Spring Cleaning Hacks: Expert Reveals Neglected Areas and Common Mistakes
As winter fades into spring, it's the perfect time to refresh your home with some thorough cleaning. With the annual spring clean approaching, tackling certain tasks now can make the process smoother and more efficient. Laura Mountford, a cleaning content creator known as @lauracleanaholic on social media, boasts over a million followers on Instagram and TikTok. She has shared her expert advice on where to focus your efforts to make your home shine.
"There are a few areas in the home that many of us, including myself, often forget during regular cleaning sessions," Laura told the Daily Mail. "Getting ahead and ticking them off your spring cleaning list now will help you stay organised." She revealed the most neglected spots that deserve attention, from light switches to behind radiators, and warned against common cleaning errors like using excessive product or mixing chemicals.
Six Neglected Areas in the Home to Clean Now
- Light switches and door handles: "We touch them daily, but when was the last time you cleaned them?" Laura advises. "Just give them a quick spritz with an antibacterial spray and wipe with a clean microfibre cloth."
- Extractor fans and vent covers in the bathroom and kitchen: "These can become very dusty and greasy," she notes. "Remove them and wash in warm soapy water for a quick clean."
- The bin: "We've all just changed the bag and called it a day, leaving spills to become a science experiment," Laura says. "Rinse your bin outside with hot water and disinfectant, then dry it before adding a fresh bag."
- Remote controls and phones: "These are probably the most touched items we own, yet the least loved when cleaning," she explains. "Use an antibacterial spray and a microfibre cloth for a one-minute job."
- Behind radiators: Dust buildup here can reduce efficiency and cause odours when heating is on. Laura suggests: "Use a hairdryer to blast away loose cobwebs, then a long-handled duster like the Flash Dust Magnet to trap dust."
- Door frames and tops of doors: "We often forget to dust these because we can't easily see the buildup," she adds. "A quick wipe with a duster will get it done."
Laura's Three Deep-Cleaning Jobs for March
Give the washing machine a 'spa day': "Your washing machine works hard daily, so it deserves a spring spruce-up!" Laura recommends. Her five-step process includes unscrewing and emptying the filter, washing the detergent drawer in warm soapy water, scrubbing behind it with a limescale remover like Viakal, cleaning the door seal, and running a hot wash with a machine cleaner such as Vamoosh or M&S Descaler.
Clean the windows: With brighter weather, Laura says it's ideal to let spring sunlight in. "Use warm soapy water and a mop for ease, then a Karcher window vac to remove residue for streak-free results."
Shine up the sofa: "Fabric sofas attract dust and dirt," she notes. Pull the sofa out to vacuum underneath and behind, dust skirting boards, then use a spot cleaner from brands like Bissell, Vax, or Shark to deep-clean upholstery and remove stains.
Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much product: Laura warns that overusing sprays can leave a sticky residue that attracts dust, is wasteful, and creates more mess.
- Cleaning with a dirty cloth: "If your cloth looks or smells dirty, wash it to avoid spreading bacteria," she advises.
- Mixing cleaning products: "Cleaning products are chemicals, and mixing them can be dangerous," Laura cautions. "Avoid combining bleach with vinegar or ammonia."
Essential March Cleaning Buys
Laura recommends several products to ease the cleaning process. Her picks include the Flash Dust Magnet XL for dusting, Spontex microfibre cloths for versatile cleaning, and Fairy Skip The Soak Power Spray for stubborn grease. Other useful items are crevice cleaning brushes, the Karcher Window Vac for windows, and spot cleaners from Bissell, Vax, or Shark for upholstery. By following these tips, you can transform your spring cleaning from a dreaded chore into a manageable and effective routine.
