Give your home a spring clean

SPRING Cleaning needn't be a chore if you follow tips from the experts and treat yourself to stylish tools for the job.

Spring's 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 of us to make an early and energetic start on that annual ritual, the Spring Clean.

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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.

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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!

What's your cleaning personality?

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

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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.”

“Make a room-by-room plan so you don't get overwhelmed by chaos. Use time effectively, for example, the kitchen floor could dry while you clean the hall.”

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Best buys: Make your storage and cleaning kit stand out so you don't overlook those chores. Zingy red kitchen canisters, are 25 for a set of four from Bhs, and Homebase's pink floral dustpan and brush is 8.99. After a blitz, reward yourself with a cuppa in a jolly Apple mug, 8.50 from Utility.

Baileys Home & Garden practical and eco-friendly cleaning products and kit. Unbleached cotton floor cloth, 1.50 and Olive Oil soap, 3.35.

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.

Dr Wilson's advice: “By not being thorough you're really creating a bigger job in the long-term.

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“Adopting a 'little and often' approach to chores will help you gain a sense of satisfaction.”

Best buys: Stylish storage from Laura Ashley, includes a set of three pretty shoe boxes, 35, and water hyacinth baskets for everything from laundry to clutter, which start from 35.

Have the right kit to hand. Homebase's collection includes brushes, from 3.99, bucket, 12.99 and mop, 6.99.

Reward yourself with bargains from HomeSense, which has discounted designer homeware brands.

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n 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.

Dr Wilson's advice: “Don't place too much pressure on yourself. Loading yourself up with an ever-increasing number of chores on your list is a real danger for those with this trait.

“To avoid cleaning everything all the time, allocate specific chores to certain times only, for example, clean fridges every week but other appliances once a quarter.”

Best buys: Domestic goddesses would love Laura Ashley's new Botanicals fabric accessories. Apron 20, set of two tea towels, 10.

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And, Cath Kidston's 'Washing Line' collection from Heathcote & Ivory is also irresistible. It includes Scented hangers, set of three 10, and a Decorative scrubbing brush, 6.

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

Dr Wilson's advice: “We all have different priorities in life and there's nothing wrong with this approach, but if a chaotic environment is actually affecting your well-being it would be worth starting cleaning routines that take minimal time.”

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