What kind of cleaner are you?
There's no need for guilt if washing windows, clearing out cupboards and polishing surfaces actually fills you with dread, you're not alone.
Fewer than half of all homes get an annual spring clean
PSYCHOLOGIST Anita Morris says whether or not we tackle the spring cleaning may be down to our childhood and our persomnality.
"It's quite common to copy the approach to cleaning and the techniques instilled in you by your parents,'' she said. That can of course be positive if you've got a sensible routine and are happy with it.
But sometimes if we were made to do certain jobs as a child that we hated we can retain that feeling as a grown-up.
That may mean although you're happy to clean, but one particular chore's a problem as you constantly overlook it, and if it is not done it then preys on your mind.''
And if you're allergic to a spring blitz? She says: Our personality affects everything we do and that includes cleaning. If you're a dizzy, chaotic character it's unlikely you'll clean methodically .
But it's worth being disciplined and setting time aside to do a spring clean. Getting rid of clutter and giving a home a good detox is often what we all need.''
So find out your cleaning personality, and follow our experts' tips.
The time poor cleaner
You're probably busy with family and work, and lack the energy or motivation to spend it cleaning when you have some time to spare .
Anita says: "Often these people are so stressed and overwhelmed they find it difficult to sit down and plan and prioritise. That means they're at risk of facing a mountain of chores which de-motivates them even further.''
Solution: Make a list of the essential cleaning jobs for each week and try to slot a time to do just one each day. Keep surfaces clean, and tidy away clutter.
Top tip: Barbara Robert, director of Merry Maids cleaning company, says: For a spring clean start at the far end of the home and work your way toward the entrance. In a room always work from top to bottom, left to right - it's the most efficient way to clean.''
Whirlwind cleaner
YOU ignore the housework for ages, and then have a mad blitz so the home is immaculate for a few days but then it slides back into chaos.
Anita says: "They're usually pretty driven, focused and high achieving so when they clean they insist on doing it all themselves. They think only they can do the best job. But the huge effort can be exhausting for them, and everyone around them, and make them irritable and snappy.''
Solution: Get the family to help you, and be tolerant if they don't meet your exacting standards. Plan one large job to do each month to avoid crisis clear-ups. You need to relax more, so plan an outing or chill-out time for yourself and whoever helps with chores.
Top tip: Barbara says: "Only ever clear one room at a time. Always start by picking up and storing clutter.''
Cover-up cleaner
YOU consider housework a waste of effort. So spills won't be wiped up straight away, and you use rugs or throws to hide marks or stains instead of tackling them.
Anita says: You think life's for enjoying, not for slaving over surfaces. Your idea of cleaning is a quick flick around with a duster, moving cushions around and putting out fresh flowers.''
Solution: If you have children, hide sweets or tiny gifts around the house for a cleaning treasure hunt so they finding them as they tidy. Organise a full set of cleaning products in a basket for each room in the house so you don't waste time hunting for the kit to do the job.
Top tip: Barbara advises: Use a grout brush on bathroom or shower tiles to remove stubborn build up between tiles and on fixtures.''
Compulsive cleaner
YOU plump the cushions as soon as someone stands up, and clear away plates before people have finished eating.
Anita says: Order, routine and planning are key to your life and you only feel comfortable when everything around you is pristine. But if you can't rest until everything is done, you may have allowed cleaning and chores to dominate you, which is unhealthy.''
Solution: Try to reduce your chore cleaning routine, e.g clean cupboards every other week instead of every week. Also find a hobby which relaxes and distracts you from obsessing over chores.
Top tip: Barbara says: For a kitchen clear-up, remove dust with a cloth first, and if cabinets are a hard surface veneer or painted woodwork, spray cleaner onto cloth rather than on surface.''
10:13am Friday 11th April 2008
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