Spring cleaning will take UK households more than 24 hours, a new survey has revealed. The research by online electricals retailer AO reveals that almost half (46%) of Brits consider a spring clean one of their biggest achievements of the year, and that the exact amount of time it usually takes to complete it is a staggering 32 hours. Spring cleaning is a common thing amongst households that want to start fresh after a long, dark and cold winter.
The survey revealed that 6% of Brits are spending up to a week (5-7 days) making sure they do a top-tier job, while 1 in 100 households takes over a week to do it. Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO, says: “Spring Cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A little planning goes a long way – whether that’s stocking up on supplies, mapping out a cleaning route, or making sure you have the right appliances to get the job done.”
The survey also revealed which areas dread spring cleaning the most. According to the results, Plymouth comes out on top with 40% of people saying they are not looking forward to it.
Additionally, 30% of people say exercise specifically in the run-up to build the strength and stamina needed for the job. Meanwhile, 28% compare the effort to a high-intensity workout class, while one in ten (10%) say it’s like running a half-marathon.
When it comes to those who look forward to spring cleaning the most, they tend to be in the North of England. Liverpool leads with 38% of respondents saying they are looking forward to their spring clean.
Following Liverpool is Manchester and Nottingham, both with 37% of respondents saying they’re excited to get started.
Experts have revealed their checklist for spring cleaning, listing the exact tasks that need to be done in every room of the home. According to Molly Maid, there are a huge number of jobs that need to be completed.
In the kitchen, for example, they tell people to defrost and clean the freezer, clean the inside of the fridge, clear drains and wipe down the front of cupboards.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, spring cleaning jobs include throwing out expired cosmetics, cleaning toothbrush and soap holders, cleaning mirrors and mopping the floor. The full list of their recommended tasks can be viewed here.