Autumn clean is the new spring clean!

Why has the autumn clean become the new spring clean? The professional domestic cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID say it’s simple: We’re back from our summer holidays, back to work and to school. We tend to be more rested and raring to go in preparation for the winter months, which we will spend indoors being warm and cosy. The next major festivity in the calendar is Christmas and therefore we all like to get on top of household tasks before that. In terms of practicalities, autumn is a great time for a deep clean for a number of reasons:

Cobwebs – It’s spider season and the inside of your house might start to look like you’re decorating for Halloween early! Getting rid of spider’s webs isn’t too tricky. Ensure you remove them with an extendable long-armed duster or use an appropriate vacuum attachment and be careful when attacking corners of ceilings where you’ll often find them.

Leaves – Although the roads and fields look pretty with autumn leaves the leaves themselves can be prove challenging in the home. It is quite blustery at this time of year so leaves can regularly blow in when you open the doors and they will find their way around your home in no time! Sweep them up to avoid them being trampled into carpets and to avoid marking.

Weather – Autumn can be a wet season, therefore start imposing a ‘shoes off’ and a ‘wipe your paws’ rule for the family to limit mud and debris being traipsed through the house. Where mud is trampled into carpets, it is best to wait for it to dry out taking care not to work it into the carpet further. Then use the vacuum to clear it up. You can try sprinkling bicarbonate of soda on muddy carpets to help lift the stain to the surface. Leave it on the carpet for 30mins and vacuum off.

Condensation – This can be a big problem, especially on window frames. Wipe all window sills and clean windows inside and out. However, one of the biggest problems with windows is the condensation that forms, which often leads to mould growth. Using tea tree essential oil (mix 10 drops into a cup of water) wipe off the mould with a sponge. The tea tree is anti-fungal so, it should go some way to preventing the mould returning with such force. However, at this time of year the best form of action is regular maintenance.

Upholstery – After much traffic of family coming in and out from the outdoors, vacuum your upholstery gently, removing cushions and covers if necessary for cleaning to ensure that you have fresh furniture free from sun cream, spilt ice cream or drink in time for the winter holiday season.

Bedding – It’s important to air your mattress regularly and to turn your mattress (check the instructions on your mattress) particularly after the warmer months. Try vacuuming your mattress too. Schedule some time to launder or wash duvets and pillows to prevent dust mites and change to the appropriate tog duvet.

De-clutter – It doesn’t take much for your home to be overrun with summer sport equipment, games, balls and other summer garden paraphernalia which have kept the family entertained. Take the chance to sort through the various toys, equipment and banish sports shoes to the cupboard for safekeeping and you will be amazed how much more space you feel you have!

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