Spring Cleaning!

A good spring clean can make it feel like spring even if it's still a bit of a wait.

Here's how to tackle a room.

Remove artwork from the walls. Clear out the furniture, or push it to the center of the room. Cover it with an old sheet or a tarp to keep it clean. Use a feather duster or long-handled string mop to clean the ceiling and light fixtures. Dust the walls as well, and vacuum to remove all the dust you've brought down to the floors. 

Wash painted walls gently with sugar soap or bicarbonate and warm water. Don't scrub more than you need to, and don't leave the solution on the walls to soak. Get them clean and dry as fast as possible to avoid removing paint along with the dirt.

If this is not successful, it's time to repaint.

Once the walls and ceilings are clean, return the furniture to its places. This is a very good time to think about changing the arrangement of the furnishings. It's also the perfect time to dust the furniture, clear out drawers and cupboards, and replace anything that has seen better days.

If you move furniture, you may need to move lamps as well. Think about the function of your furniture groupings: a corner for relaxed conversation will need different lighting from one for reading. 

Once everything is clean, tidy, and in just the right place, consider adding decorative touches. Don't just return the same objects d'art to the same places, though. A new vase, or even just swapping a collection from one room with a dramatic single piece from another can give both rooms a fresh new look.

Now enjoy your clean, new room!