Top tips on how to keep things spick and span

WITH these longer days, it’s easy to notice your home may be needing a good deep clean this summer.

The sun can make surfaces appear dusty and all those chores you’ve been putting off can become all too present.

Much as we welcome warmer months, long sunny spells and summer holidays, jobs around the house shouldn’t be neglected.

Here, experts share their top tips on how to keep things spick and span in the sunshine

1. Clean your windows

“As windows are often opened daily during the summer, it’s a good time to clean around the seals, mechanisms and sills,” says Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert at MyJobQuote.

“Start by running your vacuum nozzle along the edges to remove loose dirt and insects. Then use a microfibre cloth and bucket of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid to wipe it over. Dry off with a fresh cloth and leave the windows open so the sun gets rid of any remaining moisture.”

2. Clear out your kitchen units

Dempsey says summer is the perfect time to clean out kitchen cupboards and pantries: “With flies and other insects buzzing around during the summer months, it’s a good idea to make sure there are no open packets of old food festering at the back of shelves.”

3. Clean around appliances

“Take time to clean under and around the back of appliances at this time of year,” suggests Dempsey. “Fridges, freezers and washing machines stand on feet, so dust, dirt and food debris tends to find its way underneath.”

4. Deep clean the washing machine

“Washing machines are often forgotten about,” says Laura Marsden, UK marketing manager at Marigold. “You should leave the door and drawer open after washes to let the machine air and dry out, to stop it from getting smelly.”

5. Move your bedroom furniture

“Moving bedroom furniture out so you can dust and vacuum thoroughly will keep on top of pollen and other allergens,” notes Dempsey. “Again, you can use a flat, long-reach duster to get under beds and down the backs of furniture to minimise heavy lifting and effort.”

6. Wash ALL of your bedding

“Summer is the perfect time to freshen up your bedding,” says Karen Innes, NPD manager at Slumberdown.

“The warmer months can activate allergies, so making sure your duvet and pillows are fresh and clean, and that you have a cool, calm and comfortable place to sleep, is key to getting the best night’s rest possible.”

Did you know you should wash your duvet and pillows, not just your duvet covers and pillowcases?

“Make sure you check the labels for washing instructions, but as a rule of thumb, most good quality pillows and duvets can simply be popped in the washing machine and then left to air dry,” says Innes.

7. Clean your radiators

“Due to the amount of dust that builds up over time, it should be imperative to do a thorough clean of your radiators during summer, when they’re used less,” says Jessica Steele, heating expert at designer radiator specialists BestHeating.

“You should focus on the worst affected areas, which will be the fins inside the radiator, as this will have a build-up of dirt, and hairs from pets.”

8. Deep clean your bins

“Deep clean bins to prevent a build-up of bacteria and stinky smells,” says Dempsey.

She says to use hot water and disinfectant to wash out your bin and pop it outside in the sun.