W hat to do THIS MONTH

Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks

April is upon us, which means the Easter holidays are on their way. While spending time with friends and family is sure to take priority, a four-day weekend is a great excuse to break the back of a few household chores.

It’s a good time to give your sofa covers a quick freshen up and get on top of built-up limescale in the kettle. Plus, if you want to update your home’s exterior, why not paint your window frames? Alternatively, making a smart new headboard or handy pegboard will only take a few hours but will still give a room a boost.

You could easily buy a ready-made pegboard, or have a go at making your own bespoke design. Cut a piece of MDF to the desired size and drill holes at regular intervals using a 15mm bit. A two-tone paint job, achieved with tester pots, completes the look. Cut pieces of dowelling as pegs to hang washi tape, scissors and other stationery. You could even create little shelves by cutting smaller pieces of MDF to sit on a row of pegs.

As a general rule, descaling your kettle once every three months should keep it in tip top shape and ensure your morning cuppa is as clear as can be. Using equal parts water and white vinegar, fill the kettle three quarters full. Bring to the boil and allow to cool. Drain the water and rinse several times. Boil again so there’s no aftertaste. Alternatively, fill the kettle with half lemon juice and half water. Bring to the boil, then let it sit for 30 minutes until the limescale dislodges. Pour out and rinse.

DEAL WITH SOFA SPILLS IMMEDIATELY, DABBING THEM WITH A SOFT CLOTH TO SOAK IT UP, RATHER THAN RUBBING

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Make sure the frame is clean and dry – give it a good going over with a hand brush to get rid of debris. Fill any cracks or holes with flexible wood filler. Sand gently, going with the grain of the wood, then wipe away any dust.

Mask around the window, leaving a 2mm gap, so you overlap onto the glass to seal it and keep out water. Apply a coat of primer or undercoat to the frame and sill. If you’re going to be using standard gloss or satin, make sure your primer is weatherproof for a longerlasting finish. Allow to dry. Apply your chosen colour with a brush, not a roller, pressing it into corners. Allow to dry completely and apply at least one more coat. When you do your final coat, make sure your brushstrokes go in one direction for a neater finish. Remove the masking tape before the final coat is dry, to prevent your water-sealing border being lifted off with it.

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