A couple of years ago I wrote a piece for the BICSc Standard about spring cleaning, questioning whether this was still something we carry out at home or whether this has become an outdated or old-fashioned idea.

It seems to be that with modern heating and more up to date equipment that a deep clean could take place at any time of year. 

But with the spiralling costs of energy perhaps we could look at a new two-phase approach, with most people being in full time work, a one time a year deep clean project may not be feasible or attractive. Our spare time is valuable and whilst I enjoy cleaning, I have no desire to spend my entire weekend involved in the process.

The practicality of being able to open the windows to provide ventilation and aid drying whist remaining cost-effective means an autumn and spring-cleaning programme could be an effective answer. Half now and half later, not quite so overwhelming or time prohibitive.

So how are we going to divide the areas? My advice would be to leave the entrance areas such as a hallway or kitchen to the spring, the winter usually means that these areas will take the brunt of the wet weather entries so by spring these areas would need a thorough deep clean again.

Bedrooms are a good starting point for the autumn blitz, often we’ll change back to a winter duvet and maybe even winter curtains, preparing ourselves for semi-hibernation! So deep cleaning the bedroom, turning the mattress where necessary, and making the room as attractive and welcoming as possible is a positive beginning for an autumnal deep clean.

I recommend the following steps before you commence:

1.     Set a clear time limit, your time is precious.

2.     Look carefully at the room that you are planningto deep clean, look at a logical order for the tasks – for example, if it was the bedroom you wouldn’t want to clean the carpets first as you are going to clean the walls and furniture as well and these processes may deposit more dirt onto the carpet.

3.     Divide the tasks into manageable chunks, estimate what is manageable so that if unexpected issues arise the task is still achievable.

4.     Ensure you have all the products and equipment you need for the task, if you need to go out to purchase supplies halfway through a clean it may never be completed.

5.     Can you team up with a friend? Deep cleaning often means moving furniture and this is much easier with two – you could complete one room at theirs and one at yours!

6.     If you enjoy music set yourself a cleaning playlist, I find soft rock conducive to cleaning but it’s whatever works foryou.

7.     Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and contact time of any products you use – they know their products and these simple measures mean that the product does some of the hardwork making your cleaning easier.

It’s important to remember to take time to appreciate what you have achieved and a thorough clean can not only enhance the appearance of the room it can also prolong the life of the fixtures and fittings meaning you are being cost-effective as well as practising your skills as a domestic god or goddess!