves and not inhale the dust. - Hotplate: Rub Vaseline on stainless steel hobs and ceramic hotplates after cleaning to prevent dirt from burning in so quickly. In addition, the panels are easier to clean afterwards.
- Stovetops: They are easy to clean with aluminum foil and baking soda. Simply sprinkle the powder on the edges of the hob and then rub the plates with the aluminum foil ball in a circular motion.
- Extractor hood: You simply rub a thin layer of baby oil on an extractor hood made of combed stainless steel. This gives you a streak-free shine after cleaning.
- Stainless steel sink: Rubbing with vinegar essence helps against water stains. Then polish with a damp cloth – done!
- Plastic sink: Add half a cup of laundry detergent and some hot water to the sink if needed. Leave everything to work for a few hours and afterwards the pool will look like new.
Note: Only use washing powder that is suitable for up to 90 degrees – that’s the only way it works. Liquid or delicate detergents do not work. - Parquet floor: Parquet shines beautifully again when you add brewed black tea to the cleaning water.
- Tiles: Toothpaste makes teeth white and tiles shiny. Rub the dull bathroom tile thoroughly with toothpaste. Then wash off with a wet cloth. That gives a great shine.
- Limescale : Limescale saucepans become sparkling clean again when two handfuls of potato peelings are boiled in them.
Spring cleaning – home remedies for bad smells
- Fridge smells: Put about four tablespoons of coffee powder in nylon knee socks, tie them up and put them in the fridge! Neutralizes all sorts of odors and doesn’t cost much. Or: Sprinkle 50 grams of baking soda on a saucer and put in the fridge. Replace after a long time, pour the old baking soda down the drain, then it won’t smell like that.
- Drain stink : Once a month, to keep your sink from smelling stinky, sprinkle a tablespoon of “soda” in it, followed by a cup of boiling water. Leave on for about an hour and rinse off with clear water. The stench is gone.
- Dishwasher smell: Squeezed lemon peels help. Just put it in the dishwasher. Then it smells nice and fresh again, even if you haven’t washed it for two to three days. However, change after every wash.
- Tupper stinks: When the Tupperware smells of food and doesn’t go away even after washing! Simply place the Tupperware in the freezer overnight! After that the bad smell is gone.
- Cooking smells: If cooking smells bother you, place two or three cloves on the hot stove and let them burn out. Smells a bit strong at first, but after five minutes it’s all gone.