How to Spring Clean (In a Single Weekend)

It’s that time of year again!

Isn’t it truly mind-blowing how much clutter, dust and debris a home can accumulate in 12 short months?

We know that cleaning is not the most exciting job in the world, but what’s worse than spending a whole weekend cleaning? Spending multiple weekends cleaning.

With a little determination, you can enjoy the rest of spring in a sparkling home - just follow these steps.

Friday Evening  

1. Create a list, because all successful jobs start out with a practical and realistic plan, and be sure to include your breaks. We recommend setting a timer at least every 45 minutes to an hour, because that’s the key to preventing burnout this weekend.

2. Make sure you have all your supplies ready to go, like cleaning products, reusable cloths, bin bags and storage boxes.

3. Hire help where needed. We know you’re an extremely capable and independent individual, but some tasks are just not worth the sweat. Consider outsourcing for those particularly strenuous jobs, like window washing, gutter cleaning and carpet steaming. These jobs might take up an entire day when you're doing it solo, but a professional can have it done by lunch with their eyes closed.

You will be amazed at how much light can be added to your home after a quick once-over on your windows!

4. Get a good night sleep - it’s going to be a productive weekend!

Saturday Morning

1. Start with a soak (actually, maybe coffee). If you know your bath and shower need some quality time with the bleach, do this first so that by the time you get around to the bathrooms the products have worked their magic.

2. Your first major task should be your closets, that way you’ll have the storage space that you’re bound to need this weekend. Donate all clothes, shoes and accessories that you didn’t wear that year.

Be brutal and don’t fool yourself - if it’s been collecting for 12 months, you’re never going to wear it. Holding onto items in the hope that it will be useful someday is small step to hoarder-ville (or at least a very long spring cleaning weekend).

Saturday Afternoon

3. Move from room to room with a garbage bag and empty boxes to get rid of any unnecessary clutter from shelves, drawers and under beds. This isn’t the time for wiping down or being overly picky - that’s a problem for future you. Your task this afternoon is to cover a lot of ground, fill up those garbage bags and create space wherever possible.

4. Now it’s time for the bathrooms. You might have better things in mind for a Saturday arvo, but you’ll want to leave your bathrooms until last (that way, you can finish up with a well-deserved shower in your newly cleaned bathroom, and rinse away any residue while you’re at it).

Saturday Evening

5. Don’t forget digital. We live in an online world, so it’s time to get with the times and spring clean your digital life to. You’ll be amazed at how fresh you feel once you empty that virtual trash.

Sunday Morning

1. Strip your beds and throw any cushions in the wash (you’ll need these to be dry by the end of the day). Your fabrics are a haven for dust and bacteria in your home, so treat them to a wash in 60 degree water and dry them in the spring sunshine to kill any nasties. Flip your mattress too.

2. After breakfast, clean out your fridge and pantry. This one can be gruesome. Stale food can be a magnet for moths, and once an infestation begins you may need to start your pantry from scratch. When in doubt, throw out!

3. De-clutter your kitchen. Trust us, you’re never going to find the lid to that tupperware container, and it might be time to finally ditch those ironic mugs. Old cutting boards and wooden items collect bacteria overtime, so if they’re looking worse for wear, ditch 'em!.

Sunday Afternoon

4. Now that you’ve taken care of the clutter, it’s time to tackle the surfaces. The best method is to start from the top and work your way down. Wipe down fans, lights and even your walls if you’re feeling particularly motivated. Next, focus on your appliances and hard furniture, and wipe your skirting boards with a cloth dipped in white vinegar. Invest in machine washable microfibre cloths so that your not wasting tonnes of paper towels (plus, they won’t leave any residue on your mirrors). Vacuum your floors and soft furnishings, and finish off with a mop using near-boiling water.

Remember, you’re here to spring clean, not overload you home with new chemicals. We've put together some tips on how to create a low-toxin home here.

Sunday Evening (The Fun Part)

5. Sometimes, a spring clean is not about what you take away, it’s what you add! Bring the spring in with some fresh cut flowers or a potted plant which will quickly brighten any room. If you’d like some ideas on the best plants for your home, check out our blog here.

6. Consider a fresh scent. Add the final touch to your work by lighting a soy candle or adding a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser. A sweet smell can really polish up a home!

7. The most important step. Did you make it? It’s time to pour yourself a glass of wine for a job well done, and enjoy your sparkling surrounds while it lasts!