This was published 2 years ago

The one task a professional cleaner always does first when spring cleaning

September 29, 2023 - 9.14am

Spring cleaning is an annual tradition that dates back thousands of years, originating from a Jewish Passover custom, and Persian and Chinese New Year practices.

Today in Australia the concept remains as popular as ever as a way to refresh the home after winter.

Even if you didn't spend that much time hibernating inside during the colder months, spring cleaning is a good reminder to tackle all those less regular chores we tend to avoid throughout the year.

Jetlag Remedy owner and professional cleaner Simone Tsigolis told 9Honey Living the warmer weather and longer daylight hours also make spring the perfect time to clean the home.

"Throw open those windows, let the sunshine in, shake the dust off and you'll instantly feel a burst of energy and a breath of fresh air... It's like hitting the reset button for your home, making it feel cleaner and healthier," she said.

"Plus, it's the ideal opportunity to tackle that clutter and say goodbye to stuff you no longer need. That's a surefire way to make your home feel more spacious and organised."

How to approach spring cleaning

We could all probably draft up an endless list of chores and spaces that need tackling around your home, but that would just lead to overwhelm and result in us never starting rather than making progress.

Tsigolis has put together a simplified checklist of tasks to tackle in most areas of the house, which you can find at the end of this article.

Simone Tsigolis recommends starting spring cleaning with decluttering. Supplied

The checklist is a good starting point that you can add, subtract or tweak to suit your own home when you do your spring cleaning.

While spring cleaning sounds like an event, you don't have to tackle it all at once in one day or weekend unless you have the time, energy and desire to do so.

It's easy to underestimate how much effort and time cleaning takes, so you might want to consider spreading it out.

"A dedicated cleaning day or weekend can appeal to those who prefer an efficient approach," Tsigolis said.

"On the other hand, in some cases, a zone-cleaning strategy can work well. With this method, you split the cleaning job over separate days, perhaps two days. For example, you might start with zone one, which could be the upstairs section of your home and then complete zone two, typically the downstairs, on the following day.

"Alternatively, some individuals find it more manageable to divide the tasks into stages, allowing them to tackle different areas over time. Ultimately, the decision should align with your schedule, preferences and the scope of your spring-cleaning project."

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How to get started with spring cleaning

You can start on anywhere or with anything you like when you begin spring cleaning, however there are particular rooms or areas it can be easier to start with.

Most cleaners will tell you starting from the top down regardless of what room you're in makes for easier cleaning, so that you don't have to go back over surfaces that get dusty and dirty again because you've cleaned something higher up.

Going from left to right as you clean also ensures you don't miss a spot and keeps your cleaning consistent throughout a space.

If you're doing the room by room approach, the kitchen is often recommended as a starting point.

"Many people prefer to start in the kitchen because it's often a high-traffic area with a lot of use. Begin by cleaning and organising countertops, appliances and cabinets," Tsigolis said.

"Clearing out the kitchen can create a sense of accomplishment and set the tone for the rest of your cleaning tasks."

stovetop — The kitchen is a good place to start spring cleaning, but you can choose any room to begin in. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Must-do task before spring cleaning

Before you get to any dusting, wiping or scrubbing, an effective spring clean should begin with decluttering.

While it might just feel like another chore to add to the list, the benefits are huge.

"It's like a warm-up before the big cleaning game," Tsigolis jokes.

"Get rid of stuff you don't need any more and you'll be amazed at how much easier the cleaning and organising part becomes. Plus, you'll have a fresh, clutter-free canvas to work with. So, when you put your things back in place, they'll be all neat and organised. Win-win!"

Spring cleaning priorities if you're short on time

The whole idea of spring cleaning is to give the entire home a once over, but life doesn't always allow the time, space and energy to do that.

For a modified spring clean, Jetlag Remedy recommends four key areas of the home to focus your attention on because they are high-traffic spaces and you'll see noticeable results:

Kitchen: "Start with the kitchen, as it's a high-traffic and often heavily used area. Cleaning countertops, appliances and decluttering cabinets can make a significant difference.
Bathrooms: "Prioritise the bathrooms for a thorough cleaning. Disinfecting fixtures, scrubbing surfaces and ensuring a clean and fresh bathroom can improve daily comfort."
Living Room: "A clean and tidy living room can have a noticeable impact. Dusting, cleaning surfaces and refreshing upholstery or décor can rejuvenate this central space."
Entryway/Hallway: "If time is limited, a quick clean of the entryway or hallway can leave a positive first impression and create a sense of cleanliness when entering your home."

brown sofa cleaning — Cleaning the couch is a good task to include in a spring clean, as it typically doesn't get done often. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Common spring cleaning mistakes

Spring cleaning can be a big job, so making sure to plan how you're going to approach it, and what tasks you're going to tackle will ensure you don't waste time or forget any areas that need tending to.

Tsigolis added rushing through tasks and not decluttering first as other mistakes people tend to make when doing a big deep clean like spring cleaning.

"Attempting to complete the cleaning process hastily often results in incomplete or superficial work. Taking the time to thoroughly clean and organise each area is essential for achieving the desired results she said.

"Lastly, failing to declutter before cleaning can make the process more challenging. Clutter obstructs cleaning and organisation efforts, so it's essential to tackle this step first to create a cleaner, more manageable space."

What next after spring cleaning

So you've followed all the steps and now your house is the most decluttered, organised and clean it's been all year. Of course we'd all like to keep it that way, but that's impossible.

However, there are things you can do to maintain a clean and clutter-free space that will also make your next spring cleaning effort easier.

One way to keep on top of cleaning is to do a little each day by clearing clutter as you go and wiping frequently used surfaces like the kitchen bench.

Vacuuming and mopping regularly also means you're not spreading more dirt and dust around the home.

Finally, establishing a cleaning routine will help you keep on top of everything, know what's been done and what still needs doing.

"Create a regular cleaning schedule, including daily, weekly and monthly tasks. If you don't have the time to do this, consider hiring a professional cleaner. The state of our homes does not just impact our minds and mental health; it also affects us physically," Tsigolis said.

Spring cleaning checklist

Tsigolis suggested this checklist for anyone doing their own spring cleaning. Remember this list is just a guide and you can add, remove or tweak the rooms and tasks on it to suit your own circumstances and needs.

General Cleaning

Dust and wipe down surfaces (ensuring you lift and wipe under and over everything)

Vacuum or mop floors

Clean windows/tracks and mirrors (grab a glass cloth for this, thank us later!)

Wipe down light switches, doors and doorknobs

Remove any cobwebs

Clean skirting boards

Kitchen

Clean countertops, splashbacks, appliances

Scrub the sink

Clean oven and rangehood filters

Soak the bins and leave them to dry in the sun (if you have pull-out bins, clean the tracks)

Vacuum and mop the floor

Clean out the dishwasher filter

Dust any pendants

Clean the fridge

Bathrooms

Clean and disinfect fixtures

Scrub the toilet, bathtub and shower (ensuring drains are cleaned too)

Wash any shower curtains in the washing machine

Sweep and mop the floor

Bedrooms

Wash bedding

Dust and clean furniture

Vacuum and flip mattresses

Vacuum under the bed

Home Office

Declutter and clean the desk

Dust electronics and equipment

Laundry Room

Clean appliances (we recommend running through a washing machine cleaner which you can buy from the grocery store)

Wipe down surfaces

Clean walls and doors (lint gets everywhere)

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

Sweep and clean outdoor spaces

Clean outdoor furniture

Prune and maintain plants