In my case it brings back values instilled in me by my parents. Of course, in my youth, Dad attended to the outside and Mum to the inside — we two girls did a bit of both and not always very well!
However, we were also taught that the only thing to remove the winter build-up of grime was to apply lots of hot soapy, water, a dash of janola, two dashes of disinfectant and a huge dollop of elbow grease.
Even now, with all the modern day appliances, a weekly cleaner, and scores of fingertip services, I find it hard to ignore Spring Cleaning fever.
It’s like ironing pillowslips, flannels, tea towels and t-shirts. Few people seem to do this anymore. I do. And despite determined efforts to bypass the ironing board, Mum’s image always looms large scolding me for taking short cuts.
So I still iron and I still spring clean. Not with the same vigour of yesteryear when I went room to room washing curtains, shampooing carpets, cleaning windows, rearranging drawers and cupboards, wiping ceilings and damp dusting every internal wall until the room gleamed.
The routine differs only slightly from that which began when I was very young. Up the ladder goes the youngest or the fittest. Sadly with children now flown the coop, hubby and I toss a coin as to who fills that role. I am younger, he is fitter (well almost) so it’s pretty well even-stevens but I still send the other half up while I’m happy to bend.
This is the time to wipe over light fittings, skirtings, scotias and doors frames. Pull out those beds and dressers and turn the mattress (thank goodness we don’t have to beat them any more — remember the days of kapok?) — not a speck of dirt to be seen please!
Start early in the day — by time mid morning arrives it’s satisfying to feel you’re well on the way. In our house 11ish says it’s time for a cuppa and a scone. I still hear mum’s voice, “We eat now,” then, precisely 10 minutes later, “We work now!” There was no arguing but these days things are different. We ease back into work more slowly, more reluctantly. Some of us are already thinking: “We’ve just about had enough of this, let’s call in the experts.”
If you do go off the boil first think of that old adage, “a job half done is not worth doing”. Although one could argue that a job half done means I’m half way there and next Saturday is another day, possibly for all those outdoor jobs.
But to all those contemplating the pros and cons of spring cleaning I’m thinking perhaps it’s 10 times easier to employ someone else. Call in the experts to water blast or soft clean the house, driveways and paths; ask the professionals to check out damaged or weather-beaten awnings; consult an arborist about cutting back trees, hedges and overgrowth, phone a builder, handyman or timber merchant for new fencing or decks and ring your local dealer to secure the best price on replacing or revitalising flooring be it laminate, timber or carpet.
As for window washing, especially on double storey houses, this is a job far easier done by an experienced cleaner who has the arms for it and a head for heights. Finally, even avid gardeners may need help re-designing flowerbeds, laying lawn or placing paving stones.
