As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s hard not to notice those little areas around your home that could use a good clean. But who wants to spend an entire day scrubbing when you could be outside enjoying the sunshine?
Don’t worry — you don’t need to dedicate hours at a time to get your home feeling fresh. By breaking the workload into just a few smaller tasks, you can tackle key areas and get your space sparkling clean, maximizing your limited free time.
Here are four spring cleaning jobs that can be done in under a few hours, and best of all, some of them can even help extend the life of your equipment and appliances.
1. Got 30 Minutes or Less? Wipe Down Your Ceiling Fans
It’s amazing how much dust can accumulate on ceiling fans, especially as the seasons change. Don’t feel like you have to do it all in one go. You can break the task down into bite-sized steps that can be done in less than 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need:
- A step ladder
- A vacuum with a brush attachment
- A soft cloth and warm soapy water
- A sheet or cloth to protect nearby surfaces
Steps: Start by vacuuming the fan blades to remove loose dust — this prevents the dust from turning into a muddy mess when you wipe it down. Next, use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water to clean the blades. Make sure to clean both the top and bottom surfaces to get rid of all the dust.
Pro Tip: Stay on top of it! Regular cleaning every six weeks will prevent build-up and make future cleanings easier.
2. 30 Minutes to an Hour: Give Your Washing Machine Some Love
Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but how often do you clean your washing machine? If the answer is rarely (or never), it’s time to change that. A dirty washing machine can lead to mould, unpleasant odors, and even a rusty machine that may leave deposits on your clothes and fail prematurely.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft cloth
- Warm soapy water
- A soft brush
- A towel or tray for water collection
Steps: Start by wiping down the outside, detergent drawer, and rubber door seal with a damp cloth. Next, clean the filter by removing any hair, lint, or debris, then rinse with warm water. For the drum, you can run an empty hot cycle with a little detergent to clear out any built-up grime.
Pro Tip: Leave the door ajar between uses to let the machine dry out and prevent mould growth. Also, minimise your fabric softener use, if you can — it can leave a residue that builds up over time.
3. Got an Hour or Two? Tackle Your Oven
Ovens can accumulate grease and grime quickly, but with a bit of elbow grease, you can get yours looking like new in a couple of hours. Start by checking your oven’s manual to see if it has a self-cleaning feature. If it does, let the oven do the hard work for you. Otherwise, follow these steps:
What You’ll Need:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- A soft cloth
- A stainless-steel bowl
- Washing powder for the oven racks
Steps: First, remove oven racks and soak them in the bath or sink with warm water and washing powder. For the oven itself, make a paste with baking soda and vinegar, and apply it to the surfaces. Let it sit for a bit before wiping it clean. If needed, place a bowl of hot water and lemon juice in the oven and heat it to 120°C to soften any food residue before wiping it away.
Pro Tip: After cooking something greasy, give your oven a quick wipe-down while it’s still warm. This will help you avoid the need for big cleans later on.
4. Have Several Hours? Clean Your Screens
As the weather warms up, you’ll likely be opening your windows more often — which means it’s a perfect time to clean your window screens. Dirty screens can block airflow, trap dust, and make your home feel less fresh.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft brush or dustpan brush
- Microfibre cloth or mitt
- Warm soapy water
- Hose or small pressure washer (optional)
Steps: First, check if your screens can be removed. If so, take them outside and give them a good wash. For a less invasive cleaning, use a soft brush or microfibre mitt to remove dust and spider webs. If you prefer, hose the screens down or use a small pressure washer — just make sure you don’t use too much pressure to avoid damaging the mesh.
Pro Tip: Label the screens as you remove them so it’s easier to put them back in the right spot. Clean your screens at least once a year for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts: Small Tasks, Big Results
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. By breaking it down into manageable chunks, you can maintain a cleaner home without needing to spend entire days scrubbing. These four tasks — wiping ceiling fans, cleaning your washing machine, tackling your oven, and washing your window screens — can all be done in short bursts, leaving you with a home that feels refreshed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
So, grab your cleaning supplies and get started — you’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish in just a few minutes a day!
