In the last year, I’ve gone from a pretty standard, kinda boring and average 25 year old to a 40 year old woman. I watch Louise Pentland (otherwise known as Sprinkle of Glitter, for anyone who doesn’t know) on YouTube doing her laundry and speed cleaning her kitchen on the regular. And I love it. My YouTube tastes have gone from watching fun, holiday vlogs and make-up hauls to watching someone clean their house. And you know what? I am totally down for that. I love cleaning. I love organizing things, sorting things out, making sure things look nice and hoovering… don’t get me started on how satisfying I find hoovering.
So, as you can imagine, I’m super happy to be featuring some products which were kindly sent to me by Home Bargains on my blog today, all of which promote a ‘Spring Refresh‘. Because hey, you guessed it, it’s that time of year again. Although we haven’t experienced too much Spring in the U.K thus far this year and it feels like it’s been raining for literally decades, it’s firmly here and I think Spring is a wonderful time to really have a mental and physical detox. And a Spring clean is the perfect way to start that!
And Home Bargains is a bloody brilliant shop, which sells everything from home-wear, toys, cleaning products, health and beauty, arts and crafts and much, much more all for ridiculously cheap prices. So it’s the perfect place to pop to and stock up on all those Spring cleaning products you’ve been meaning to buy!
So a quick round up of the products I received; the first one was this lovely “There’s no place like Home” plaque *, which is featured in the above photo. This was a nice surprise as I wasn’t expecting anything like this but I really like it and it’ll be perfect to hang pictures on or even important letters / documents that you need to keep handy. The wood looks lovely and it’s a really understated product so yes, well done Home Bargains.
The next two I have been sniffing non-stop since I opened my box, a Wickford & Co candle * and a Wickford & Co reed diffuser *, both in the scent Cotton Breeze. If, like me, you love the smell of freshly washed sheets which have been hanging in the garden all day then this scent will blow your socks off. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the perfect Spring scent for the home! I’ve gifted the reed diffuser to my Mum, which is now diffusing nicely in the living room but I’ll certainly be lighting my candle when I can bring myself to!
And finally… the part that will have us split 50/50. Those that love scrubbing, cleaning and descaling the kitchen. And those that, well, really bloody don’t. I was sent a Cif Power Shine * for the kitchen, a packet of Power Action rubber gloves * and 5 Power Action microfibre dish cloths * to get me started on my Spring cleaning. These will all come in very useful – especially the microfibre cloths which are brilliant for polishing and really handy on things like the TV, where they don’t leave marks.
Tips to make your Spring clean more manageable
- One thing at a time: Start with one room or one area of a room and go from there. This is one of those times when looking at the “big picture” isn’t going to help. Because the “big picture” is messy and overwhelming. But one small section of a room certainly isn’t!
- Be prepared: Have everything you need before you even start. Cleaning supplies, bin bags for rubbish, recycling bags for recycling, rubber gloves – whatever else you need. Got a lot of rubbish that needs removing? Hiring a rubbish removal company such as Kwiksweep might be the answer.
- Don’t be scared: A Spring clean is the perfect time to detox. Out with the old, in with the new. So don’t be scared to have a de-clutter and throw some of your old stuff away. I bet there’s tons of things you haven’t used in years which are taking up space!
- Make lists: I’m a huge list-maker. If I can make a list for something, I will. And even if I can’t, I’ll try. Making a list and making a note of every aspect of your Spring clean will help you not lose track of what you’ve done, haven’t done or need to do. You can even categorise those lists into, “kitchen”, “bedroom”, “bathroom” etc!
- Treat yourself: A Spring clean is a big, ol’ job. So don’t forget to treat yourself after a hard days Spring cleaning to something you enjoy! You deserve it and it’ll give you something to look forward to.
I hope you liked this post and my tips were helpful! Do you like Spring cleaning? Have you started yours yet? And do you have any tips of your own of how you manage it or any holy grail products you use?
* All products marked with a (*) were gifted
[…] day in autumn when you can feel a chill in the air. I hate Summer with a passion so as much as Spring is lovely, it just reminds me that it’s only going to get […]
I love Home Bargains. It was my go-to shop when I lived in London – there was one just down the road from where I lived. Perfect for everything!
Brilliant shop 🙂
I love Spring cleaning – although I tend to do it every season so…xD Great tips – thanks for sharing!
Haha same Aimee! It definitely doesn’t stop at Spring for me!
This is the first year I’ve really felt the need to have a proper spring clean. We’ve rearranged half the house and the mess that comes with that is really overwhelming! But your tips will be extremely helpful. I also love the sound of those candles! Need to check and see if my local Home Bargains has any!
Beth x
They smell glorious! Good luck with the rest of your Spring clean 🙂
Now that I’m (officially-ish) finished my first year of university it’s definitely time for a spring clean, thanks for the great recommendations and tips! <3
Charlene | http://www.charlenemcelhinney.co.uk
You’re welcome 🙂 xx
I LOVE Home Bargains – I always come out with so much stuff I don’t need. I could definitely do with a spring clean in my house! xo
Sian | http://www.siankathrine.co.uk
Brilliant shop isn’t it!
That cotton breeze candle is definitely something I will go to the shops and smell! I love a few home bargains, it’s great to have a spring clean.
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
It smells absolutely divine!
I’m absolutly obsessed with home bargains lately, I love the sound of the cotton breeze candle I will definitely have to check that one out next time I’m in 🙂
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk/
It smells glorious!
Call me silly but I love spring cleaning! I love giving everything a nice refresh!! My favorite (now call me crazy) would definitely be the scrubbing! Hahah love these tips especially lists!
Not silly at all I absolutely love cleaning!
I think you can’t do any wrong with a candle. It freshens up the air in your home and also makes you feel more relaxed. I love candles especially in winter because I don’t have a fireplace.
Absolutely 🙂
I love Home Bargains too, but for arts and crafts and fairy lights, not for cleaning stuff! I detest cleaning and the bathrooms and kitchen are my particular bugbears so, y’know, if you’re looking for some more work, haha, I’ll even pay your travel fare 🙂 Joking aside (or not) I love the tips here, you’re right, don’t look at the bigger picture and start with a small corner, it’s way less daunting!
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Definitely less daunting that way. I would genuinely come and clean your house if you covered the travel haha. You have to clean the bathroom occasionally!!
Some really great tips xx
Thank you x
I absolutely love home bargains! They’re amazing! These tips are so helpful and I’m definitely having a massive spring clean this weekend!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Have fun!
Great post, Jenny! I love Louise too but if you like cleaning videos, Kate Murnane has some great ones! She also did an organisation/de-cluttering series a few weeks ago and they were great to watch!
Em ~ http://thisisemsworld.com
Thank you for the recommendation!
I love a good old spring clean!! I’m like you and tend to do small sections at a time, rather than the whole thing!! xx
It makes it so much more manageable! xxx
I DID NOT KNOW about cleaning videos on youtube but fear this is me done for now ! ha! I am obsessed with Zoflora, especially the seasonal editions they do, stuff smells amazing!
Hahaha whoops! Emily Norris does a lot of cleaning themed videos… if you’re interested 😉
I love sprint cleaning and especially spring organising! x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Same here it’s brilliant x
I *hate* cleaning and tidying but i’m weirdly inspired by your post to give it a go..? I feel like wine will be a necessity.
All I do is try to avoid harsh chemicals and bleach.
I bloomin love Home Bargains. We have a suuuper small one in the next town over and I can easily spend an hour in there.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
What! I absolutely love cleaning and tidying! I think it’s so important in order to keep a clear head as well x
Home Bargains is SO dangerous for me! My poor bank balance. I am obsessed with home ware and am constantly buying new candles and scatter cushions!
Haha love a candle and a cushion!
I’m inspired! Loved your post and the Louise Pentland videos sound amazing, I know who she is but I’ve never watched her stuff. Top tips!
Wow really? You should, she’s brilliant to watch.
I’m looking right now 😊
I hate and love cleaning! I hate the energy it takes but it’s actually therapeutic once you get into it! I have left some things left to clear in my room so this was my reminder!
Haha oh I just love it!
Such great tips, I’m fully into the spring cleaning mood now. I sometimes watch Louise too, I find her relaxing haha 🙂 I always have to take cleaning one room at a time or I get overwhelmed xx
Alys
http://www.alysjournals.com
I do too! She’s so relaxing to watch with a cuppa!
I’m a big Louise Pentland fan too! Her videos are always so entertaining and she is so likeable. You know someone is a good YouTuber when you don’t mind watching them do the cleaning 😂. These are fab tips Jenny, one room at a time is such good advice otherwise it feels so overwhelming. I did some Spring cleaning at the weekend and it feels sooo good to have a tidy home! Great post lovely 😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Haha that’s SO true, she makes anything enjoyable to watch!