Image source: Clair Strong Interior Design

It’s officially spring cleaning season. I like to use this time of year to deep clean, de-clutter and fix any maintenance issues around the home. I also like to tackle some quick wins; jobs that take between five and fifteen minutes, but make a noticeable difference to how my home looks and feels. Intrigued? Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Hang a Picture

If you’ve got some art pieces or photographs waiting to be hung, let them wait no longer. Hanging a single frame takes minutes at most, but really livens up a space. It’s not the easiest job (which is why so many of us put it off) but the right tools make it a lot easier. You’ll need a hammer and nails, a spirit level, and ideally a pipe and wire detector.

Fix Peeling Wallpaper

You don’t have to re-paper an entire wall for one peeling corner. Simply smear some wallpaper paste onto a scrap of paper and gently rub the paste onto the underside of the peeling corner. Remove the paper scrap and press the wallpaper down using a clean cloth to smooth away any air bubbles.

Plump Up Flattened Cushions

Flattened cushions can be brought back to life without replacing the entire insert. Simply buy a bag of toy stuffing (available at most craft shops), unpick a fist-sized corner of the cushion insert, and stuff to your heart’s content. Make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed before hand-sewing up the opening. I like to slightly over-stuff, as this ensures cushions stay plump for longer.

Replace Drawer Handles

Update an old chest of drawers or bedside cabinet with new drawer handles. This instant refresh can also be used in the kitchen if new cabinetry isn’t in the budget. I love the handmade selection on Etsy; they come in all shapes, sizes and materials including wood, concrete, metal and gemstone.

Clean Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds collect a lot of dirt and dust over time. Fortunately, you can clean both without even removing them from the windows. Curtains can be quickly freshened up with a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning kills bacteria and allergens, and removes wrinkles and odour. It’s a safe and gentle alternative to dry cleaning or washing in the machine so is great for in-between freshening. As for wooden or plastic blinds, you can clean them with old rags and a bit of detergent diluted in water, simply rub along each slat and dry with a clean cloth.