Let’s Be Honest, Cleaning Isn’t Always Fun – But It Can Feel Amazing
Every year, without fail, there comes a moment in early April when the light hits my living room just right. And by “just right”, I mean it exposes everything. The dust behind the telly, the trail of biscuit crumbs under the sofa, and that mysterious smudge on the wall I swear wasn’t there last week. That’s usually the moment I decide – with a dramatic sigh and a reluctant stretch – it’s time for a proper spring clean.
Last year, I went all in. I started in the kitchen and didn’t stop until I’d scrubbed the grouting in the bathroom with a toothbrush. Was it satisfying? Absolutely. Did I do it all in one weekend? Not a chance. I paced myself, played my old uni playlists, and gave myself permission to take breaks, eat snacks, and even dance with the mop.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a massive chore. In fact, it can feel like pushing a giant reset button for your home and your head. Whether you’ve got a two-bed flat in Croydon or a family home in Finchley, this guide will help you tackle the mess without losing your sanity.
Let’s make your home shine, room by room, without the stress. And if that includes rewarding yourself with a doughnut after each room – well, I’d say that’s the most sensible cleaning strategy of all.
Why Bother With Spring Cleaning?
A Clean Home Means a Clear Head
Spring is a brilliant excuse to wipe the slate clean – quite literally. After months of shutting the windows, piling on extra layers, and probably ignoring a few corners, your home needs a bit of love. And so do you.
It’s not just about appearances. A good spring clean can lift your mood, improve the air quality in your house, and help you rediscover forgotten items (like that missing sock or your favourite mug). It’s a chance to reset, declutter and make the place feel fresh again.
If you’ve been feeling sluggish or a bit overwhelmed, cleaning your space can work wonders. Think of it as chucking out the cobwebs in your brain and behind the radiator.
Don’t Try To Do It All At Once
Small Steps Beat One Big Push
Let’s be real. No one – and I mean no one – is cleaning the entire house from top to bottom in one day without regretting it halfway through. The trick is to break it up.
Set manageable goals. Focus on one room at a time. If even that feels like too much, pick one task – like just the floors or just the windows. It’s amazing how a small win can give you the motivation to keep going.
Here are a few pro tips to stay efficient and sane:
- Set a timer. Give yourself 30 minutes per task. It stops you from falling into the perfectionism trap and keeps things moving.
- Use baskets or bins. Carry one with you for misplaced items. You can sort them later without losing momentum.
- Plan your playlist. Music keeps you upbeat – and yes, singing into the broom handle is encouraged.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to make progress.
Step One: Tackle The Big Jobs First
Floors, Dust, And The Forgotten Fridge Drawer
Start with the areas that make the biggest visual difference. That way, you’ll feel like you’re actually achieving something – and you are.
Vacuuming And Mopping
Move the furniture. Yes, I know it’s heavy. But trust me, you’ll be horrified (and slightly proud) of the amount of dust bunnies you conquer. Don’t forget the skirting boards and behind doors.
For hard floors, give them a proper mop. Add a few drops of essential oil to the bucket for that fresh smell without the chemical sting.
Dusting From Top To Bottom
Grab a microfibre cloth and work from the ceiling down. Light fixtures, curtain rails, and the tops of cupboards often get ignored. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
Deep-Cleaning The Kitchen
Pull out the appliances – even the fridge and oven if you’re feeling brave. Clean under them, then wipe them down thoroughly. Empty the fridge and chuck anything past its prime (yes, even the fancy chutney you opened last July).
Scrub down surfaces, inside cabinets, and especially the sink and countertops. Limescale and soap scum love lurking there.
Scrubbing The Bathroom
Use a proper bathroom cleaner and let it sit for a bit before scrubbing – it does the hard work for you. Descale the shower head, scrub the grout, clean the loo (don’t forget under the rim), and polish the mirrors. The transformation will be worth it.
Step Two: Don’t Forget The Small Stuff
The Hidden Dirt Traps You’ll Probably Miss
Once the big tasks are done, shift your focus to the smaller things – they’re usually the ones we forget, but they make a big difference.
Doormats And Welcome Mats
Shake them out, then vacuum. If they’re washable, chuck them in the machine. These things are the first to greet guests – they deserve a bit of TLC.
Blinds And Curtains
Dust builds up fast here. Wipe down blinds with a damp cloth. If your curtains are machine-safe, wash them. Otherwise, give them a good hoover.
Light Switches And Door Handles
Think about how many hands touch these daily. Wipe them with disinfectant and watch them shine.
Under The Bed
If you haven’t looked under there in months (or years), brace yourself. Socks, crumbs, maybe a Christmas decoration? Pull everything out, vacuum properly, and only put back what belongs.
Inside Drawers And Cabinets
It’s easy to shut the door and pretend it’s fine. But pulling everything out, binning what you don’t need, and wiping it clean makes opening that drawer so much nicer.
Make It Fun (Or At Least Less Miserable)
Motivation Tricks That Actually Work
You don’t need to suffer through cleaning. With the right setup, you might even enjoy parts of it.
Music And Podcasts Are Magic
Make a playlist that makes you want to move. Or stick on a podcast that keeps your brain busy while your hands scrub. Suddenly, two hours pass and you’ve cleaned half the house.
Set Timed Challenges
Try to beat the clock. Can you clean the bathroom in under 20 minutes? Can you hoover the whole flat in one podcast episode? Turn it into a game – it helps.
Rewards Make It Worthwhile
This is vital. Decide what your treat will be after each task. A doughnut, a coffee from your favourite café, a new candle – whatever feels like a reward to you. Cleaning shouldn’t be punishment.
Get Someone Involved
If you’ve got housemates, kids, or a partner, rope them in. Give everyone a task and blast some tunes. It becomes a shared mission – and you get to boss people around a bit, which is always satisfying.
Final Thought: It’s Your Space, So Make It Lovely
Spring cleaning isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about reclaiming your space and making it somewhere you actually want to spend time in. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home. You just need one that feels clean, calm, and yours.
So whether you’re scrubbing the bath while singing Beyoncé or wiping down your windows with a reward doughnut waiting in the kitchen, remember this: progress beats perfection every time.
And if halfway through you feel like giving up, take a break. Go for a walk. Have a cup of tea. Then come back and finish one more small thing. It all adds up.
Here’s to fresher air, clearer corners, and a home that finally feels as nice as it looks.