Spring Cleaning Tips & Seasonal Property Insights
The weather's warming up, and with spring comes the perfect opportunity to refresh your home. From decluttering your closet to scrubbing away winter’s grime, now is the time to tackle those chores you’ve been putting off. Engel & Völkers Southern Africa shares practical spring cleaning tips to get your home sparkling.
READ: Live your best life: How to choose a home that matches your lifestyle
1. Deodorise Your drains
Keep lingering smells at bay by pouring half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar down your sink or tub drain. Cover, wait 15 minutes, and flush with boiling water to clear hair clogs and freshen your pipes.
2. Salt as an iron cleaner
Remove sticky residue from your iron by running it, hot and steam-free, over paper sprinkled with salt.
3. Fix scratches on wood
Mix half a cup of vinegar with half a cup of olive oil. Dip a rag into the mixture and rub onto blemishes until your wooden surfaces shine.
4. Clean ceiling fans easily
Slide each fan blade into a pillowcase to wipe off dust and debris without it scattering. Shake out the pillowcase outside and toss it in the laundry.
5. Remove pet hair with rubber gloves
Dampen a rubber glove and run your hand over furniture to attract pet hair effortlessly.
6. Squeegee for carpets
Use an old squeegee to scrape pet hair from carpets and rugs - it works wonders!
7. Sanitise sponges
Microwave damp sponges for a few minutes to kill germs, extending their usability.
8. DIY cleaning slime
Combine white wood glue with borax and water to create a fun cleaning slime that picks up dirt in tricky spots. Add food coloring for a colorful twist.
9. Homemade leather cleaner
Mix ¼ cup olive oil and ½ cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil, spray your leather surfaces, and wipe with a cotton cloth to clean and condition.
10. Clean stainless steel with vinegar
Ditch expensive cleaners - wipe appliance surfaces with a vinegar-soaked cloth, then buff dry for a streak-free shine.
11. Keep towels soft
Add ¼ cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle to remove detergent residue, or wash towels in hot water according to care labels. Avoid fabric softeners, which reduce absorbency.
READ: 6 budget-friendly ways to organise your children's closet
Spring doesn’t just refresh your home- it can also energize the property market. Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa explains how seasonality, combined with market dynamics, creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Kerb appeal matters: Homes with vibrant gardens and inviting outdoor spaces show exceptionally well in spring.
More choice: An increase in listings gives buyers a broader selection and sellers more competition.
Buyer motivation: Families and professionals often aim to close deals before year-end or the school term, creating natural urgency.
Market outlook: Interest rate shifts and economic conditions influence activity, but prepared buyers and realistic sellers can benefit regardless of the season.
"Spring is traditionally busy in the property calendar. Properties with well-maintained gardens or outdoor entertainment areas tend to attract attention, making it a favorable time to sell," says Fine & Country SSA.
For buyers, the seasonal uptick in listings provides more options and potential for negotiation. Those who understand market dynamics and act decisively can secure ideal homes before the year-end rush.
The Takeaway
Spring is all about fresh starts - whether you’re tidying up your living space or exploring property opportunities. With preparation, timing, and an understanding of seasonal trends, you can make the most of this vibrant season.
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