SPRING into action – the days are getting brighter and with the sunshine finally promising to return, it’s time to spruce up your home.
March is traditionally spring cleaning time and polishing up your pad
doesn’t mean wiping out your bank balance.
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Jane Hamilton’s hacks and tricks will have your rooms sparkling like a new penny, all without spending more than a couple of quid.
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.
1. BLOW THE DUST AWAY FOR FREE
START by opening your windows to give your home a thorough
airing.
It’s free, easy and will let dust out and boost freshness.
2. BEST HACK TO TACKLE BLINDS
SWIPE dryer sheets over closed blinds for an effective clean.
The anti-static effect also prevents more dust from building up.
Product tip: Morrisons Pure tumble dryer sheets, 36 per pack, £2.25.
‘It smells amazing’ shoppers rave as Mrs Hinch’s brand new cleaning range hits Home Bargains – with prices from £2.99
3. BUST THE DUST ON MATTRESSES
REMOVE all the bed covers and undersheets then pummel the mattress (or just let the kids jump around on it!).
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Then give it a thorough vacuum – including both sides.
To finish, wash the sheets and covers with a fresh-scented detergent.
Product tip: Formil 3 in 1 Liquidtabs, non-bio lavender and camomile, £3.79 for 22 caps at Lidl.
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4. CLEAN PLACES HARD-TO-REACH
SOCK it to places that are tricky to get to.
Use an old sock on a stick or ruler to clean under beds, fridges,
cabinets and other tricky places.
5. FEATHER DUSTER IS YOUR FRIEND
USE a traditional-style long-handled feather duster to reach up high and clean cobwebs, ceilings and light fittings.
They are also great for getting behind radiators.
Product tip: Feather duster, £8, at Dunelm.
6. DECLUTTER & FRESHEN UP
CLEAR out bulging drawers and wardrobes.
Any items you no longer want can be set aside to sell or taken to a charity shop.
Vacuum inside for a speedy clean then add a lavender bag for extra
freshness.
They also help to deter moths.
Product tip: 20-pack of 100g lavender bags, £5.99 at Amazon.
7. BLITZ THE BATHROOM
SORT out crusted-on limescale by spraying cleaner on taps, shower screens and bathtubs.
Use an old, damp toothbrush to scrub tile grout and corners.
Don’t forget to wipe pipes and behind sinks and loos.
Product tip: W5 limescale/ degreaser cleaner, 750ml for £1.29 at Lidl.
8. COOL TIP FOR FRIDGE & FREEZER
DEEP-clean your fridge and freezer.
First, remove all the food and make a list of it to help with meal planning.
Then wipe drawers and shelves with soapy warm water and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing the food.
Put half a lemon, cut side up, in a bowl and place in the fridge for a few days to keep it smelling fresh.
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9. DON’T FORGET THE EDGES
SAVE cash with an all-purpose cleaner to cut through grime on hard floors, skirting boards, worktops and tiled areas to leave them sparkling.
Product tip: W5 All-Purpose Cleaner in cotton fresh, 1 litre for 99p at Lidl.
10. DISHWASHER IS NOT JUST FOR DISHES
GIVE plastic toys, hairbrushes, pet dishes and your food waste caddy a thorough wash in the dishwasher – then give the dishwasher a
clean too.
Product tip: Elbow Grease dishwasher cleaner, 250ml, £1.25 at The Range.
11. CLEAN WINDOWS ON A CLOUDY DAY
CLEAN windows and the front and back door on a cloudy day so the sun won’t dry it too fast and leave steaks.
Scrunched-up newspaper works better than a conventional cloth.
Product tip: W5 Window & Glass cleaner, 750ml, 85p at Lidl.
12. VACUUM TWICE IN ONE MOVE
WHEN you vacuum, go into the room then retrace your steps, so high-traffic areas get cleaned twice.
Pull out sofas, beds and chairs and move coffee tables to vacuum underneath.
13. GO GREEN WITH MICROFIBRE CLOTHS
USE a microfibre cloth to clean, rather than paper towels which can leave behind fibres.
The cloths are durable and absorbent – and eco-friendly as you can wash and reuse them.
Product tip: Microfibre cloths, ten pack, £6.50 at Wickes.
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14. BLAST BINS WITH A HOSE
LEAVE dirty bins spotless by using a hose on them outside, then spraying with disinfectant.
Add scented bin cleaner or bin bags for a fresher finish.
Product tip: Fabulosa bin freshener in blush babe, 500g for £2.89 at myfabulosa.co.uk.
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15. FINAL FLOURISH OF FRAGRANCE
COMPLETE your clean by placing a lux-looking scent diffuser in the bathroom and anywhere else that can will help.
Product tip: Lidl’s Luxury Collection reed diffuser is available in four scents including citrus and herb, £3.39 each at Lidl.
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