As winter turns to spring, we must turn our attention to the annual task of spring cleaning. Having the right tools will save you time rushing about to gather up supplies. It will also ensure a seamless, uninterrupted spring cleaning process. Here’s what you should have on hand to get busy whenever motivation hits. 1. Steam Cleaner Steam cleaners offer a great way to clean and disinfect surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals. Ideal for removing dirt and grime from carpeting and rugs, a steam cleaner is also effective at reducing allergens in your home. Smaller steam cleaners are available for use on upholstery, and a steam floor mop will work wonders on the hard floors in your kitchen and bathrooms. 2. Vacuum Every home should have a quality vacuum cleaner for both spring cleaning and general household maintenance. Upright vacuums are more compact and easier to store in closets and other tight spaces. They can also be easier to move from room to room. Canister vacuums tend to be more powerful and durable. You can also find vacuums in various sizes, ranging from lightweight stick vacuums to handheld vacuums for use on stairs and upholstery. Wet/dry vacs are ideal for deep cleaning or suctioning up liquid messes. 3. Cleaning Cloths Cleaning cloths are also essential. Keep soft microfiber cloths on hand for glass, stainless steel, and other delicate surfaces. Dish cloths are also handy because they’re designed with more texture for scrubbing dishes as well as counters, tables, and other durable surfaces. You may want to keep various types of cloths available for different surfaces or rooms. 4. Cleaning Sponges You’ll also want to have several cleaning sponges on hand. There are numerous types of sponges available for different tasks. Soft, porous sponges are ideal for cleaning floors, walls, and bathrooms. Sponges with an abrasive side are great for scrubbing away stuck-on grime but should only be used on durable surfaces. 5. Brooms & Dust Pans For general cleanup, you will want an angled broom that can reach into corners. A dustbin with an attached handle makes sweeping dirt into it easier and requires less bending. A large flat broom will come in handy for sweeping out larger areas or outdoor spaces, such as driveways or porches. You should also have a small hand broom for digging dust and debris out of cupboards and closets. 6. Dusters There are two main types of dusters: synthetic and feather. Synthetic dusters are designed to attract a lot of dust in one cleaning session. When you’re done, the dusting pad can be simply be thrown away. A feather duster is also very effective, but it can be cleaned and reused, making it an eco-friendly option. 7. Glass Cleaners & Squeegees To clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces you’ll want a good glass cleaner and squeegee in your arsenal. There are both glass-only and multi-surface spray cleaners available that will clean glass without leaving streaks. A squeegee will help remove excess water when cleaning the outside of large windows. For indoor window cleaning, you can use your spray cleaner and a soft lint-free cloth or paper towels. 8. Floor Mops, Pails & Cleaners The best way to clean hard floors is with a mop, pail, and floor cleaner. Mops come in various designs, including sponge mops, spin mops, and fabric mops which can be washed and reused. You’ll also need a sturdy pail to mix your cleaning solution and water, and to keep your mop head wet. When choosing a floor cleaner, you need to make sure it’s specifically designed for safe use on the type of flooring you have. 9. Grout Brushes & Cleaners Grout is one of the hardest surfaces of your home to clean, but it can be done with the right tools. First, you’ll need a grout cleaner that is formulated to remove tough stains from both floor and shower grouting. You will also want a grout safe brush that is stiff enough to scrub away tough grime buildup. 10. Comfort & Safety Gear It’s a good idea to keep safety gear and supplies on hand before you get started with your spring cleaning. Safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask will help protect you from harsh cleaning chemicals which can irritate your eyes and skin. You may also want a kneeling pad to prevent bruising or scratching when getting down on your hands and knees to clean. Spring cleaning isn’t fun, but with the right tools on hand it will go much faster and easier. Start with one big job first, like steam cleaning your carpets. Getting that out of the way might just inspire you to power through the rest of the work!

Portable Air Conditioners are a great alternative to split systems. No difficult installations, a cheaper alternative and is a portable unit. Before buying yours there are several things to consider first: 1. Size What is your room size? The size of the main room you will be using your portable air conditioner in will determine the cooling capacity you will need. As a rule of thumb 10m2 equals a 1kW recommended capacity. For example if you have a 30m2 sized room then you would want a 3kW Portable air conditioner. 2. Noise Portable air conditioners can be noisy as all the cooling and heating components are housed in the portable unit. Usually there is a decibel rating that can give you an indication of the noise level of the unit but if you are unsure ask us in store if you can test one before buying. 3. Ducting Portable air conditioners don't require difficult installations to be used but they will require external ducting for operation. Your portable air conditioner will need to be placed near a sash or sliding window suitable for the exhaust hose to appropriately duct. Tip: Portable air conditioners are great to cool rooms between 0 to 40m2, and work better with rooms that are more closed off. Closing all doors, windows and curtains to block any drafts will also dramatically improve the cooling efficiency of your portable air conditioner.

When it’s so easy to make or fix your flyscreen, you shouldn't have to settle for an old one full of holes. There are only five steps to this DIY job, so it can comfortably be done in a weekend afternoon. And it’s not all that hard when you get the right gear from your local Mighty Helpful Mitre 10. Materials list Aluminium Frame Spline Spline Roller Corner Stakes Mitre Box Mesh (Flyscreen Mesh) Stanley Knife Hacksaw  Measuring Tape Pencil Flyscreen clips (optional) Safety gloves (recommended) Step 1: Remove the old flyscreen safely Start by wearing safety gloves and carefully removing the old flyscreen. Use a screwdriver to gently pry out the spline. Watch out for sharp edges, and clear any insects or debris. Remove the flyscreen gently to keep the frame intact. Step 2: Measure for the new flyscreen frame Measure the window's length and height accurately. Your new flyscreen frame needs to fit these dimensions precisely for a professional finish. Step 3: Cutting and assembling the frame Using a hacksaw and a mitre box, cut the aluminium frame at a 45-degree angle for perfect corner fitting. Assemble the frame with the corner stakes, ensuring a snug and secure fit. Step 4: Fitting the new flyscreen mesh Unroll the mesh over the frame, allowing for at least 5–7 cm of extra mesh on each side. This extra length is crucial for stretching the mesh without causing tears or slack. Start fitting the spline with the mesh into the frame using the spline roller. This step is key to ensuring the mesh is taut and secure. Step 5: Installing the flyscreen For windows without dedicated flyscreen frames, use clips to secure the screen. This step is essential to prevent the flyscreen from being dislodged by wind or movement.