Spring cleaning checklist

...sofas and armchairs. Remove surface dust with a handheld vacuum cleaner and then get to work on any stains and marks. Always check the labels on your upholstery to see the best way to clean, and don’t forget any hidden areas, like under the cushions where dirt can build up over time. Steam cleaning the sofa can help to get rid of stains and bacteria.

Vacuum throughout. Now's a good time to clean the vacuum filter (a task that's often overlooked). It’s not a thorough clean without polishing and wiping down any light fittings, light switches and doorknobs. Ceiling lights and fans can also accumulate dust and lose their shine if they’re not cared for. You're likely to have accumulated a lot of clutter in the lounge. Take a look at our storage ideas page for tips on how to organise your space.

...the oven. Often forgotten but recommended to be cleaned at least every 6 months. Similarly, small appliances like the toaster, kettle and microwave can accumulate grime and need to be disinfected regularly.

Complete your kitchen clean by giving the cupboards, light fittings, door handles and the buttons and handles on your large appliances a good dust and polish. Give the same treatment to the cooker hood, another task that can often be forgotten.

...the mattress. While your bed linen may get a regular wash, your mattress probably doesn’t. A handheld vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment is the best way to remove any stains and dust from your mattress. Steam clean it to disinfect and remove allergens.

Bedrooms can often get stuffy and therefore they can benefit from a little fresh air. Open the windows while you clean, especially as you’ll be clearing up a lot of dust from under the bed. A thorough bedroom clean is also the best time to donate or throw out unwanted clothes and shoes.

...the shower curtain. Day-to-day use can take its toll on your shower curtain. A quick spin in the washing machine is usually enough to have them looking fresh again. It’s also a good time to clean your floor mats and towels.

Remove any dust from the extractor fan, clean out the bathroom bin and wipe down your taps and showerhead. It’s also a great time to cull any unused or empty toiletry bottles, which can build up on the sides and in your bathroom cabinets.

On the subject of washing machines. Don't forget grime and dirt can build up in your machine, so it needs a clean of its own. You can use things like baking soda and vinegar or buy washing machine cleaning products. Make sure to clean the detergent drawer thoroughly too. Give the tumble dryer a clean while you're at it, ensuring you clean out all the filters. The lint filter should be cleaned after every use but if you have a condenser dryer, make sure to clean the condenser filter regularly too.

If you haven't managed to reach the bottom of the laundry basket in a while, now's the time to do it! Get all your laundry washed and dried. With the weather (hopefully) a little warmer, take advantage of drying the clothes outside on washing lines or clothes airers. Finish the job by ironing and putting everything away neatly and organised. Ironing plays an important role in sanitising clothes, as it kills off bacteria and germs.

It can take more than a quick vacuum to fully clean laminate flooring. A damp or dry microfibre mop is the best option as it can remove embedded stains and dirt. You can also use a broom to lift any dirt and dust not picked up by your vacuum cleaner.

Tiled floors can lose their shine if not maintained properly. Using a steam cleaner or gently wiping with a cloth or soft brush is the best way to clean tiles, without embedding the grime even further.

Choose the best vacuum for your needs with our buying guide.

Get the cleaning products you need at Sainsbury's.co.uk.