Spring cleaning, but true!

Spring cleaning is strict. The specialist advises to “confuse” so that the work does not spoil you immediately. When a stage such as the kitchen is done, there is a reward for everyone who helps. For example, eating together at a restaurant. Schaufelberger explains that you can create a real “event” with kids. “For example, take a recycling day during spring break or weekend, sell it as a kind of game and offer a reward.”

If you want to clean it, you have to clean it first. In technical terms, this is called visual cleaning, says Schaufelberger. «A flat with nice cushions on the sofa looks more hygienic.» Everything you need on a regular basis needs a permanent place. She says she’s seen kitchen cabinets filled with everything sold in the Betty Bossy catalog. “Dump the unused bile into the junkyard.” In general, the expert recommends entering the time windows to tidy up the agenda so that you don’t always feel like you have to remove something at home. Many would only clean when forced to do so. For example, before the cleaning lady arrives or before a visitor arrives. “Often these are moments when you don’t have much time or desire.”

Schaufelberger says the “scariest” thing in the kitchen is always the refrigerator. “Empty it completely and clean it with water and an all-purpose cleaner.” Modern refrigerators do not need to be defrosted. “Vinegar is also no longer used – it damages the seals.” Sustainable cleaning is important to Schaufelberger. He uses stale coke or the liquid left in pickle jars to descale his teapot. In general, it’s important to always rinse the kitchen cloth with hot water, wring it out well and hang it up to dry. There is a microfiber model in the kitchen. This type of fabric is highly absorbent. “That’s why I use a cotton cloth for my oiled wood table, or it will dry out.” A cleaning stone is used to clean the gutter. This is a paste that is abrasive and turns water into beads. Rowing Barber cleans the boat at least once a day, at the latest in the evening. “It’s like the kitchen’s calling card.”

When it comes to spring cleaning, Schaufelberger says the main job in the bathroom is to remove scale from the shower head, faucets and fixtures. If you want to make your job a little easier, you can dry the fixtures after each shower. He dries the shower wall with a window slider. “So I have five more minutes in the bathroom in the morning. But I think it’s worth it.” It is important to check whether the toilet and the cistern are leaking. “If it works, you should definitely get it fixed.” Otherwise, soon lime deposits will form under the toilet in the form of a small stalactite cavern, and there will be limescale deposits that you can no longer remove with the most toxic descaler. For doors and windows, Schaufelberger recommends a mild cleaning agent that does not damage the plastic and leaves unsightly stains. And: “Finally, always rinse again with water.”

It’s boring, but worth taking the bed apart and vacuuming as much as possible, Schaufelberger says. “Too much dust can accumulate on the slatted frame.” Most fabric sofas today are treated in such a way that dirt hardly sticks to them, he adds. It is sufficient to clean the upholstery with a vacuum cleaner. He uses a slightly damp microfiber cloth or Swiffer to dust. Always dust from top to bottom. “I advise against feather dusters as they can agitate particles when misused.” In general, Schaufelberger recommends not to leave unwashed laundry in the apartment. Clothes moth caterpillars, which eat holes in clothes, prefer clothes to which hair and dandruff are added, which provide an additional food source.

The most important thing, says Schaufelberger: “Don’t clean the windows too early in the year.” It’s getting harder and harder to find the right time because of the field dust and many storms. “But I would wait until the big pollen season. Everything else sticks to the glass.” It shouldn’t be too hot when doing this job because then the water and dish soap dries very quickly on the windows. Cleans the window frames first. If you have curtains, it’s best to remove them beforehand to wash or take them to the dry-cleaning. For balconies, she recommends working in pairs so one can stand inside For large windows, Schaufelberger uses a window slider from Kärcher that sucks in soapy liquid with a pump, then polish with a microfiber cloth or an old nylon tights.

Floors come last. You either vacuum or – for smooth surfaces – you use a dusting mop, such as those used by cleaning staff in establishments where sweeping would be too noisy. It should then be wiped wet. Sealed and oiled hardwood is water resistant, but sometimes needs special care products, says Schaufelberger. Stone floors should be wiped with plenty of clean water so that cleaning agents do not leave traces.