The weather is starting to improve and many of us are planning a spring clean. Here are 4 things that you ought to be cleaning at least once a year.
After months of hibernating indoors, it’s finally time to draw those curtains back and allow the light to stream in, simultaneously allowing those rays to highlight the thousands of dust particles dancing in the daylight and reveal the months of accumulated dirt that lay hidden from eyesight in your dimly lit household. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why the term ‘spring cleaning’ exists.
The origins of spring cleaning
Historically, the term can be traced back to several cultures and traditions, including the Jewish tradition of Passover which requires households to cleanse their homes in preparation for the festival, as well as the Prussian New Year which involves a thorough cleaning of the home in preparation for the new beginnings that the year ahead symbolises. Both events happen to coincide with the Northern Hemisphere’s spring – hence the term ‘spring cleaning’.
Regardless of its origin, spring cleaning is often that necessary reminder we all need to wake us from our winter weariness and get us to tackle those pesky chores we wish would just do themselves. “As irksome as some household chores might be, neglecting them will inevitably result in costly repairs and the overall devaluing of your property,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
To protect the investment value of your home, as well as the furniture therein, Goslett informs homeowners of the certain features of any property that ought to be maintained on an annual basis:
Appliances
“It might seem a touch ironic, but the machines that help keep your home clean also need cleaning themselves. Things like washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers ought to be cleaned at the very least on an annual basis. You can also use this opportunity to unplug and remove the appliance from where it normally stands and clean the build-up of dirt around it.”
Gutters and roof tiles
“Out of sight might be out of mind, but you’d be surprised at how much dirt and debris can accumulate in your gutters. While these ought to be cleaned annually to prevent blockages, your rooftiles should also be cleaned with a high-pressure hose every two to three years to avoid a build-up of mould which could result in leaks and other damages.”
Couches, mattresses & carpets
“Dust mites and bed bugs can pose serious health risks to everyone in your household. To avoid them nesting in your home, it is advisable to get all fabric-covered furniture as well as carpets professionally cleaned each year.”
Cupboards
“By far one of the least desirable chores of them all has to be unpacking bedroom, laundry and kitchen cupboards to give the surfaces a much-needed wipe down. Spills happen all the time and can leave cupboard surfaces stained and mouldy. To prevent damage, it is advisable to endure this laborious task at least once a year.”
As a final word of advice, Goslett suggests that homeowners get organised about their spring clean. “If you do not prioritise these chores, it can be very easy to keep delaying them until something eventually breaks or needs replacing. Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure you have an action plan stating when and how each of these chores will be completed to avoid falling into the trap of never-ending delays,” Goslett concludes.
