Your essential spring cleaning tools guide

There are times when your everyday cleaning kit doesn’t cut it – and spring cleaning is one of them. Whether it’s extendable handles or some extra grunt, the right tools can make your seasonal deep cleaning faster, easier and much more satisfying. From carpet washers to garden trimmers, this guide will help you choose the gear that gets the job done, so you can spend more time enjoying your home and less time cleaning it.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Spring cleaning top tips

• Plan your clean from top to bottom: Start with ceilings, walls and windows before floors and outdoor areas to stay on track.

• Use one tool for many jobs: Look for scrubbers or steam cleaners with interchangeable heads to clean everything from grout to glass without buying separate gear.

• Hire before you buy! For big-ticket items like carpet cleaners, hire from Bunnings Hire Shop to tackle one-off jobs without the full investment. 

Vacuum cleaners

Spring cleaning needs tools that go further than a regular vacuum. To give floors a deep refresh, consider a vac with a HEPA filter to help remove allergens, pet hair and dust. For glass surfaces, such as windows, mirrors and shower screens, a window vac makes light work of getting them sparkling clean. Pair with an extension set for safe cleaning of high windows. Window vacs are also handy for cleaning spills on benchtops or tiles.

Power scrubbers

Soap scum, greasy tiles and dirty outdoor furniture don’t stand a chance with a power scrubber. A rotating head does the hard work for you, helping you clean quickly and thoroughly. And different brush heads let you tailor the tool to the task – use soft bristles for delicate indoor surfaces like shower screens, and firmer ones for tougher outdoor jobs. For tight corners, tiles and grout lines, a narrow brush gives you more control.

Steam cleaners

These power cleaners cut through grease and bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals. Use them on sealed floors, tiles, ovens and even upholstery – just check that surfaces are steam-safe first. The high heat of steam cleaners helps lift stains and kill germs on contact, making them a hygienic choice for homes with kids or pets. They’re especially good for dealing with grime in kitchens and bathrooms, including sinks, taps and rangehoods.

Garden power tools

Spring calls for a garden tidy-up. A cordless line trimmer and blower kit is the go-to for neatening edges and clearing leaves, while a hedge shear kit takes the sweat out of shaping shrubs and tackling overgrowth. For a real spring makeover, consider a multi-tool system that allows you to swap between pruner, trimmer and edger heads. A wet and dry vac is a handy tool, too, for cleaning the shed, garage and outdoor areas as well as gutters, car boots and pet bedding.

Carpet cleaners

Carpets take a hit over winter, especially in homes with kids and pets. A carpet washer helps lift deep dirt and revive fibres, while attachments can clean upholstery, stairs and even car seats. These machines inject cleaning solution into the fibres, agitate the carpet, then extract the dirty water. For best results, vacuum first and work in overlapping lines to avoid streaks. Let cleaned areas dry fully before walking on them to prevent re-soiling or damp smells.

Pressure washers

Winter gunk on paths, driveways, fences, patios and outdoor settings is no match for a pressure washer, which can remove mould, mildew and dirt with ease. Adjustable pressure settings allow you to customise the clean – use lower pressure for timber decking or outdoor cushions, and crank it up for concrete, brick or stubborn stains. For extra efficiency, many models come with detergent tanks, surface cleaners or turbo nozzles that help reduce cleaning time.

Keep in mind...

• When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.

• When pruning, always wear protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves, as the leaves and sap of some plants can be a skin irritant and/or cause allergic reactions.

• When using a hedge trimmer, wear gloves and eye protection and always stand on a steady, level surface.

After some more spring cleaning tips?

Check out our series of articles to get your house in tip-top shape.

Photo credit: Jonny Valiant.