Spring has sprung and on Sunday, the clocks go forward, giving us an extra hour of glorious daylight. In other words, it's officially time to wake up from winter hibernation and get your home ready for the season ahead with a good ol' spring clean.
I'm a big advocate for tackling the hardest job first, while your cleaning enthusiasm is at its peak. That's why the kitchen – a high-traffic space where dirt and mess can rack up disproportionately quickly – is a smart place to start.
Here are four big cleaning jobs to tackle this weekend. Yes, they'll push you out of your comfort zone, but a spotless kitchen (and a real sense of satisfaction) is waiting on the other side.
1. Clean on top of cupboards and joinery
To quote David Beckham, "be honest!", when was the last time you cleaned the tops of your kitchen cupboards? I don't blame you; it's all too easy to ignore an area you can barely see (or reach, for that matter).
But now, it's time to pull up a step ladder and clear away a year's worth of dust and grease. According to Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of cleaning service Cleaning Express, the best way to do this is to start with a dry cloth before going in with soap.
“Due to the potential grease content, you should start by sprinkling some bicarbonate of soda, which will help you clean the area more easily. Wipe that away with a dry cloth and then just scrub with some very hot soapy water,” he says.
Once clean, there's a quietly genius way to keep it that way.
"A secret tip I like to do is line these less visible surfaces with old newspapers or baking paper," reveals Mark Sellars, head of product design and development at Wren Kitchens. "This prevents the grease and dust from settling, and you can just refresh the paper. It makes cleaning the tops of the units so much easier."
2. Wipe down worktops
Next come the worktops – and you should definitely only tackle these after your cupboards as any falling dust and other cleaning debris will fall on the surfaces below.
The best way to clean them depends on the material. Some, like quartz, require gentler products to maintain their finish. Most, however, can be cleaned with a soft cloth or sponge, mild soap and warm water. Just steer clear of anything too abrasive to avoid damaging the surface.
Got a stubborn stain or dried-on residue? “You can use a non-abrasive household cleaner. We recommend using The Pink Stuff, Cif, or Barkeeper's Friend with a non-abrasive scouring sponge,” says Mark.
To finish, restore the shine with glass cleaner, wiping down the surface with a soft, dry cloth for a streak-free look.
3. Declutter and clean the fridge
You may not see it, but the fridge is a hotspot for spills, odours and bacteria. To keep things hygienic, regular cleaning is essential.
Start by removing its contents. This is a great opportunity to throw out out-of-date items or that crusty bottle of hot sauce that's been sitting at the back of your fridge for far longer than you care to admit.
"Sort through all the food and throw away anything that’s not worth eating," advises Micheal. "Then, remove all the shelves and wash them in hot water. Finally, wash the inside of the fridge with some hot water and kitchen spray."
To keep it smelling fresh post-clean, the experts advise placing an open box of baking soda on a shelf to neutralise lingering odours.
4. Deep-clean the oven
Maybe you were hoping I wouldn't mention this tedious task, but no kitchen spring clean is complete without tackling the oven. It's one of the most dreaded cleaning jobs in the home, but it's worth the effort.
“If you cook lots of greasy food in your oven, make sure you clean it thoroughly to reduce the risk of fire," says Michael. "Avoid cleaning with a mix of cleaning products, simply because it can create dangerous fumes. Get an all-purpose cleaner, as it’s a great solution to stubborn stains."
Tackling these four jobs first cuts through the worst of the kitchen grime and sets the tone for the rest of your spring clean. Start strong, work methodically, and the payoff is immediate: a space that feels cleaner, lighter and far easier to maintain.
Spring cleaning products
Dyson WR04-A 970A UK IE MEA HK MY SG Co
OXO OXO Good Grips Microfibre Hand Duster
Vax Vax Ultra+ Pet Carpet Solution
Ecover Ecover Bathroom Cleaner Spray
Method Anti-Bac Cleaner Rhubarb
Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
