There's nothing quite like a clean and tidy home.
The secret to keeping your home clean? Work smarter, not harder. Keeping a home looking (and smelling!) great can feel like a full time job, but we've got some tips to help make it an easier task. It won't just improve the way your home looks, but it will make you feel better too.
A tidy per day
For most of us the weekdays can fly by, and by the weekend we've got half a day ahead of us to get through all of the cleaning. Where possible, spending 10 or 15 minutes each day to do one or two tasks means that when the weekend rolls around there's a bit less to do, so you can enjoy more of your R&R time!
Get the right order
If you prefer to save your cleaning for the weekend, cleaning your house in the right order helps to make it as efficient as possible. Start by de-cluttering and putting things away in their right place so you have clear surfaces, and taking any washing to the laundry and setting it going. Then scrub, wipe or dust surfaces throughout each room. Finally the floors, whether you need to vacuum or mop, or both. Getting the order right saves you from having to go back over areas you've already cleaned.
Clean with the essentials
Essential oils are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your cleaning kit. You can DIY a bathroom and kitchen cleaner, by mixing a cup of baking soda with 15 drops of an essential oil you like. Scrub it into kitchen and bathroom surfaces for not just a sparkling clean, but a beautiful after-smell.
Baking soda for the win
Speaking of DIY, another way to get that clean, fresh feeling without the chemicals is the classic combination of baking soda and vinegar. For a refresh of your bed mattress, start by filling a spray bottle with vinegar and spraying all across your bed. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda, then lay a towel on top and let it sit for a couple of hours. Vacuum up the baking soda, and you'll be left with a fresh, deodorised mattress.
Everything in one place
It can be a hassle to track back and forth through the house to grab different cleaning supplies, so set up your own cleaning caddy. Find a small to medium basket or tub, and include everything from your sprays and cleaning solutions, rubber gloves, sponges and cloths. Make sure to always replace anything that runs out, so when you're working your way around the house you've got everything ready to go. Other handy tools to have in your caddy are lint rollers, toothbrushes, room sprays and dish scrubbers (which can be used in the shower too!).
Crank the tunes
Who says cleaning can't be fun? Doing the cleaning can be a nice opportunity to listen to your favourite music, catch up on podcasts, or even have a phone call with a friend. It takes your mind off what might not be your favourite task and helps make time for listening to something you like.
Clean your cleaners
Tools and appliance you use for cleaning need a clean of their own every now and then, to make sure they can keep doing their job well.
Every few weeks – or after every use for households with furry friends – clear out any hair or dust stuck in your vacuum roller, empty the dust bin and wipe it down.
Dishwashers can also benefit from a clean every few weeks – once it's empty, fill a bowl or dishwasher safe jug with vinegar, place it on the upper rack, and set your dishwasher to run on the hottest setting.
To clean your microwave, put a cup of water and half a lemon in the a microwave safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes. Leave the door closed for a few minutes, allowing the microwave to steam, then wipe it all down.
