As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, many of us use the opportunity of more sunshine to throw open the doors and windows and get stuck into giving our homes a good deep clean.
After being stuck indoors more than usual in 2020, a spring clean will not only make your home more comfortable and hygienic, but also provide a fresh start after what has been a very unusual year.
While the kitchens, bathrooms and living areas are often the first to get a seasonal overhaul, we mustn't neglect our bedroom - after all, we spend a third of our day there so it deserves a refresh more than anywhere else in your home.
DECLUTTER
The first thing you need to do is have a good declutter - gather all the bits and pieces that don’t belong in your bedroom and return them to their rightful home or get rid of them.
Go through all your clothes and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate or throw away - be ruthless! If you haven't worn something in the past 1-2 years its time for it to find a new home.
CLEAN
Dust and wipe down all surfaces, starting from the ceiling and working down. Don't forget light fittings, ceiling fans and skirting boards - prime places for dust to collect.
Depending on whether you have curtains, blinds or shutters, give these a wash or a wipe down, not forgetting the curtain rod and of course the windows themselves.
BEDDING
Give your bed the star treatment it deserves - remove all the bedding, pillows and mattress protector if you use one, and give them a good lie out in the sun. This is a natural way to get rid of many of the nasties that lurk in our bedding.
Give your mattress a deep clean by vacuuming thoroughly, and turning if required. Add a few drops of essential oil such as sleep-inducing lavender to some bicarbonate of soda. Sprinkle this all over the mattress and leave for one hour. Then vacuum the mattress again.
Check your pillows for signs that they may be on their last legs. Generally they should be replaced every two to three years - if they aren't giving you enough support or are generally worn out treat yourself to some fresh ones.
STYLING
One of our favourite parts of a good spring clean is getting to change up our style for the new season. Adding some new cushions, a throw blanket or rug can totally change the feel of the room and make you feel ready for the new season ahead.
Once you're done, make sure you throw open the windows wide to bring that jasmine-scented spring air into your newly refreshed bedroom!