Whether you’re tackling a deep clean or you’ve got five minutes spare for a quick reset, effective cleaning tips that get the job done in double-quick time are always preferable. Not only does it take the pressure off, but it also gives you the opportunity to actually enjoy your efforts – after all, what’s the point in a lovely clean home if you can’t relax in it?
From the kitchen to the bathroom, the living room to the bedroom, the jobs can seem endless, as can the list of cleaning products, for that matter. But you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t need expensive tools, chemical-laden solutions, and complicated cleaning rules to achieve a sparkling finish, for example, there are lots of things you can clean Baking Soda, lemon juice and Vinegar.
Before you start cleaning any room, a good tidy up is recommended. Begin by emptying bins, putting away laundry, clearing countertops and surfaces, tidying toys and generally decluttering where necessary. You’ll then be left with a much clearer idea of what needs to be done, and you can start to prioritise tasks.
1. Start with A Plan – Write It Down
Tackling a deep clean can be overwhelming, particularly if
you’re working through every room in the house. I like to make a list of the
things I’d like to accomplish and in what order, so they’re not all floating
around in my head, it makes the whole process feel a lot more manageable, and
you’re less likely to give up halfway through. Don’t forget to download the FREE Printable
2. Deal with Dust (The Right Way)
They may be fun to use, but fluffy dusters only spread dust,
they don’t collect it. If you want to keep pesky particles at bay, opt for a
damp microfibre cloth instead.
For hard-to-reach areas, or if you’re dusting particularly fiddly items
– use a hairdryer set on low to free the dust, leave for five minutes to
let the dust settle (literally), then wipe beneath.
3. Whisk Away Stray Pet Hairs
Do you have pets? I do, my dog Benji is a world class
moulter. I hoover up and turn around to
put the hoover on charge and the floor is covered again. Using a lint roller like these ones from
Walmart on soft furnishings and lampshades is a definite must for me. For the stair I highly recommend the carpet lint remover it is definitely one of
my favourite cleaning tools,
4. Show Your Plants Some Love
Houseplants are no exception, they are like any other
household item, that require regular cleaning to keep them dust-free. Hardy
houseplants can usually handle a rinse in the shower (as long as you stick to
lukewarm water), but if their leaves are a little on the large side, the
easiest way is to simply wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth. Don’t
forget to wipe the undersides of your leaves too, you’ll be surprised how much
dust you’ll find there. I recommend you clean your plants once a month to keep
your plants looking fresh and healthy
For more delicate specimens, wrap paper towels around the
container to stop the earth falling out and gently dip them leaves-first into a
bowl of water.
5. Don’t Scrub Carpet Stains
If you spill something on your carpet, whether it’s nail
varnish, coffee or a red wine stain, try and avoid panic-scrubbing
when cleaning a carpet, you’ll only push the stain deeper into the fibres.
Instead, blot the stain gently with your remover of choice using a clean cloth. Only ever use a white one to prevent any
pigment bleeding into the carpet and making the stain worse.
6. Say Goodbye to Artificial Scents
Aside from being overly-perfumed, synthetic air fresheners
often contain chemicals that are bad for our health, and the environment. If
you prefer a more natural approach to fragrance your home. During warmer months, keep windows and doors
open for freshness and make up little bundles of your favourite seasonal
flowers to bring fragrance into every room. Through winter, make a quick-fix
air freshener by filling a pan with water, fresh herbs and lemon, bring to the
boil, and allow to simmer for a few hours so the vapours scent the air.
7. Clean as You Go
Make daily cleaning a habit by wiping down surfaces and
putting items away as soon as you use them. This will prevent mess from
building up and make cleaning faster and easier going forwards.
THE LIVING ROOM
8. Refresh Woodwork
Save yourself both time and effort scrubbing scuffs and
stains of doors, baseboards and woodwork in general by investing in
a Magic Eraser. I swear that the magic eraser lives up to its name. It makes
light work of fingerprints, pen marks, paw prints and more. This super amazing cleaning sponge can also
be used for cleaning walls.
I had a little bump in my car, I accidentally reversed into
a painted yellow metal bollard. The
paint off the bollard had transferred itself on to my bumper, it was VERY
noticeable, So I used my magic eraser and a little WD40 and after a few light
scrubs, the yellow paint came off. I honestly couldn’t believe it. It was like it had never happened. So, I can’t
rate this product highly enough.
9. Spot-Clean Couches with Baby Wipes
We all spend so much time on our Couches, it’s a no-brainer
that knowing how to clean a couch quickly to avoid spillage stains
setting is pretty useful… and the answer is (drum roll please….. baby wipes. Yes,
the humble baby wipe is a great choice for this, they are gentle and contain
very little moisture, making them practical for spot-cleaning most materials;
not to be confused with proper cleaning wipes which may contain stronger
chemicals that could cause damage.
10. Keep TV Screens Streak-Free
Cleaning the tv screen regularly (at least once a week ideally) is a must, but knowing how to clean a tv screen the right way is essential if you want to avoid any damage. The main thing to remember is to avoid liquids at all costs. While a microfiber cloth works well, you can also use a tumble dryer sheet; they’re anti-static, so you won’t have to dust so often, either – bargain!
THE KITCHEN
11. Cleaning the Oven – Without Using
Chemicals
Think you know how to clean an oven already? If that involves using stinky nasty chemical
cleaners, why don’t you try this amazing trick with lemon juice? I tell you it
might just revolutionise your method.
Place a slice of fresh lemon into one and a half cups of
water in an oven-proof bowl, then place into a 250-degree oven for 20 minutes.
Turn the heat off and let the water cool slightly before wiping the floor,
walls and racks with a cloth or sponge dipped in the hot lemon water until they
shine.
This steam-cleaning method can be used to clean a
microwave, too. Place half a lemon cut side down on a microwaveable plate
with a little water, and heat on high for about 30 seconds (or until it
produces steam). Leave to stand for a few minutes, then use a damp cloth to
wipe down the walls.
For tougher, baked-on greasy areas in either appliance, try scrubbing
the area with some baking soda on half a lemon (squeezing it as you go so the
juice mixes in to form a paste). Leave
for a short time, and wipe the gunk off
As a preventative measure to lessen your workload in the
future, consider lining the bottom of your oven with aluminium foil, then place
a baking sheet on top. This will catch any spills or drips so you don’t waste
time scrubbing baked-on food. Replace the foil when it gets dirty.
12. Keep Your Sink Looking Spotless
Even if the rest of the room isn’t quite up to scratch, a
sparkling sink will give the impression it is. How you clean a kitchen
sink (or a bathroom sink, for that matter) will depend on what it’s made
of, but if you’re looking for a quick fix, a mixture of mild washing up liquid
and warm water is generally safe to use. If you’ve got chrome taps, try rubbing
with a little whitening toothpaste squeezed onto a dry cloth to restore their
original shine.
To get rid of any drain smells originating from the
plughole, tip half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and half a cup of vinegar down
and rinse with hot water from the kettle.
13. Get Rid of Stubborn Water Spots
From stainless steel sinks to toasters and kettles, metal
surfaces are annoyingly prone to watermarks. For a quick fix, wipe them with
hand sanitizer or a drop of baby oil on a clean cloth – no rinse required.
14. Keep Cutting Boards Hygienic
Did you know that rubbing half a lemon over your chopping
boards is one of the best ways to get rid of lingering onion smells? Sprinkle
the surface with rock salt beforehand to help shift any stains, then give the
surface a good scrub with a natural brush before rinsing.
15. Descale the Coffee Machine
Be sure to clean your coffee maker regularly with…
denture cleaning tablets. Yes really. Containing many of the same ingredients
as basic household cleaners, they dissolve into water. Simply fill the reservoir with water, drop in
a tab or two and run a cycle. Discard the water and run through again to rinse
away any loose limescale.
16. Give Kitchen Cabinets Some Front
They may look clean enough, but the doors and handles of
your kitchen cabinets are one of the most high-frequency touch points in our
homes, making them a hotbed for germs. A
quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth and some warm soapy water is all it
takes to remove sticky marks on a daily basis and stop unhygienic grime from
building up over time.
Whilst it doesn’t need to be part of your regular cleaning
routine (maybe once or twice a year is fine) don't forget to clean the tops and
the inside of your cabinets, too. Vacuum up loose dirt and debris first using
the brush attachment, then employ the same method as above.
17. Don’t Forget the Dishwasher
Cleaning a dishwasher is not something you need to worry
about day-to-day, but a monthly MOT is a good idea if you want to avoid food
debris and soap residue from building up – it’ll last longer, too.
Start by running an empty hot-wash cycle. Remove any baskets
and/or trays and soak in hot, soapy water. Using a toothpick, clear debris from
the filter (and the water holes on the spinning arms whilst you’re at it), soak
it in soapy water and rinse clean.
Pull out the bottom drawer so you can get to the drain, and
give it a good scrub with a toothbrush and a multipurpose cleaner. Wipe down
the door with a cloth, not forgetting the rubber gasket around the sides, and
run a short cycle to finish the job. Done in no time.
18. Pre-Treat Coffee-Stains
Soak the stain in some washing up liquid mixed with warm
water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse, then sponge with rubbing alcohol.
Rinse again before washing. If the stain persists, don’t bother drying; try
using an enzyme pre-wash soak and wash again.
19. Don’t make your bed First Thing in the Morning
Before making your bed each morning, get into the habit of
drawing the sheets off for 20 minutes or so. Airing out your mattress like this
will stop stale smells permeating the surface.
Even though it’s not part of your regular cleaning routine
(every six months is a good guide), cleaning your mattress is beneficial. Use
the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to clean all sides, then spot clean
stains individually. Bicarb of soda is a handy natural deodorizer
– combine with a few drops of lavender essential oil and sprinkle over
your mattress, leave for an hour, then vacuum it clear.
Turn your mattress every three months or so to prolong its
life and keep it in comfortable condition.
20. Machine Wash Your Duvet and Pillows
You may clean your linen regularly, but what about the
bedding itself? Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds – most
synthetic duvets (and some feather-and-down duvets) can actually be machine
washed, provided your drum is large enough that is – If yours is not big
enough, you can always take them down to the laundrette.
When washing pillows in the washing machine, use
your washer’s delicate cycle so that they keep their shape, and hang them up as
soon as the cycle has finished to air dry.
21. Keep the Toilet Naturally Clean
If you want to keep a toilet hygienically clean, bleach doesn’t
have to always be the answer. Swap it out in favour of a few store-cupboard
ingredients, instead. Pour a cup of white vinegar into the toilet, followed by
two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Let the combination fizz for a few
minutes, then give the bowl a good scrub with a toilet brush, getting right up
inside the rim. Flush to see gleaming results.
22. Allow Cleaning Products Time to Work
Whether you’re using all-natural remedies or store bought
cleaners, you’re guaranteed a better result if you give them enough time to
work, something you’ll want to factor into your routine when cleaning a
bathroom, in particular. This will give the cleaning agents time to
soften up and break down any stains while you get on with other cleaning tasks.
When you get to them, they’ll be much easier and quicker to wipe away.
23. Buff Up Tiles
There’s nothing like squeaky-clean tiles to give a bathroom luxury
feel. Mix up a solution of one-part white vinegar to two-parts cold water in a
spray bottle, then spritz over your tiles. Leave to work for 30 seconds before
wiping with a damp cloth.
24. Rid Grouting of Grime
Stubborn black mould found in grouting and silicone can be
quickly eliminated by scrubbing with a toothbrush dipped in bleach, but if it’s
a more natural route you’re after, try using a magic eraser – a quick wipe
should do the trick, but for any stubborn areas, scrub a paste made up of ½ cup
of baking soda and 2 cups of water into the grout, then buff until it’s clear
of grime.
25. Be Aware of Your Bath Mat
One of the things in your bathroom you might be
forgetting to clean is your bath mat. Just like towels, they spend a good
deal of time damp, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria. Shake out
to remove any dust or hair, and wash on a hot cycle at least once a week to
keep it hygienic. You could clean your shower curtain, too, whilst you’re
at it.
26. Streak-free Windows
To clean windows without streaks, be sure to avoid the
task on a hot day – they’ll dry too fast and leave streaks otherwise.
Before you start on the panes, give the frames a good dust down using a soft,
dry cloth.
You can use a solvent-free glass cleaner, but a spray bottle
with warm water and a drop of washing liquid (swirled in gently to avoid suds)
works just as well. Add a splash of white vinegar to help cut through the
grime. Spray onto the glass panes using a microfibre cloth and wipe dry, or use
a double-sided squeegee for the outside.
This solution will work on any glass surface in the home,
from picture frames and coasters to the glass panels in your wood-burning
stove, and is also the recommended method for cleaning a mirror without
streaks, as well. If you’d rather not use vinegar, try adding distilled water
in the mix to achieve a streak-free finish
A good hack is to wipe horizontally indoors and vertically
outside, or vice versa, so you know which side any smears are on. If you spot
any, try using newspaper to wipe them away – the paper and ink act as a
light abrasive.
27. Keep Window Treatments Looking Lovely
Struggling to keep slatted blinds and shutters dust-free?
We’ve got a handy hack to solve the problem. Wrap a pair of tongs with a
microfiber cleaning cloth and secure it in place with rubber bands. Spritz with
household cleaner before grabbing a slat and swiping right the way across. The
same technique can be achieved by putting old socks on your hands.
If you’re after a deeper clean, restore plastic and metal
blinds with a mixture of warm water, white vinegar and a few drops of washing
up liquid; wood blinds with furniture polish and fabric blinds with the
vacuum.
28. Clear Clutter from Windowsills
If a room is feeling dark and dingy, let the light in. It
sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how clearing even just a few things off
a windowsill can make all the difference to the levels of sunlight that stream
into your home. It’ll make cleaning feel more worthwhile, too, if you can
actually see the results! On that note, be sure to wipe down the sills
regularly to keep them looking neat.
29. Sort Your Ceiling Fan
Turning on your ceiling fan only to see specks of dust
flying through the air is no good for anyone, particularly if you suffer from
allergies. To sort, simply place a pillowcase over each blade, pulling it
tight, so there’s no gaps. Gently pull the pillowcase towards you to contain
the dust neatly in the case.
30. Keep Your Washer – And Your Clothes – Smelling
Fresh
Try making your own fabric conditioner by adding 10-15 drops
of your favourite essential oil to a jam jar of white vinegar. The vinegar will
leave your clothes fluffy and reduce static, while also giving your
washing machine a clean at the same time, while the oil keeps everything
smelling naturally fresh – it’s a win-win.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE LIKE A PROFESSIONAL
By adopting similar techniques to those used by professional
cleaning companies, your house can reach a whole new level of cleanliness. Contrary to what the companies are telling you,
fancy cleaning products aren’t a necessity either. In fact, pro cleaners,
particularly those who work in hospitality, tend to stick to old–fashioned,
all-natural solutions where possible to account for allergies.
You’ll also want to start thinking beyond your everyday
cleaning tasks to those areas often overlooked; the tops of door frames and
cabinets, underneath the sofa, baseboards, doors, woodwork, nooks and crannies
inside your kitchen cabinets… the list goes on. We’re not saying tackle them
every time, but scheduling them every 6 months or so will ensure your home
remains hygienic – a top priority when it comes to pro-standard
cleaning.
IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I CLEAN A ROOM?
The expert way to clean a room is to work from top to
bottom, so that any dirt or dust falling from higher surfaces doesn’t settle in
places that you’ve already cleaned.
Start with areas such as the tops of kitchen counters or
wardrobes, then work downwards, making the floor your very last job. Bathrooms
and kitchens require a deep clean once a week, but I’d recommend a mid-week spritz
to help prevent dirt and grime building
HOW DO YOU START CLEANING A VERY DIRTY HOUSE?
When a house is overwhelmingly dirty, it can be hard to know
where to begin. The trick to take it room by room, starting with the areas that
require the most work – usually the kitchen and the bathroom. Accomplishing
these will spur you on, and encourage you to tackle other areas of the home,
too.
HOW TO CLEAN A ROOM QUICKLY
Whether you’ve got unexpected guests dropping by or you
simply don’t have the energy for a full room refresh, it’s always handy to have
a few speedy cleaning tricks up your sleeve.
Start by gathering together a basic cleaning kit, so you
don’t have to keep running back and forth to find what you need – a caddy is
useful for containing items neatly, and means you can move them around the room
with you.
The quickest way to refresh any room is to focus on surfaces
and floors – simply wiping dusty surfaces or spraying down counters, then
running a vacuum or a mop over the floors will immediately make any room feel
much cleaner.
Angela Lee agrees, and emphasizes the importance of
multi-tasking when it comes to speed-cleaning; tackling several tasks at once
is a great time-saver; spritz the oven or shower with the appropriate sprays as
a priority, then while they’re doing their job, busy yourself with other tasks
around the room and wipe them down at the end.
If you find yourself getting distracted whilst cleaning, start
with 15 minutes and try to get as much done as possible in that time. Try to put
on a motivating playlist too.
Believe in yourself, because you got this, Now GO Declutter!!
