Spring cleaning made easy

There are usually quite a few different cloths in the cleaning cupboard. But which one should you use for dusting? When combatting the grey stuff, a soft, slightly damp cotton cloth works best, so that dust is not kicked up during wiping. Thanks to their antistatic effect, microfibre cloths are also well suited to the task. This is because dust particles adhere to the cloth without the need for moisture. They can therefore be used on water-sensitive furniture in particular. But be careful when it comes to high-gloss furniture. It may be scratched or become matt as a result of microfibre cloths. Coarse dirt on shelf surfaces and dressers can also be removed using a vacuum cleaner with soft furniture brush.

Following the winter months, cleaning windows is recommended so that the spring sun can find its way into your home. The important thing is to ensure no liquid stays on the glass after cleaning, since this can result in unsightly smears. These can be wiped away using a microfibre cloth. Fast, streak-free results can also be achieved with a Window Vac. This little helper cleans windows in a flash and the dirty water ends up in the tank rather than on the floor, thanks to the handy suction function. Window frames and windowsills must also not be forgotten when cleaning.en.

The vacuum cleaner is the popular alternative for cleaning. Unlike a brush, which kicks up dirt, it makes short work of crumbs and dust particles. This is important prior to wet cleaning as very coarse dirt cannot be picked up completely or can even leave visible scratches on sensitive surfaces such as parquet. Those who wish to save themselves this extra step can use the floor cleaner FC 5 from Kärcher, which vacuums and wipes in one step.

Moisture, cold air, wet dirt and especially road salt – winter is a hard time of year for cars. This aggressive mixture can speed up the formation of rust. This is why thorough car washing is part of spring cleaning. This is quick and thorough with a pressure washer.

For this purpose, a flat jet should be used at a distance of about 30 centimetres from the surface. As far as possible, the underbody and wheel arches should be cleaned. Using a detergent makes it easier to dissolve dirt, which then only needs rinsing off. If you prefer to use a wash brush, the car should first be sprayed over completely so that stones and other dirt cannot scratch the paint.

Before washing the car, it is definitely worth finding out whether car washing is allowed on the street or private plot of land, as the laws can vary according to the Federal State, city or municipality. The possibility of polluting the groundwater should always be ruled out.

The tiles on the balcony, terrace and paths in front of the house are constantly exposed to weather. This often results in unpleasant dirt. Moss, lichen and greenery can be thoroughly cleaned in a flash using a pressure washer.

Ferrous objects such as garden furniture or lights lying on the ground and getting damp for extended periods of time may cause rust stains to develop. Acid-resistant stones such as granite or slate can be treated with citric acid. For acid-sensitive stones such as marble, a special acid-free rust remover is required.

Garden furniture in storage should be wiped off after the winter using water and dishwashing detergent in order to remove dirt and dust. High-pressure cleaning makes it faster. The additional use of a detergent that has a gentle effect on the surface is also recommended.

Garden furniture padding is subjected to sun and rain. As such, delicate materials and colours should be sprayed with a special stain guard. Synthetic fibre covers are easy to wash, whereas cotton covers should be cleaned chemically.

Whether Douglas fir, Bangkirai wood or modern wood polymers – dirt gets stuck in natural structures more easily and is more difficult to remove than from smooth stone floors. In this instance, it is best to use a pressure washer. This allows for a gentle cleaning procedure – especially on wooden surfaces.

Through the use of a flat jet nozzle and spray lance, water pressure can be adjusted to match the material. Surfaces should be painted with a special wood varnish following cleaning. This protects against weathering and freshens up the colour.