SPRING CLEANING SECRETS FROM A PROFESSIONAL

Spring isn’t just about flowers blooming and sunnier days. It’s also the season for that long-overdue reset at home. But let’s be honest: the words “spring cleaning” can spark dread as much as motivation. Where do you even start? And how do you avoid spending your entire weekend scrubbing?

To cut through the clutter (literally), we’re turning to Dimakatso Mokoena, a SweepStar who works her magic in homes every week. Here are her go-to spring cleaning secrets that most people overlook.

1. Don’t forget the ceiling

“Everyone remembers the floors, but almost no one looks up. Light fittings and ceilings collect just as much dust as skirting boards.”

Dust doesn’t just settle on the floor – it floats upward too. Cobwebs in corners, a layer of dust on light fittings, and even air vents can undo all your hard work if ignored. Use a microfibre mop or extendable duster and work from the top down, so anything that falls gets cleaned up when you do the floors. It’s a small step that instantly makes a room feel fresher.

2. Behind (and under) is where the dirt hides

“You’d be shocked at what gathers behind the fridge and under beds. I’ve found everything from coins to missing socks.”

These hidden zones are dust magnets and often home to allergens like pet hair and mould. Every few months, move heavy furniture or appliances if you can (or use a long-handled vacuum attachment to reach underneath). Not only will this improve the air quality in your home, but it also helps your appliances run more efficiently. Dusty fridge coils, for example, make the motor work harder and use more electricity.

3. Windows are mood-boosters

“When the windows sparkle, the whole house feels lighter and fresher.”

Clean windows aren’t just cosmetic; they maximise natural light, which is linked to better sleep, reduced stress, and improved productivity. Use a vinegar-and-water mix (about one part vinegar to four parts water) and a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks. Don’t forget the frames, sills, and curtain rails. Bonus: sparkling windows make your plants happier, too.

4. The 20-minute trick

“Set a timer for 20 minutes per room. It keeps you moving, and you’ll be surprised at how much you get done.”

Cleaning marathons lead to burnout. Instead, break the task into bite-sized sprints. Put on a playlist, set a timer, and attack one area with focus – whether it’s clearing out a cupboard, wiping surfaces, or decluttering drawers. Short bursts keep you motivated and stop you from abandoning the job halfway. Plus, if you live with others, you can rope everyone into a “20-minute challenge” and turn it into a game.

5. Your cleaning tools need cleaning too

“People forget that the mop, the broom, and the vacuum filter also get dirty. If you don’t wash them, you’re just moving dirt around.”

Think of your cleaning tools as your team. If they’re not in top shape, you won’t get the results you want. Wash mop heads in hot water with a little vinegar, rinse broom bristles under the tap, and clean vacuum filters (most can be rinsed or wiped). Doing this before you start means you’ll spend less time going over the same spot twice, and your home will stay fresher for longer.

6. Declutter for the life you want

“If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s not part of your life anymore. Let it go.”

Clutter isn’t just stuff – it’s delayed decisions. Spring is the perfect time to reset. Ask yourself three questions: Do I love it? Do I use it? Do I have space for it? If the answer’s “no,” donate, recycle, or sell it. Start small with easy wins – expired pantry goods, old beauty products, mismatched socks – before tackling sentimental items. The reward? Less stress, more space, and a home that reflects who you are now, not who you used to be.

7. Don’t forget your washing machine

“Your washing machine cleans clothes, but who cleans the washing machine? If you don’t, it starts to smell and makes laundry less fresh.”

Run an empty cycle with hot water, two cups of vinegar, and half a cup of baking soda once a month. Wipe the rubber seal and detergent drawer too, as they’re often breeding grounds for mould. A clean machine means fresher laundry, fewer odours, and longer life for your appliance.

8. Organise by colour and scent

“Clothes folded by colour look neat. Add a soft scent and you’ll smile every time you open the cupboard.”

Here’s a trick that’s part aesthetic, part sensory joy: fold or hang clothes by colour for a boutique-style look, then tuck in lavender sachets, cedar balls, or even a few drops of essential oil on tissue paper. It’s practical (keeps moths away) and makes your wardrobe feel like a personal sanctuary.

9. The finishing touch: scent and texture

“Fresh linen on the bed and a little lemon or lavender scent in the air—it changes the whole feeling of a home.”

Never underestimate the power of the final details. Wash and air your bedding, plump your pillows, and throw open the windows to let fresh air flow. Add a subtle scent—think a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls in hidden spots, or simmering lemon slices on the stove. These small touches make your home feel not just clean, but alive.

A Reset, not a chore

Spring cleaning doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a few insider tricks from SweepStars, it becomes less about the grind and more about creating a space that supports your best self.