This week’s warmer and sunnier weather has been very welcome indeed here in Snowdonia as the signs of Spring are getting more intense – the flowers are in full bloom, the heating is on less and the cloud is clearing so we can see those beautiful mountains – at last!

All this sunny weather got us thinking about the idea of Spring Cleaning…. At one time it was such a strong tradition that the Christian and Jewish churches had set dates for Spring cleaning time, and any household who didn’t undertake the annual clean up were thought of as slovens and heathens!

And according to a recent survey by cleaning company Vax, the 11th March (today!) is the day that most of Wales will begin their Spring cleaning. That’s the only problem with sunshine – it highlights all the dust……

Image by marija jure on freeimages.com

Spring is traditionally a good time for an in-depth clean; after the long (and often wet) months of winter it’s time to shake off the dust and prepare for longer and warmer days. And of course, as the days slowly get warmer and longer, it’s lovely to throw open all the windows and let the fresh spring air in.

Spring cleaning can be hugely satisfying – a day or two spent thoroughly cleaning the house was traditionally thought to cleanse the soul. You’ve heard the old saying “Cleanliness is next to godliness”, which literally means that being clean is the ultimate symbol of purity and goodness. The phrase was first coined in the 18th century, but it’s an idea that has been around for centuries.

But, just what should you undertake at Spring Cleaning time? According to the American household guru Martha Stewart, here are just a few of the things that you should do when you Spring clean…..

• Wipe walls and ceilings
• Reseal any loose or dirty grout and seals in the bathroom and kitchen
• Have carpets and rugs washed professionally
• Empty shelves to dust them, and their contents
• Wash and clean sofas, chairs and upholstery, including the cushions
• Polish door handles, wipe sockets and light switches
• Clean windows – inside and out
• Wax any wooden furniture
• Dust everything thoroughly – move furniture to dust behind, move ornaments etc
• Wax or polish hard floors (after a good scrub, of course!)

Phew! And by the time you’ve finished all of that little lot, we reckon you’ll deserve a drink! See you at the bar….

Happy Spring Cleaning Day!!

Image by Andrey Lobodenko on freeimages.com