Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
A clean sweep...
It turns out the warmer days are the best time to tackle those chores. SAM WYLIE-HARRIS gets expert tips to point you in the right direction
WHEN temperatures soar, taking advantage of longer, lighter days can reward you tenfold in the cleaning stakes – and with Covid still kicking around, maintaining good hygiene in the home is still really important.
Here, experts share their top tips on how to keep things spick and span in the sunshine...
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 tradespeople site MyJobQuote.
“Run your vacuum nozzle along the edges to remove loose dirt and insects. Then use a microfibre cloth and warm water with a few drops of washing up liquid to wipe it over. Dry with a fresh cloth and leave the windows open so the sun gets rid of any remaining moisture.”
Clear out your kitchen units
“With flies and other insects buzzing around make sure there are no open packets of old food festering at the back of shelves,” says Sarah. Take everything out, wipe the shelves and bin anything that isn’t edible. Then put everything else back, with the food that needs eating first at the front.
Deep clean the washing machine
“Washing machines are often forgotten about,” says Laura Marsden, UK marketing manager at cleaning company Marigold. “Leave the door and drawer open after washes to let the machine air and dry out, to stop it getting smelly.”
Wash all 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.”
You should wash your duvet and pillows, not just your duvet covers and pillowcases: “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 Karen.
Clean radiators
“Due to the amount of dust that builds up over time, do a thorough clean of your radiators during summer, when they’re used less,” says Jessica Steele, heating expert at designer radiator specialists BestHeating. “Focus on the worstaffected areas, which will be the fins inside the radiator.”
Firstly, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of as much dust around the radiator, then focus on the fins by using the attachments to fit inside – this will collect the majority.
“A small brush should then be used to push out any remaining dirt inside and a hairdryer can also support this by blowing out and dislodging any bits that may have become stuck,” advises Jessica. Warm, soapy water and a sponge will work on the outside, leaving radiators looking great.
“Another benefit is this will help save on heating bills when radiators are in use, as it will be easier for heat to spread around the room,” adds Jessica.
Deep clean your bins
“Deep clean bins to prevent a build-up of bacteria and smells,” says Sarah Dempsey, suggesting we use hot water and disinfectant to wash out the bin then leave it outside in the sun.
“The heat will ensure it’s dried out thoroughly and the UV rays should help kill off any remaining bacteria,” says Sarah. “Once dry, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom to absorb any further bad smells.”