Spring is the perfect time to take on a deep cleaning of your home, especially the tasks you tend to neglect on a daily basis, such as cleaning and maintaining your chimneys.

Good indoor hygiene can reduce air pollution, reduce dust, improve your personal health and also help the environment. So take a look at some of the housework to add to your spring cleaning list…

1. Sweep your chimney

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, regular sweeping of your chimney is essential to keep your fire running at optimum efficiency. burn bettera cross-sector campaign supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Solid Fuel Association and HETAS, aims to help educate people on how to ensure their stoves and fireplaces – and therefore their homes – are clean and safe.

However, according to new research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of the ‘Burn Better’ campaign, more than half (52%) of homeowners don’t follow this advice, while one in 10 (12%) households with a fireplace admits to never sweeping. An annual sweep not only helps keep your home clean and safe, but can also help with air pollution. It’s time to book…

2. Fill up on alternative fuels

With a new survey revealing that 40% of Britons are more likely to use their open fire or stove than in previous years, now is a great time to stock up on alternative, planet-friendly fuels.

From May 2021, sales of domestic charcoal and wet wood will be phased out to encourage the use of cleaner fuels in the home. When choosing better versions of standard fuels, look for sustainably sourced and seasoned (seasoned) wood, as well as the ‘ready to burn‘ logo on any product sold.

If you choose a manufactured solid fuel, such as briquettes or logs, choose a brand that says it’s “suitable for use in smoke-controlled areas” because it will emit less smoke. Small changes, yes; but these can have a huge impact on your safety and that of your household.

3. Check your wood

Seasoned wood produces much less smoke, so a great spring cleaning task is to check your supplies before using them. If you are storing your own logs for burning, keep them in a dry place, ideally indoors. Experts recommend letting them air dry for at least two years, which will give you a head start.

If you are unsure, always ask your supplier for advice on how to properly store and season wood at home.

Tip: Before burning, use a moisture meter to ensure that the moisture content of the logs is below 20%. Making this small change to the way you burn can improve the air you breathe, reduce the risk of fire, and help your fireplace use less fuel to produce more heat.

4. Clean your radiator

When was the last time you deep cleaned your radiator? Over time, radiators accumulate a buildup of dust, dirt, and grime particles. In addition to keeping your home clean, a clean radiator can also protect against dust mite allergies and reduce heating costs as well.

Cleaning your radiator is easy: turn yours off, get out your vacuum cleaner and suck up all the dust. Then wipe it with a warm cloth to remove stains. It’s worth removing the side panels to get to those hard to reach places.

5. Thoroughly clean your stove

Your fireplace or wood stove is likely to collect large amounts of debris, cobwebs, soot or creosote, so it is important to deep clean it regularly. You don’t know how? Take a look at how to do it below…

1. First, make sure you’ve extinguished the fire properly and that it’s cool, with no hot embers or other potential safety hazards. If yours has glass, remove that too.
2. Once you’ve done this, use fireplace glass cleaner to clean the inside of the glass. Be sure not to use regular glass cleaner.
3. Dust the inside of your fireplace thoroughly before reassembling it. You will be surprised what you might find behind!

Don’t forget to maintain your wood stove. Having yours checked annually by a qualified tradesperson will ensure that your unit runs better, using less fuel to produce more heat.

If you are considering upgrading your appliance, experts recommend a model that produces less smoke, such as a Defra Smoke Exempt or ‘Ecodesign Ready’ stove.

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6. Souvenir under your oven

Cleaning under your oven will help remove fallen food bits, mold, bacteria and germs. A cleaning task that many overlook, it’s incredibly simple and takes no time at all. For best results, mix an environmentally friendly white vinegar solution, remove the cavity under your oven, take a cloth and clean it well.

In addition to cleaning under your oven, you should regularly clean the space between your oven and the countertop. You will be amazed at the results!

7. Wash curtains and blinds

Curtains, blinds and window sills are among the dustiest places in the house, so it’s important not to miss them. Most curtains can be easily cleaned in the washing machine (be sure to follow cycle guidelines), while blinds can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Make changes to the way you burn solid fuels at home. For more information on the Burn Better campaign, visit uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/burnbetter

It is important to consider the impacts of the coronavirus and any national or local guidelines currently in place where you live to determine if it is appropriate to bring trades people into your home. See more information on how to isolate yourself. Traders need to know Working Safely During Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines

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