How and why you should do a big spring clean

During our grandparents' era, the famous "spring cleaning" – known as "les à-fonds" in Switzerland – was a deeply rooted habit in people's homes. A way to say goodbye to winter. This good practice that was thought to be forgotten is still essential today, as better insulated and heated homes are a breeding ground for microorganisms and dust mites. The risk of developing allergies is increasing, as shown by studies that estimate half of the world's population will suffer from allergies by 2050. Check out our guide to discover the benefits of a proper spring clean!
spring clean

What's the point of this big clean?

You don't think your house is that dirty... However, in our daily lives, there are many areas of our homes that we don't take the time to clean. We mostly clean the things that are urgent, important and visible! The change of season is a good opportunity for those kitchen cupboards and wardrobes to be opened, emptied, cleaned and organised! It's also a good time to clean door frames and crevices where dust has settled. Get rid of those thick layers of dust that have accumulated under your furniture, as well as dirt that stains lamps, carpets, curtains, light switches and door handles... You suddenly think it might be a good idea to go over all these places...
What’s the point of this big clean?
Cleaning alone is not enough

Cleaning alone is not enough

Wiping with a cloth? Yes, but not just that. A house that looks clean is not necessarily free of pathogenic microorganisms, dust mites, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Dirt is often invisible and harmful to health. That’s why spring cleaning can help you tackle anything you don’t already do in your cleaning routine. But be careful: limit the use of chemical products. If you tend to overuse them, under the impression that your home is cleaner afterwards, you should know that they are responsible for high levels of indoor pollution and pose risks to your health and the environment. This is why it’s essential to use gentle cleaning products followed by a natural method such as steam to disinfect objects, surfaces or fabrics.

Discover IZZI, the hygienic steamer that disinfects the home

Take the time to sort through your belongings

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to get everything organised! Go through your cupboards, drawers and wardrobes. Steam and freshen up those winter clothes with IZZI, the 2-in-1 steamer from Laurastar. Change your seasonal wardrobe. Tidy up, organise and get rid of what you don’t need! Donate the things you no longer wear. Your local second-hand shop will be very grateful, as will your wallet if you get a few pennies out of it. And who knows, you might even find lost or completely forgotten items!
A European study conducted by the Happiness Research Institute and Kingfisher showed that living in a home where you feel good makes you feel happier. What if that home is healthy and tidy? Once you’ve done your spring cleaning, you’ll probably feel twice as good. But that’s for you to decide...
It’s up to you: The big spring clean, where do you start? Follow our guide
Take the time to sort through your belongings
Le purificateur vapeur IZZI Le purificateur vapeur IZZI

The big spring clean: where to start?

Good weather is returning and so is the heat. Spring brings renewal and fills us with energy! It’s also the traditional time for the yearly deep clean of our homes, and at times, the task can seem arduous. Where do you start and how do you make sure you don't forget anything? Follow the guide!
  1. BEFORE THE BIG CLEAN, ASK FOR HELP

    Don’t hesitate to get the whole family involved! Provide enough equipment for everyone: gloves, buckets, brushes, bin bags, cloths, sponges, etc.

  2. COMMON CLEANING TASKS IN ALL ROOMS

    There are certain tasks that need to be done in every room of your home. Check this list to make sure you don't forget anything!

    • Floors: vacuum and wash. Carefully move any furniture and rugs in order to reach difficult areas;
    • Windows: to avoid using chemical sprays, use IZZI's hygienic Dry Microfine Steam and then wipe the windows and the interior and exterior window frames with a soft cloth;
    • Lights: dust them off including light bulbs and lampshades;
    • Door handles: use hygienic steam and wipe with a soft cloth;
    • Fabrics: use hygienic steam to freshen up and disinfect blankets, carpets, duvet covers, mattresses, cushion covers, soft toys and other fabrics;
    • Small electronic devices: clean remote controls, telephones and alarm clocks with a cloth or cotton swab soaked in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

  3. SPECIFIC HOUSEHOLD TASKS, ROOM BY ROOM

    Here is a small summary of everything that will need to be cleaned from top to bottom in each room of your house. Most of these tasks can become part of a more regular cleaning routine

    Entrance hall and living room
    • Coat rack: freshen up and disinfect coats, gloves, hats, not forgetting the soles of shoes, handbags or backpacks using Dry Microfine Steam;
    • Sofa: thoroughly disinfect cushions and fabrics using Laurastar's hygienic steam;
    • Curtains: sanitise and freshen up vertically using the IZZI hygienic steamer;
    • Furniture: move out, vacuum and clean with hygienic steam. Don't forget to dry with a soft cloth!;
    • Objects: put small items in IGGI and the Box for quick steam disinfection.
    Kitchen
    • Extractor fan, hob, oven and microwave: remove grease and clean;
    • Fridge: throw away any expired or questionable products and thoroughly clean inside; Freezer: defrost it if necessary; empty any food residue and remove accumulated water or ice;
    • Small appliances: clean the toaster, kettle, coffee machine, etc. White vinegar is very effective in removing limescale; Cupboards and drawers: empty, vacuum, clean with hygienic steam and dry with a soft cloth;
    • Food cupboards: throw away out-of-date products, clean, vacuum, steam clean and dry with a soft cloth;
    • Top of furniture: use a step ladder, clean then disinfect with hygienic steam;
    • Sinks and taps: thoroughly clean with white vinegar to remove limescale and disinfect with hygienic steam;
    • Bins: clean then disinfect with hygienic steam;
    • Work surfaces and utensils: clean then disinfect with hygienic steam – especially cutting boards.
    Bathrooms
    • Tiles and seals: scrub with white vinegar and disinfect with hygienic steam;
    • Sinks and taps: clean with white vinegar to remove limescale and disinfect with hygienic steam;
    • Shower and bathtub: use an anti-limescale product, clean then disinfect with hygienic steam, dry with a soft cloth;
    • Bathroom cabinet: sort out any medication and out-of-date products; clean then disinfect with hygienic steam;
    • Mirror: use hygienic steam and wipe with a soft cloth;
    • Brushes: disinfect toothbrushes and hairbrushes with IGGI and the Box;
    • Fabrics: machine wash at 60°C, for items that can't be washed at high temperatures, freshen up and disinfect with hygienic steam.
    Toilets
    • Toilet bowl: clean with a suitable product and disinfect
    • Accessories: clean the seat with a suitable product and disinfect with hygienic steam, change it if necessary; clean then disinfect the toilet brush, change it if necessary;
    • Flush button: clean then disinfect using hygienic steam.
    Bedrooms
    • Bed: thoroughly disinfect the mattress, pillows, duvets and cushions, get rid of bed bugs with hygienic steam;
    • Curtains and fabrics: sanitise and freshen up vertically using the IZZI hygienic steamer;
    • Wardrobes and tables: empty, vacuum, clean with hygienic steam and dry with a soft cloth;
    • Objects: dust and disinfect with hygienic steam; think baby toys – dummies, cuddly toys – and sterilise them with IGGI and the Box.
    Basement and laundry room
    • Machines: pour 1L of white vinegar into the drum and 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda then run a wash cycle at 90°C. For both washing machines and dryers, remove any residue with a soft cloth soaked in white vinegar. Clean the drum seal using a soft brush, warm water and a little soap. Rinse, then dry with a clean cloth.
    • Furniture: vacuum behind these machines where dust and dirt accumulate and on the floor.
    • Stairs: dust and wash the steps: use hygienic steam on the handrail and dry with a soft cloth.