The Four Jobs to do This Week to Kickstart Your Spring Cleaning
We really do love this time of year! Spring is in the air and the days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming and the weather is warmer. With Spring finally here, it has us thinking about spring cleaning and what we can do to de-clutter the home, organising our space and re-fresh the soul. As spring arrives, the UK’s appetite for a seasonal refresh surges, with three in four people taking part in a spring clean. Online searches for ‘spring cleaning’ also peak in March, as many of us prepare our homes for longer days and allergy season, which typically runs from March through November.
However, despite the annual ‘reset’ and ‘pick-me-up’ tradition, nearly half of people still describe cleaning as stressful or overwhelming. And so, to make the process more manageable, Mark Sellars, Head of Product Design and Development at Wren, and Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of Cleaning Express, share their insight into the kitchen areas that deserve top priority, which are often overlooked, and how to tackle them effectively.
1. The Top of Kitchen Units
An often-forgotten area is the tops of cupboards, which can quickly accumulate layers of dust and grease that go unnoticed. “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.” Michael explains.
Mark adds, “A secret tip I like to do is line these less visible surfaces with old newspapers or baking paper. 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. Worktops
Worktops are at the heart of everyday kitchen use, which means they deserve consistent care. Some materials, such as quartz, need gentler cleaning products to maintain their finish and durability.
As with other worktop materials, use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or sponge, avoiding acidic or abrasive products that could damage the surface.
For stubborn stains or dried-on residue, Mark recommends reaching for a non-abrasive household cleaner, saying, “For stubborn stains 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.”
It’s important to rinse thoroughly with clean water and buff dry with a lint-free cloth for a polished finish.
When it comes to prevention, treating your worktops with care will help maintain their appearance for years to come. Mark advises, “Use coasters under glasses to avoid water rings and place mats beneath dishes to protect the surface from scratches. Always prepare food on chopping boards rather than cutting directly on the worktop, and avoid placing hot pans or trays on worktops.
Instead, rest them on heatproof trivets or pads. To finish, restore extra shine with a non-abrasive glass cleaner, wiping down the surface with a soft, dry cloth for a streak-free look.”
3. The Fridge
Your fridge may seem clean, but it’s one of the most-used appliances in the kitchen, making it a hotspot for spills, odours, and unnoticed grime.
Spring cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to give it a full reset. Michael advises, “Sort through all the food and throw away anything that’s not worth eating. 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.”
Once everything is clean and back in place, keep your fridge fresher for longer by placing an open box of baking soda on a shelf to naturally neutralise odours between deep cleans.
4. The Oven
The oven can easily become one of the most dreaded cleaning jobs in the kitchen, but it’s worth the effort. Ideally, aim to clean it every couple of months to prevent grease and residue from building up.
Michael notes, “If you cook lots of greasy food in your oven, make sure you clean it thoroughly to reduce the risk of fire. We advise people to avoid cleaning with a mix of cleaning products, simply because it can create dangerous fumes. We also generally advise people to get an all-purpose cleaner, as it’s a great solution to stubborn stains.”
Mark adds, “Many modern ovens have a self-cleaning function. Self-cleaning (pyrolytic) ovens use extreme heat to incinerate food residue and grease into ash, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners. The 2 to 4 hour cycle locks for safety, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away the remaining ash once cooled.”
Focusing on these four high-impact kitchen areas will make your spring clean feel less daunting and far more rewarding. With thoughtful cleaning and a few expert tricks, you’ll create a space that feels fresh, organised, and ready for a new season.