By ANNA USHER

Spring is just around the corner – and it’s the perfect time to clean and declutter.

Mosman Council’s free bi-annual household clean-up kicks off this August, giving residents the chance to offload bulky waste before the warmer months arrive.

Accepted items – including mattresses – can be placed in front of your property the night before collection. To help reduce landfill, Council will also host a free e-waste drop-off day on Sunday 24 August, from 9am to 4pm at Mosman Square Car Park (you can find out more here).

A pre-spring clean is the perfect time to take stock of your house and reorder your rooms, Shannon Lush, author of Speed Cleaning (ABC Books) says.

“Spring and autumn cleans are the perfect opportunities to reorganise your house,” says Shannon. “It’s all about tackling the tasks you missed during the year.”

Need a little inspiration? We’ve rounded up our favourite cleaning hacks, sourced from the popular Facebook page Mums Who Clean:

• Oven racks: Wrap in foil with a dishwasher tablet inside and soak in hot water for a few hours or overnight.
• Fabric dusting: Use a lint roller on lampshades and upholstered bedheads.
• Pet hair remover: A rubber broom or squeegee works wonders on carpets and rugs.
• Toy sanitiser: Soak bath toys in vinegar, rinse, and leave in the sun to dry.
• Sink sparkle: Sprinkle bi-carb soda with vinegar, let sit, then scrub and rinse.

For Mosman residents, Council publishes a full calendar of waste and recycling dates, including e-waste and Christmas tree collection. Check your zone and pick-up dates here.

Over in North Sydney, bulky waste is collected every second Monday for residential properties. Single dwellings can dispose of up to two cubic metres, while apartments have a 0.5m³ allowance per unit.

Book your pick-up by 4pm Sunday before the scheduled collection dates by calling 1300 799 019. Upcoming dates include:

• Monday 11 August
• Monday 25 August
• Monday 8 September
• Monday 22 September
• Monday 6 October
• Monday 20 October
• Monday 3 November
• Monday 17 November
• Monday 1 December
• Monday 15 December
• Monday 29 December