A Guide to Spring Cleaning and Maintenance for your Holiday Home

As the tulips bloom and the birds chirp, it’s a great time to schedule spring cleaning and maintenance your holiday home. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your primary residence; it’s equally important for your holiday home.

Whether you own a quaint Cotswolds cottage on the high street or in the countryside, giving your holiday home a thorough spring clean and maintenance check ensures it’s ready for another season of relaxation and enjoyment by both yourself, and your guests.

In this guide, we at Manor Cottages will explore essential tips for spring cleaning your holiday home, including annual checks, seasonal maintenance, and garden care.

Annual Checks for Holiday Homes

Begin your spring cleaning regime by assessing the structural integrity of your holiday home. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks in the walls, loose roof tiles, or deteriorating siding.

Addressing these issues early can prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your property. In the long run this will enable you to save on funds and ensure your guests have the best experience.

Check Plumbing and Electrical Systems

Ensure that your plumbing and electrical systems are in good working order. Check for leaks, clogs, or any signs of water damage in the kitchen, bathrooms, and utility areas.

Test all outlets, switches, and appliances to ensure they are functioning correctly. Consider hiring a professional plumber or electrician for a thorough inspection if needed.

If you have access to outdoor taps, ensure they have survived the winter snap. This is also a great time to deep clean hot tubs and astroturf.

Inspect HVAC Systems

As temperatures rise, it’s essential to ensure your heating, ventilation, and if applicable, air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in optimal condition.

Replace air filters, clean ducts, and schedule a professional maintenance service to inspect and tune up your HVAC system for peak performance. This is a great time to get your boiler serviced and install any new devices such as smart meters.

Test Safety Devices

Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are in proper working order. Replace batteries as needed and consider installing new devices if yours are outdated.

Deep Clean Interior Spaces

Give your holiday home a deep clean from top to bottom. Dust furniture, vacuum carpets, mop floors, and wash windows to freshen up the interior. Don’t forget to clean behind appliances, inside cabinets, and under furniture for a thorough clean.

Hiring a carpet cleaner or someone to professionally scrub both this and any upholstery is worth investing in during this time. You may wish to hire a painter and decorator to help refresh paintwork or update wallpaper.

Blinds are often forgotten, along with the tops of wardrobes, the back of radiators and other out of sight areas. Guests will notice these so set a good first impression and add these areas to your spring cleaning checklist.

Seasonal Checks for Holiday Homes

Prepare for the Season: Tailor your spring cleaning tasks to prepare your holiday home for the upcoming season. If you’re gearing up for summer bookings, focus on outdoor areas such as patios, decking, hot tubs and barbecues.

Washing cushions, power washing garden furniture and ensuring surfaces are algae free are good things to add to your spring cleaning check list too.

Likewise, outside of the summer season If your holiday home is a winter retreat, ensure that heating systems, fireplaces, and insulation are in top condition.

Inspect Outdoor Structures

Check for any damage or wear and tear to outdoor structures such as decking, fences, and sheds. If there are specific areas that pets are allowed, check these are still contained areas.

Repair or replace loose boards, nails, or damaged components to ensure the safety and longevity of these structures.

Clean and Organise Personal Storage Areas

Declutter and organise personal storage areas such as closets, cabinets, and garages. Donate or discard items you no longer need and invest in storage solutions to maximise space and efficiency.

Guests will not want to see piles of your personal items in the holiday home, so ensure they are hidden out of view.

Pest Control

Take proactive measures to prevent pests from infiltrating your holiday home. Seal cracks and crevices, trim overgrown vegetation, and consider hiring a pest control service for preventative treatments.

If neighbours keep chickens or other livestock, their feed will naturally attract unwanted visitors around your holiday home that may impact on your guest’s first impressions and/or experiences.

This also goes for damp areas that may attract insects and bugs into your holiday home.

Garden Maintenance

Trim overgrown bushes, shrubs, and trees to promote healthy growth and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. Prune dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth.

Remove weeds and unwanted vegetation from garden beds, pathways, and driveways. Use organic mulch to suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil. It’s important to note, if you’re accepting pets or plan to, into your holiday home – ensure to use pet-friendly alternatives.

Apply fertiliser and organic compost to nourish your plants and promote vibrant blooms. Consider using slow-release fertilisers for long-lasting results and minimal maintenance. If you are planting new plants, again consider if these are toxic to wildlife or domestic pets.

At Manor Cottages, we love a trip to Burford Garden Centre, so be sure to chat to one of their friendly team about the best plants for your holiday home.

Reviatise your holiday home

By following these spring cleaning and maintenance tips, you can revitalise your holiday home and ensure it’s ready for another season of relaxation and enjoyment.

Regular upkeep and care will not only enhance the longevity of your property but also create a welcoming and comfortable retreat for you and your guests to enjoy year-round.

So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the spirit of spring, and give your holiday home the attention it deserves!

Holiday Let with Cotswolds Manor Cottages

If you’re looking to holiday let your holiday home in the Cotswolds, speak to local letting agents Manor Cottages. With over 30 years of experience in the area, there’s not much we don’t know about holiday letting.

Get your free pricing appraisal today and chat to one of our local team. Download your free owner pack here.