7 Spring Cleaning tasks to get started on
As we emerge from winter hibernation, thick coats are swapped for lighter jackets and it’s time to take stock for the season ahead.
With summer approaching, now’s the time to start thinking about getting some household upkeep out of the way early, so you’re not left slammed in the holiday season when there are a million other things to think about.
Soft furnishings: It’s easy to remember to wipe down hard surfaces, but the often-overlooked soft furnishings in our homes also need some TLC.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan a sunny day to wash couch cushions, blankets, rugs or curtains that could be harbouring dust and bacteria.
Most of us wash the pillowcases on our beds, but the pillows themselves can harbor dust mites and fungi. It’s generally recommended you wash your pillow every two to six months – how to do so depends on its materials, so check the care label.
Clean your heat pump: You can clean your heat pump filter in less than 10 minutes using your vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. If you’re steadily blasting it throughout winter and summer, you should be cleaning it at least four times a year to ensure it’s working smoothly and to enhance its performance.
Windows and doors
After a damp winter, it pays to check the not-so-noticeable corners of your home. Windows and doors need regular maintenance to keep them in good working order and to avoid the likes of rot and corrosion. Look for signs such as chalky surfaces, condensation, mould growth, corroded fixings and blocked drain outlets – all indicate it’s time for a spring clean.
Take extra care not to damage the coating when cleaning coated or specialised glass – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The dos and don'ts of donating clothing: As the time comes to swap our winter clothes for more summery attire, sift through your wardrobe for items you haven’t worn in more than a year. Unless it’s a special-occasion piece, chances are you’re not going to be reaching for it any time soon.
Depending on the quality and value of the garments, you may want to sell them online or through a consignment store to earn some cash. If not, you can donate to your local op shop or clothing bin.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
scumbags
There are some really awful people around at the moment. This is what happened on Sunday.
We live in Hinemoa Street opposite the Waiwhetu Stream. At around 3.40 in the afternoon I was looking out my window and saw a car pull up and start to feed the geese and ducks out the window. Then The passenger an asian man jumped out and threw himself onto a goose. he picked it up and put it the boot of the car.
I immediately ran over and stood in front of his car to stop him moving I also called my husband to help. A lovely man was riding his bike and saw it and stopped to help me. The driver tried to drive into me but I didnt move. He tried telling us it was his pet. These are wild geese.
They had a cage in the boot and some wire all ready to catch the poor bird like they have done it before. My husband took the bird from the car and released it. I then moved out of the way and after lots of abuse from the driver they drove off threatening to come back and get more.
No one should be allowed to take these beautiful birds and certainly not like this. they are all starting to have wee babies at the moment the whole thing was so upsetting to me. Another neighbour further down the road also saw it all happen.
Please keep a look out for this car and if you see them by the stream go over and watch them lets all stop this happening.
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