Efficient & safe spring cleaning: here's how to do it

4 reasons to do the 'big chop' every year

Why do we even have spring cleaning? Is it still contemporary? Or do we do it only out of tradition?

When people still heated their homes en masse with fireplaces, wood and coal stoves, a "big clean" was really necessary as soon as the cold season was over. Thorough ventilation and brushing away all dust and soot was the message. And in one move, they also took care of the rest of the house.

Today you probably won't schedule spring cleaning in your calendar for that reason. But we do still see benefits to an annual day of cleaning until everything - but everything - shines.

Clean house, healthy house

The air quality in your home benefits from regular, thorough ventilation. Especially if you or any of your roommates are sensitive to dust or allergens. Extra vigorous cleaning once a year, with special attention to hidden nooks, crannies and joints, will also remove all possible mold and other pathogens from your living environment.

Additional health benefit: cleaning itself is a solid work-out! You burn calories on the go; cleaning the bathroom would be the front runner in that regard.

Save

Did you know that dust-free appliances use less energy? Clean filters and vents of your refrigerator, washing machine, vacuum cleaner ... Then they will also last longer. Your ventilation system will also run at full capacity again after an annual refresh.

Fresh start

A spring cleaning is a symbolic new start: at the same time as your home, you clear your head. You say goodbye to what you no longer need, give everything a place and make room for new things. Literally and mentally.

Fire Safety

Dust and electricity can be a highly flammable combination. So while you are cleaning, you are sweeping away one potential fire hazard after another. Further down, you'll find a checklist of appliances that could use a checkup during spring cleaning.

But you may not have to look that far at all. Just think of how wonderful it feels during the "big clean" to find stuff back that you thought was long lost ...

Spring cleaning: definitely think about this

Brushing more efficiently with a step-by-step plan

1. Clean up! Set out 3 large boxes: one for what is no longer usable (recycling park), one for what others can still use (thrift store) and one for things that need to have a place elsewhere in the house.
   

2. Dusting. Start at the top, in the corners of the ceiling and near the ceiling lights, that way you won't be doing double duty. If you also want to wash or dry clean the drapes or covers of the lounge, take them off now, as this too makes a lot of dust. After that, move all the furniture.
   

3. Time for the real cleaning. Again, work from top to bottom: light fixtures, door frames, tops of cabinets, tables and window sills, then the inside of the cabinets, appliances ... and finally the floor. With an all-purpose spray cleaner and microfiber cloth, you'll also make doors and walls spic and span again.

To keep things organized - because time is ticking away in no time - it can be helpful to cut this hodgepodge job into bite-sized chunks. Does everything have to be done in one day? Does every room in the house need an equally thorough cleaning? What is the most important thing for you to do in each room?

Checklist: appliances that can cause house fires

As you read above, you would do well to thoroughly dust every appliance annually. Also check all cables, extension cords and chargers for damage, as even the smallest spark or a short circuit can ignite a house fire.

In addition, these appliances deserve extra attention; it's best to clean them more often than once a year:

• Laundry dryer: overheating, clogging the drain hose, a blocked outlet for the hot air ... your dryer can cause a fire in your home in several ways. So clean the filters after each use, don't put substances that don't belong in it and make sure there is free space around the appliance. Extra tip: install a smoke detector in the room where your clothes dryer is located.
  

• Ventilation system: such a system draws in air to refresh it and therefore also captures dirt, dust and small insects. If you wait too long to clean the filters and vents, a fire can start there, too.

• Vapor camp: this device captures grease and is located near the heat of the stove and oven. Again, a risky combination, which you can easily avoid by taking the filters in hand with grease-dissolving soapy water.

• Toaster: you only need to toast one sandwich a little too long and your whole house smells burnt ... So be careful with the crumbs left at the bottom of the toaster: they are bone dry and catch fire easily.

• Chimney: this is not an appliance in the strict sense, but still worth mentioning. Have the chimney swept annually (preferably before winter) by a specialist.
  

• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: last, but certainly not least! Clean your smoke detectors of dust and check that they still work.

Safe polishing with chemicals

Did you know that for many chores you don't need punishing chemical stuff at all? With cleaning vinegar, hot water and baking soda, you can get a lot done.

If you do find household products with chemicals, be very careful. About a quarter of accidents in the home are poisonings with such products. Therefore:

• Always read the instructions for use, follow them carefully and wear gloves.

• Never mix products, dangerous toxic gases may be produced.

• Never put household products in beverage bottles.

• Keep them well out of reach of curious children's hands and mouths.

Does something still go wrong? Then the Poison Control Center is just a phone call away: call 070 245 245.

Of course, we hope it never has to come to that! We'd love to sit down with you to see what precautions you can still take in your home to make your spring cleaning 100% safe.