AVJennings

The ultimate spring cleaning guide.

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it's natural to want to shake off the winter dust and welcome in the new season with a clean and organised space.

15 August 2024

We’ve developed this guide to inspire your spring cleaning tasks, including cleaning out your pantry and fridge, decluttering your wardrobe, tidying up the garden, and giving your home a deep clean. Happy spring cleaning!

Pantry and Fridge
Take everything out of your pantry, wipe down the shelves, and toss any expired items.

Empty your fridge completely, throwing out any expired or spoiled food. Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar.

Group similar items together (such as baking supplies, canned goods, condiments) and organise them in clear containers for easy access.

Check out the range of pantry and fridge organisers available at Kmart. They’re affordable and effective at helping you maximise shelf, drawer and cupboard space.

DIY Natural Fridge Cleaner

  • 2 cups of warm water

  • 1/2 cup of vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda

A few drops of essential oil (like lemon or tea tree for their antibacterial properties)

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto fridge surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Clothes and Belongings
Go through your wardrobe and pull out any items you haven't worn in the last year, no longer fit, or don’t spark joy. Donate or sell items that are in good condition.

Store away winter clothes and bring out your spring and summer wardrobe. Use storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep seasonal items organised.

Go through drawers in your bedroom, bathroom, and living areas. Sort through miscellaneous items, discarding anything broken or no longer needed. Use drawer organisers to keep everything in place.

Dust off and reorganise books, decor, and other items on shelves. Donate or recycle any items you no longer need.

Garden
Clear away any leaves, branches, or dead plants left from winter. Compost organic materials where possible.

If you have garden beds, rake and turn the soil to aerate it. Add compost or fresh soil to enrich the earth.

Prune any shrubs, trees, or bushes that need shaping. Trim back any overgrown plants to encourage healthy growth.

Wipe down your garden furniture with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to remove cobwebs, dirt and winter grime.

If you have an outdoor deck or patio that is uncovered, you may like to mop it to remove dirt and grime. For tough, stubborn residue, you may need to use a brush with soft bristles or a pressure washer on more durable surfaces.

DIY Natural Weed Killer

  • 4 litres of white vinegar

  • 1 cup of salt

  • 1 tablespoon of dish soap

Mix the ingredients in a large spray bottle. Apply the solution to weeds in your garden on a sunny day for best results.

General Household Cleaning
Dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans, light fixtures, and furniture. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth dampened with water or a natural cleaner.

Clean windows inside and out with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish.

Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Mop hard floors with warm water and a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent. Peppermint and orange essential oils also help to repel spiders and insects.

Place a few drops of essential oil on some cotton balls and place at the bottom of your bin (under the bin liner) to keep it smelling fresh.

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

  • 1 cup of white vinegar

  • 1 cup of water

  • 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol

A few drops of your favourite essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces around your home.

Final Tips for a Successful Spring Cleaning
Break down tasks into manageable chunks over a few days or weekends.

Get everyone in the household involved by assigning tasks or areas to clean. Using a sticker chart can help to make it fun for children.

Treat yourself to something special once the cleaning is done – a clean house and a bit of self-care are the perfect rewards for a job well done.

We hope you find these tips helpful. Wishing you a wonderful spring season.