Spring is the season of life when every creature is reborn after a long period of hibernation. In the West, it is also the time when farangs take stock of their possessions and do a big cleaning. Thailand doesn’t really have “Spring”—but the New Year is as good a reason as any to tidy things up. Yes, though you probably clean your home regularly, admit it—there are a few things you have been neglecting. How about that closet where all your old clothes have been disappearing? The windows too hard to reach that never get wiped off? And when’s the last time you had a look at what’s hiding beneath that bed? Oh yes, you have a lot of work to do.

Clean Machine

The core idea of spring cleaning is, obviously, to clean. But we know, we know—it’s hard work. Plus, you could scratch your diamond ring. Why don’t you try a miraculous innovation—the robot vacuum! Verasu introduces the Karcher Robo Cleaner (02-254-8101/-8; www.verasu.com) from Germany that is able to work on wood floor, tiles and carpet. This automated vacuum is only 10cm in height and weighs just 2kg, so cleaning underneath your bed or carrying it around is no problem. Don’t bother looking at the price; just think how easy cleaning is going to be (B159,000; hot summer sale B127,200 through May 15)! Another somewhat cheaper option is the Electrolux Trilobite (B89,000. Call Electrolux for airfreight, 02-718-0200, 02-725-9000; www.electrolux.co.th).

If those prices—or thoughts of artificial intelligence cleaning your floors—freak you out, let these folks give you a hand. Happy Cleaning (101/123 Rama 3 Rd., Bang Kor Laem, 02-291-6584, 01-842-3905; www.happycleaning.net) offers service for houses not larger than 200sq.m. Five cleanings will run you B3,000. Miss Clean (02-736-7579, MissClean2546@yahoo.com, www.geocities.com/missclean2546) provides different levels of service, starting at B1,000 per visit.

Taking Care of Business

It’s also time to check up on all your household facilities. This may take time, but it helps in reducing monthly expenses. Here are a handful of services for specific products.

Air-Conditioner: Some say it needs to be cleaned twice a year, but even once a year is better than never. The Ministry of Energy has teamed up with several vocational schools in offering an air-conditioner cleaning service at B350 through May 31 (call 1579 or 02-282-7060 ext. 1391, 1704/-5; www.eppo.go.th or www.thaienergynews.com).

Bicycle: You’ve worked that bike hard throughout the year on numerous treks. Why don’t you treat it right with a nice check-up at Probike (237/2 Sarasin Rd., 02-253-3384, www.probike.co.th)? Professionally trained staff members are waiting to give you the ride of your life.

Car: Forget streetside car wash services. Spoil your MINI with full-board treatment instead. Opt for services at 27 Speed Kar Klinic (2072 Sukhumvit 62, 02-741-5906/-7, www.27speed.com), Classic Care (Off Soi Soon Vijai, 02-716-5667/-8, classiccarethailand@yahoo.com) or Wash Mania (581/2 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39, Procha-Uthit Rd., 02-935-6958, www.iamwashmania.com). These places provide more than just basic automobile care—their selection of wash programs are specialized for hi-end cars, too. Visit their websites for fares; they’re not that pricey.

Carpets: Imagine all the dirty feet that have walked across your floor this year. The vacuum is good for the short term, but if you need something a bit more intensive, go to the pros. The Living Company (860-870 Sukhumvit Rd., Phra Kanong, opp. Soi Thong Lor, 02-381-8301, www.dema.biz) will do a good job with this, as this is a fine carpet vendor. Specialized staffs can service your antique Persian or silky Jim Thompson carpet here, as well. Picking up a rug from your home costs B1,000; if it’s a wall-to-wall carpet, rates start at B3,500.

Plumbers: If your plumbing is a bit slow and you don’t have your own handyman, call Tortan (45 Soi Taan Samrit 15, Tiwanont Rd., 09-473-9501, 09471-8160, www.tortan.com) to the rescue. They will unclog your drains and toilets for approximately B1,000 per clog point. (Just remember that drains are sometimes clogged at more than one location in a pipe.)

Re-paint For a New Outlook

It’s widely said that changing a room’s tone can heal your mood. Getting a bright new outlook with a newly decorated room could be exactly what you need. ITV has a new program called Changing Rooms, which offers you and a friend free new decorations within a B50,000 budget and two whole days to do it. The idea is that they let you guys swap room-decorating roles—you redecorate your friend’s room while he/she manages yours. All you can do is pray it will turn out OK! They provide an interior designer to guide your vision and to prevent any serious design disasters. Contact How Come Entertainment (3/F, Shinawatra Tower 3, Viphavadi-Rangsit Rd., 02-791-1717, www.howcome.co.th) for details. For new design ideas, check out Architect’06 through May 7, where household services, products and innovations are gathered in one stop for your shopping convenience.

Clear and Recycle

Time to clear things out that you “haven’t used in the past year.” Follow this rule slavishly, or you’ll end up keeping everything for future use. OK, we respect your fashion sense; you can keep that vintage Birkin. But what to do with the leftovers? You could sell them to that saleng that occasionally drives by your home, or you could make more merit by donating them. Though you may not need what you’re getting rid of, there’re many in the world who do. Wat Suan Kaew Foundation (Bangyai, Nonthaburi, 02-921-6262, 02-921-5602/-4, 02595-1945/-7) accepts all second hand products, from clothing, books, electronic devices and furniture to construction items. Other choices for donations are voluntary student groups in universities that do rural development twice a year. Visit the Donation Exchange Center (www.thaigiving.org) for listings of foundations or groups that have been thoroughly checked out.

Freshen It Up

After a long day on cleaning duty, ‘tis time to clean up your body. No, we’re not talking about washing your skin with luxurious skincare products. We mean detoxification of your digestive tract. Detoxification (a.k.a. detox) washes away toxins from your body by injecting warm water into your colon. Advanced detoxification services are available in various hospitals and medical clinics, but you could just as well do it at home. Buy a detox kit from any drugstore (try Fascino, 02-889-5820/-9, www.fascino.co.th) and follow the directions. Afterwards, you will discover that you feel lighter and fresher than ever. You might alternatively want to take an extended break or fast at a detox program of some sort. Check out courses at Cheevachit Magazine (www.cheevachit.com, www.amarintraining.com), New Body and Mind Retreats (www.thinkdetox.com) or HydroHealth (4/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ploenchit Rd., 02-250-7800, 02-250-7808, www.hydrohealth.co.th), which offer several detoxification programs matched to your type and time frame.

Spring Cleaning Check List
 

Q: How should I start cleaning my place?
A: Follow this list.

Clean shades, curtains and ceiling
Check if lights work well
Clean windows with newspaper and check for cracked panes
Beat cushions and mattresses to remove dust. Replace if necessary
Dust and organize table and cupboard
Sort messy wardrobe
Defrost refrigerator, then wash with warm water and baking soda
Replace filter and clean air-conditioner
Clean the floor last

Q: Should I throw this away?
A: Check this list. If you mark four of them, get rid of it.

You haven’t used it for more than a year
You can’t remember how you got it
You have no idea how to use it in the near future
You don’t know what it is
It wouldn’t hurt to lose it
You could buy a new one if you suddenly needed it

Q: What should we keep in the wardrobe for the coming season?
A: If it matches just one thing in this list, keep it.

It’s white
It’s navy/nautical design
It’s a silky dress/blouse
It’s printed
It’s short