The days are getting longer again and the first rays of sunshine are luring out the first early bloomers: spring is just around the corner! This also heralds the arrival of spring cleaning. For many decades now, the big "clean-up" has been part of the tradition as soon as nature starts to blossom again. No wonder, because together with the sun's rays, the uncleaned windows and dusty shelves really stand out.
Spring cleaning is also the ideal way to symbolically say goodbye to winter and give your home a fresh upgrade. You free yourself from physical dirt and create space for new and positive things. Take a leaf out of nature's book and start with new energy and joy by creating clarity, freshness and order in your home.
What is spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is a fixed ritual for many people at the start of the warmer season. Perhaps you intuitively feel that it's time to give your living spaces a thorough clean. During a spring clean, you pay special attention to every room: hidden corners are cleaned, curtains are washed and furniture is polished. This makes spring cleaning very different from regular cleaning. Things that you otherwise rarely clean or organize are now cleaned and organized.
Incidentally, spring cleaning is believed to have its origins in the days of coal and wood-burning stoves. As soon as the temperatures rose, people used the first warm days of spring to air out and remove soot, ash and dust from their living spaces. Take this opportunity to let in the fresh spring breeze.
Small impulses
- Sort out: Try to use spring cleaning to make a good resolution and get rid of things that have been lying around unused for a long time. Gather them together to donate or recycle them.
- Repairs: Take the opportunity to carry out minor repairs that you have been putting off for a long time.
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Small changes: Your interior will benefit from a new coat of paint, new plants or a different arrangement of furniture - this will give it a new lease of life. Spring cleaning is the ideal opportunity to give your living space a little makeover.
When should you start spring cleaning?
That's up to you! There are no fixed rules as to when exactly you should start spring cleaning. Some people start in the last few weeks of winter and others wait until it's completely over. Traditionally, you start at the beginning of spring, around March 20.
Ultimately, however, the ideal time for spring cleaning depends on you and your schedule. Much more important than sticking to 'traditional' deadlines is to choose a time when you are motivated and feel good to give your home a thorough clean. Just let spring inspire you to get started in your tidy up your home.
What are the benefits of spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning has a number of notable benefits that have a positive impact on both your environment and your well-being.
Thorough cleanliness
During the winter months, life takes place indoors and there is less ventilation - dirt and dust accumulate. A comprehensive spring clean ensures a deep clean that goes far beyond the usual cleaning. Your home will feel cleaner and look fresher and more inviting.
Improved air quality
By ventilating properly during spring cleaning, stale and stuffy indoor air and potential pollutants are let out and replaced with fresh spring air.
Reduction of clutter
By sorting out items you no longer need during spring cleaning, you create more space. This has aesthetic benefits, but also makes your life easier. Less clutter makes you more efficient and less stressed.
Mental renewal
A clean and organized environment can increase your mental well-being. After a thorough spring clean, you will feel more energetic, productive and generally happier.
Increase your longevity
By cleaning carpets, polishing furniture or cleaning household appliances, you extend their lifespan.
Energy and cost efficiency
Clogged air vents or dirty radiators significantly reduce the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. In this case, thorough cleaning helps to ensure that all energy systems function optimally and consume less energy. This saves costs.
Increasing safety
Use spring cleaning to check your home directly for potential dangers. For example, check your electrical appliances, replace expired fire extinguishers and dispose of old medication. Above all, check the tidiness in the children's room.
Five spring cleaning tips
Spring cleaning doesn't have to be difficult and can even be fun. Here are five tips to make spring cleaning easier.
1. clean from top to bottom
Always start at the top and work your way down. Start by dusting ceiling lights, lampshades or the tops of shelves. This is followed by walls and furniture and finally the floor. This principle prevents dust and dirt from falling from above and re-soiling areas that have already been cleaned.
2. rely on household remedies
Chemical cleaners often leave behind strong odors and residues. Natural-based cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda or citric acid are gentle, effective and environmentally friendly. A mixture of vinegar and water can be used as a window cleaner that even leaves a streak-free finish. Bicarbonate of soda is an excellent and carefully used scouring agent for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Citric acid can dissolve limescale deposits.
3. choose the right cloth
Microfiber cloths are a must for spring cleaning. Thanks to their special structure, they can absorb dirt, grease and dust more effectively than conventional cotton cloths. They also leave no residue on glass and shiny surfaces. Microfiber cloths are also washable, reusable and more environmentally friendly than disposable products.
4. reach for storage solutions
Practical storage systems help you to keep your home tidy during spring cleaning and keep it that way in the long term. Think about solutions like Drawer organizers or Stickers, labels and tags after. This means things have a fixed place and are quick and easy to find.
Still a storage novice? No problem! Let our starter sets or our bestsellers-page for inspiration.
5. reduction and categorization
Learn to let go. Set yourself the goal of regularly sorting out things that you no longer need. By proceeding according to categories, e.g. clothes, books or kitchen utensils, you can keep an overview. After sorting out, organize the remaining items within the categories.
Extra tips: Music or an audio book will help to make cleaning more enjoyable and keep you motivated. Remember to take regular breaks!
What do you need for spring cleaning?
Every spring clean should start with a detailed plan so that you know exactly what needs to be done. Set yourself milestones: Go step by step, room by room or by activity. Then get all the cleaning utensils together and you're ready to start spring cleaning.
Basic cleaning products:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Kitchen cleaner
- Floor cleaner for various surfaces (e.g. wood, tiles, laminate)
- Carpet cleaner
- Upholstery cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Limescale and rust remover
Cleaning tools and accessories:
- Bucket
- Mop
- Broom
- Hand brush and dustpan
- Vacuum cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Tea towels
- sponges
- Scouring pads for stubborn dirt
- chamois leather
Other tools:
- Rubber gloves
- Ladder or step stool
- garbage bags
- Labeling material (for boxes, bags, etc.)
- Donation bags or boxes
