Here in the Southern Hemisphere today marks the start of Spring (cue cheering from all rejoicing in the warmer weather this brings).
Spring = "Spring Cleaning". Now, I hate cleaning more than anyone; normally my Spring cleaning happens sometime in Summer (if I'm lucky).
This year its time for a change!
Here, I would like to share my top 10 list of Spring Cleaning "To Do's:
1. Clean out the fridge and pantry. Throw out anything expired. I also like to make a point of trying to use up anything that has been sitting around for a while, write your next shopping list around these items.
2. Clean all fan covers/vents. This includes ceiling fan blades, air conditioning vents and filters, kitchen exhaust covers and filters, dishwasher, dryer vent and washing machine filters.
3. Dust/Clean light fittings and lamps. Also a good time to replace any old globes with new longer lasting, energy efficient globes.
4. Treat any timber furniture or decking.
5. Book a professional carpet clean. Most can also do heavy duty tile & grout cleaning (good for kitchens, bathrooms and tiled floors), upholstery and rugs these days.
6. Replace smoke alarm batteries. (Unless of course you have hard wired or 10 year lithium - make sure this isn't approaching expiry either.)
7. Clean/vacuum curtains and blinds. (Some curtains may require professional dry cleaning so check this first.)
8. Clean the gutters. (Practically speaking this something best down at the end of Autumn after the leaves have fallen and before the rain starts, but in case you missed it then, now is as good as time as any to make up for it.)
9. Flip and rotate your mattress.
10. Clean out your wardrobe. Bag up anything that no longer fits or may be "out of fashion" and you haven't worn in over a year. (You can put these into charity bins or most cities and towns have vintage or car boot sales you could take them to and for a days work earn yourself some spending money.) Also, if your have a pile a clothes you keep meaning to repair and haven't yet - Now is the time to decide, repair or throw away.
11. Now my favourite - Open a bottle of wine and a block of chocolate and reward your hard work!