Blow the cobwebs away with a traditional Spring clean - but do it in style with funky accessories, then give yourself a lift with some brand new treats for those brighter rooms.

Forget about the Cinderella connotations - housework has come out of the closet.

Now that we're all so home conscious, it's much more socially acceptable to be house proud.

When you consider the importance of the home as a sanctuary in which to recover from the stress of modern life, it's only natural that we want to pour time and money into looking after it.

That might mean just flicking a feather duster or getting fancy with scented linen sprays for the laundry.

And even if you don't do it the rest of the year you should at least make the effort for the traditional spring clean.

TV presenter Anthea Turner revealed all her housework and cleaning tips in her show, Perfect Housewife, on BBC Three.

"It's cool to have a well run, comfortable and inviting home," she says, adding that it's especially important for time-poor people to be aware of the easiest and quickest ways to achieve it.

She threw open the doors of her immaculate Surrey mansion to inspire the rest of us.

As she says: "Run a home like you would a mini-business and treat it with the same seriousness that you would in running a little company."

Even if you don't take housework that seriously it wouldn't hurt to take a look around your home, blow away those winter cobwebs, and start to get organised so you are ready to welcome spring.

Buying some funky cleaning accessories could put you in the mood, and don't forget to give yourself a few treat accessories when you've finished.

Anthea Turner's top tips

You can't run a home that's a mess, so first of all you have to de-clutter it. If it's not beautiful, useful or seriously sentimental, it goes. Charity shop or bin - you decide!

There's no getting away from it: you have to clean. People who say, 'Oh, my house is a bit of a mess, but I'm really clean' are talking rubbish because you can't have a tidy house if it's not clean.

Storage is important. Try vacuum packing to save space. Wicker baskets are marvellous for putting things like throws or garden cushions away until you need them for another season.

Avoid wastage. If you're cutting up a lemon, put the left over half into the dishwasher. It adds a little zing and sparkle to your wash.

Don't use too many household cleaning products which are harmful to the environment. Try cleaning with vinegar, or just use one damp cloth swilled in cold water and one dry cloth.

Baby oil will make aluminium surfaces in the kitchen shine beautifully, while dirty windows will gleam once you've wiped them with scrunched-up newspaper, dampened with some white vinegar and water.