It’s that time of year again when the evenings are lighter, the days are brighter and you can fling open the doors and windows to welcome in spring. I always feel that spring is the real start of a new year, with the earlier months just being a hangover from Christmas. Spring is when I want to reset the house via decluttering, deep cleaning and swapping the old for new, so here are five spring cleaning hacks and tips to try for your home to be refreshed and renewed in no time!

1. Wash your carpets and rugs

2. Hoover your bed frame and clean the mattress

3. Plant some indoor spring bulbs

4. Remove mould from your window frames

5. Swap out your soft furnishings

Wash Your Carpet and Rugs

While you may not think to wash down your carpets and rugs unless there has been a spill or you need to spot-clean any stains, giving your floor fabrics a soak will refresh your entire home by making it smell better alongside making your carpets and rugs look brand new. You’ll be surprised just how the layers of dirt build up in the fibres of your flooring - even if you do not wear your shoes in the house or own pets. Good-quality floor cleaners have rotational brushes and distribute water evenly to get deep into traditional wool loops and knots, absorbing back all the dirty water so that the floor will dry quickly in a couple of hours with just a window open.

Hoover Your Bed Frame and Clean the Mattress

You may change your bed sheets regularly and hoover the floor around your bed, but how often do you hoover your bed? Dust, dead skin and bacteria love to gather in the corners of your bed frame, so take the time to remove your mattress and hoover, dust and polish every inch of the frame.

If you can move it easily, it’s also a good idea to move your bed frame and clean under the bed and around any walls the bed might be pushed against. Dirt and dust build up quickly in areas that can be hard to access, so it’s worth being thorough. When you put back your bed and mattress, sprinkle over a couple of cups of baking soda on the mattress surface for a natural cleaning agent; leaving it for the rest of the day before vacuuming the crystals away for a fresh and clean sleep.

Plant Some Indoor Spring Bulbs

An inexpensive way to lift your home for spring is to plant some seasonal spring bulbs in decorative pots. Hyacinths, Muscari and Narcissi all make fantastic indoor displays and ooze that fresh floral scent that is so missed over the colder months. If you do not have indoor planters, compact outdoor planters work well indoors to host bulbs. Simply submerge the bulbs in soil and add a layer of moss or grit over the surface to make an attractive table centrepiece.

Remove Mould from your Window Frames

The build-up of condensation over those wetter, colder months can often leave traces of mould on your window frames - especially in the corners. Not only do these black spots look ugly, but they can also be detrimental to your health. Using a plastic cup full of warm water containing a couple of drops of mould remover, take an old toothbrush and scrub away at the mould deep in the corners of each pane and frame. Finish by wiping with a microfibre cloth. To stop condensation from building up and causing mould when it is too cold to keep your windows open, look to invest in a window vacuum that sucks excess water from the glass.

Swap Out Your Soft Furnishings

Some fabrics like velvet and boucle suit those winter months as they are thick, heavy and warm. However, swap out your chunky bedspreads and winter cushions for soft furnishings in lighter, breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton for spring and summer. These fabrics breathe easier and are better on the skin during warmer spells.

By following these few simple spring home cleaning hacks and changes, your home will be cleaner, free from dirt, mites and contamination, feeling lighter and fresher ready for you to enjoy in the seasons ahead.

Bonus tip: Tailor your spring cleaning strategy to your needs

Every home is different so it’s beneficial to tailor your spring cleaning strategy to your needs. If you’ve got a German Shepherd at home, or you have young kids, dealing with mess may be a daily undertaking. Draw up a regular cleaning routine, which enables you to stay on top of basic tasks, such as vacuuming carpets, mopping floors and wiping countertops and surfaces. Try to make life easier by opting for low-maintenance materials that can be cleaned easily. For example, washable rugs are a brilliant way to make cleaning up muddy paw prints and footprints quick and hassle-free.