Give your home a Spring clean

SPRING is around the corner and that means it's time to brush away those cobwebs, polish up grubby windows and clear out cupboards.

But this year, the combination of a long winter keeping us indoors and the start of a new decade has inspired many to make an early and energetic start on that annual ritual, the Spring Clean.

Around two thirds of us have already carried out this time-consuming domestic blitz, and the number of those frenziedly wielding the dusters is up 24%, according to research by makers of a home decor computer game.

“It's natural to want to start a new decade positively, especially at home,” says TV presenter and interior designer, Anna Ryder Richardson.

“Undoubtedly, this year more people will have that urge to improve their homes by having a major clean up and clear out.”

But if you're struggling to complete an interior 'wash and brush up' or can't cope with the weekly mountain of cleaning tasks, don't despair - you're not alone, as 40% of us feel that way.

A further 52% feel embarrassed if guests see our home before it's cleaned up, and fear clutter and mess is a sign of laziness.

“In general, people view their homes as an extension of themselves and their self-image,” says psychologist, Dr Glenn Wilson, who points out that people's approach to cleaning can often reflect traits in their inner personality.

Check out our Spring Cleaning guide to identify your cleaning 'personality' and find out how clean your home really is!

New research into the nation's cleaning habits, commissioned by household disinfectant, Zoflora and analysed by psychologist, Dr Glenn Wilson, identifies four key types:

Strivers: The largest category (39%), do their best to keep on top of the cleaning and aim for a tidy house, but despite every good intention, they often fail due to lack of time. A further one in three feel totally overwhelmed by chores.

Dr Wilson's advice: “Failing can make them feel guilty and troubled by loss of control. While it's good to set goals, they should make sure they're realistic and achievable.

“Don't be too hard on yourself if other priorities take over. Write a list of the jobs you complete in a week and create a plan for the week ahead.”

Maskers: This group (14%) don't like cleaning and look for shortcuts so the house appears clean, such as moving furniture so it covers up carpet stains.

Perfectionists: A small group, (8%), who are least likely to Spring Clean! They don't need to as they clean every day because they panic and can't relax unless everything is spotless.

Begrudgers: This group (7%) hate cleaning and are happy to leave the house in a mess, and neglect rooms they rarely use.

Generally, 71% of Brits admit to hoarding unnecessary items, and this year those who've already started Spring Cleaning have each dumped, or recycled, on average 338 worth of clutter.

The Welsh are the most house-proud with 18% claiming to have a spotless home, and 66% have already de-cluttered this year.

The biggest hoarders are in Northern Ireland, with 83% confessing to being unable to discard 'unnecessary' clutter despite a Spring Clean.

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