A guide to spring cleaning your house, the right way.

If you’ve noticed that your items are out of place, or you’re looking to transition to a more minimalist home style, this cleaning ritual may be the solution to your home looking its best! In this guide, we break down exactly how to spring clean your house. Time to bring out the old dust pan.

What is a Spring Clean?

So, what is a spring clean?

The term ‘spring cleaning’ was coined by the British, and essentially means to deep clean a room or home from top to bottom, usually in the springtime. Perhaps you have old clothes piling and you’re thinking of donating them to people in need, or maybe you’ve purchased too many trinkets over the years and need to de-clutter. Either way, spring cleaning is an effective way to level-up your standard cleaning ritual. Instead of just wiping your kitchen tabletop, and spraying air fresheners on couches, you’re getting into every tiny crevice! In an ideal world, this kind of cleaning would be done once every two weeks.

How Did Spring Cleaning Come About?

It’s difficult to trace the spring-cleaning ritual back to a single origin, as the practice has developed over time in many different areas of the world.  

Let’s take a look at some of the spring-cleaning origin stories in different communities.

The Book of Exodus

Spring cleaning can be traced back to the ancient Jewish ritual of cleaning the home before Passover, after which the 7 Days of Unleavened Bread takes place. This occurs at the start of spring.

During this 7 day period, there are restrictions on eating anything fermented with yeast. This restriction is seen to be representative of the tale in the Book of Exodus, wherein God commands to the Isralites to flee Egypt hastily, leaving no time for their bread to rise. Jewish people to this day will spring clean their homes in the lead up to this period, removing all traces of crumbs in anticipation for the 7-day religious holiday.

The Victorian Era

This period in time is known for its rich history, and heralded the beginnings of the spring cleaning tradition in Northern Europe and America. The start of spring was the time to thoroughly dust the home, as the weather was finally warm enough to let fresh air in. People also began to clean soot marks off the windows at this time after a long winter of burning coal to keep warm.

The Japanese Edo Period

In traditional Japanese culture, people celebrated and welcomed their new deities by participating in a December cleanup. This still occurs today and is presently known as Golden Week.

The Thailand Festival

Known as a purification festival, many South and South-East Asian countries celebrate the process of washing away sins, bad luck, and pouring water over Buddha statues.

The Persian New Year

Known as Nowruz and “shaking the house”, this Persian celebration consists of thorough cleaning, changing clothing, repairing the home, and enjoying food together.

How Can You Spring Clean Your Home?

If you’ve never spring-cleaned your home before, don’t fret — it’s never too late to start!

You won’t need to spend copious amounts of money to do so, either. It’s entirely possible to clean with what cleaning supplies you already have in your household. In time, your home will feel shiny and new!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

If it’s been months since your last clean-up, spring cleaning your home is a great way to help you feel less cluttered and overwhelmed. Want to learn how to spring clean? Choose a room you feel comfortable starting with and get out your most reliable cleaning supplies.   Bedrooms

• Clear out any drawers, then sort and organise the contents. You might even find something special from your childhood!

• Sort through your wardrobe, store away any off-season clothing, and donate any unwanted pieces.

• Clean and air out the mattresses, as well as any bed sheets, covers, throw blankets, or pillows.

• Dust down everything, including ceiling fans or wall fixtures.

• Wash any windows, and wipe down any surfaces, including door knobs.

• Mop any hard floors or deep-clean carpets.

Loungeroom

• Open any windows to bring in the fresh air. Wash windows and screens.

• Vacuum cushions, couches, and chairs.

• Dust any ceiling fans, light fixtures, electronics, bookshelves, or wall decor.

• Remove any curtains or blankets.

Kitchen 

• Organise food in the fridge, freezer, and pantry.

• Clean the oven, stovetop, countertops, and microwave.

• Check expiration dates on food, throwing out any expired products, and clean out the dishwasher.

Bathrooms

• Organise, empty, and wipe down cabinets and drawers.

• Check the expiration dates of makeup or medicine.

• Wipe down mirrors, and frames, and sanitize sinks.

• Clean the inside and outside of toilets.

• Clean bathtubs, drain and mop floors.

Laundry areas

• Wipe down the washing machine and dryer.

• Clean and air dry lint trap.

• Pick up any lingering dirty clothing.

• Mop floors if needed.

Backyards

• Sweep any porches or walkways.

• Do some gardening, pull out excess weeds, and trim plants or trees.

• Use a high-pressure water hose to clean concrete pathways.

Why Commit to the Spring Clean? 

If it’s the end of a season, you may feel the need to transform your home in terms of space, shape, and colour, and spring cleaning makes this process a lot easier.

You Can Redecorate Your Lounge Space

Whether you feel you need a leather couch to match modern aesthetics or old-fashioned floral decor for bohemian vibes, this card has your spring decor covered. With The Harvey Norman Gift Card, your options regarding furniture choices are endless.

You Can Replace Your Old Clothes with Quality Ones

Have you had most of your clothes since your teen years and want to upgrade to higher quality materials such as organic cotton or cashmere? The David Jones Gift Card offers you the chance to tweak your wardrobe and cater to your fashion tastes.

You Can Boost the Family Entertainment Room

Looking to discard your small TV for something more cinematic after your spring cleaning endeavours? The Home Gift Card allows you to bring your rooms to life. Grab a bag of popcorn!

You Can Keep Your Backyard in Order

Wanting to rearrange the state of your garden, or dreamed about a veggie one? With The Bunnings Gift Card, you can do more than feed your soil, but grow the plants you love most.

You Can Upgrade Kitchen Appliances

Are you keen to trade in your old coffee machine after your spring clean? With The Myer Gift Card, you can pick many new appliances for your kitchen. You morning coffees will taste even better.

Say Yes to Spring Cleaning This Season

Whether you’ve participated in spring cleaning all throughout your childhood years or you’re new to the process, sweeping away any unwanted household items is greatly beneficial not only the design of your home, but to your happiness, too!