Lifestyle: Spring Sprucing

By Rohit Chand from Keen To Clean 319A Burwood Rd, Hawthorn 

Rohit Chand has over 15 years of experience running and managing Keen to Clean. He worked within a corporate environment prior to joining the business as a master licensee. Having run his own business under Keen to Clean for 4 years, he eventually moved to become CEO of the company.

Coming up to Spring, traditionally many people begin to think about having a thorough Spring clean at home. But getting organised with a simple 'how to' guide can help take the grind out of the process.

What is a good starting point for your annual Spring clean?

Well, there is no right time for a Spring clean. I say this because, not only has the COVID pandemic taught us to rethink the way we clean, disinfect and sanitise, but it has also provided plenty of reasons to want to simplify and declutter our lives. A good starting point to your annual Spring clean will be decluttering and tiding up of your storage areas such as the garage.

During Winter, our doors and windows at home are typically kept closed at all times and the air can become a little stale. What household products can we use to best freshen the air in our homes?

There are plenty of options to choose from. Head to your local cleaning supplies store or supermarket to explore the new range of eco-friendly chemicals including air fresheners, diffusers, disinfectants and many more. In addition to the above, ensure all your bins are regularly washed, air conditioner vents are cleaned, fridges, dishwasher and microwaves regularly cleaned from inside to avoid pungent smells.

Cleaning windows can sometimes be tricky, how to best avoid streaky glass?

You can achieve sparkling results with newer window cleaning equipment and techniques.

A window cleaning solution, window washer applicator, pole, clean microfibre cloths and high-quality squeegee can usually get you the desired results. Ensure you do not leave any chemical residue, as this may eat into the glass and leave streaks. Talk to your local cleaning supplies store for the right chemical and equipment to give you a streak free finish the next time you clean the windows or 

mirrors around the house. For high reach windows, it is always best to engage professional window cleaners.

Is there an ideal method for sorting household goods into keeps and throwaways?

Best way to answer this is give back anything that you have maybe borrowed and does not belong to you or discard anything you have not used in years. With what you do not need, the best thing is to donate it. Whatever you decide to keep, allocate dedicated space based on usage. High usage items should be in a more accessible space and low use items can be stored away either in garage or storage shed etc. Shred unwanted papers and file the ones you need. For kept files, review these on a regular basis and securely dispose of anything you no longer need.

What areas of the home should be cleaned regularly?

High use areas including bathrooms, kitchen and toilets. Steam clean carpeted areas at least once a year. Regularly clean around, under and behind the furniture including couches, beds, tables etc. Dust your electronic items including TV, fridge, microwave and computer screens. Clean and organise your kitchen pantry to avoid any pest infestation.Air vents and ducts should be regularly cleaned to ensure no fine dust accumulates. Cobweb removal and high-level dusting should be conducted on a regular basis.