Housekeeping can be a bit of a drag, right? Don't worry! We have got some tips on how to make your housework easier and more manageable. It's true, there is no place like home, especially when it's nice and clean!
Here's our comprehensive guide:
Tip One: Tidy Up as You Go
You've probably all heard this tip before and plenty of times, right? If you are one of those people who stick to tidying as you go, you probably know how much it makes life easier, do you agree? Here are some examples of the simple tasks that make your home look a lot nicer:
Kitchen Maintenance:
- Start off by putting any dirty pans and dishes into the sink, soaked in hot soapy water. Whilst you're in the kitchen, you might as well clear the counters by putting the food back in the cupboard or fridge/freezer!
- Wipe down surfaces immediately after cooking to prevent grease buildup
- Empty the dishwasher as soon as it's finished to avoid pile-ups
Bedroom Organization:
- A bedroom always looks a lot nicer with a bed that's made, don't you think? So, once you've woken up and you are up and about, make your bed, it only takes a few minutes! We all know that the biggest mess in any bedroom is clothes! Although we all have the dilemma of having clothes that are too dirty to be put away and too clean for the wash bin, right? Fold them up into a neat pile and place on a chair, throwing your dirty clothes into the wash bin.
- Keep a laundry hamper in each bedroom for immediate dirty clothes disposal
- Use drawer dividers to keep small items organized
Living Room Tidy-Up:
- Begin by clearing away all the mess in your living room and after straightening up the cushions on your sofa, ready to lounge on when it's time to relax!
- Designate specific spots for remotes, magazines, and other frequently used items
- Keep a small basket for miscellaneous items that need to be put away
Daily Completion:
- Hooray! Your daily clean is almost complete, all you have left to do now is your dirty dishes.
Tip Two: Clean Room by Room
It's recommended to give any home a weekly clean, or at least once a fortnight. Here are some tips on how to make a weekly clean more manageable:
Strategic Cleaning Approach:
- Cleaning is maintained much better using a strategy, for example, bathrooms and kitchens could be done in one day, leaving the cleaning in other rooms to be done on a different day.
- Create a cleaning schedule that works with your lifestyle and commitments
- Focus on high-traffic areas first for maximum impact
Top-to-Bottom Method:
- Make your life easier by always cleaning from the top to the bottom.
- Start with ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves
- Work your way down to furniture and finally floors
Cobweb and Dust Management:
- Remove the cobwebs room by room using a vacuum extension. It's easier to lift them off upwards using a rag. If you're afraid of spiders, just stick to the hoover!
- Use microfiber cloths for dusting as they trap dust more effectively
- Don't forget to clean behind and under furniture regularly
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
- Polish your household using one teaspoon of lemon oil and two cups of mineral oil. Smells good and looks good.
- Create your own all-purpose cleaner with vinegar, water, and essential oils
- Use baking soda for tough stains and odors
Stubborn Stain Solutions:
- Now a trick for those stubborn ring marks that lays on your tables! Thoroughly rub petroleum jelly onto the affected areas and wait for the results.
- For water stains on wood, try using a hairdryer on low heat
- Magic erasers work wonders on scuff marks and crayon
Pet Hair Management:
- Anyone who owns a pet can understand the pain of pet hair, right? This can be tackled easier with a roller lint brush.
- Use rubber gloves to pick up pet hair from upholstery
- Regular vacuuming with a pet-specific vacuum attachment helps prevent buildup
Tip Three: Deep Cleaning
It's time to get your hands dirty! Book the next two days off at work as it's going to be intense! Luckily for you, deep cleaning is done once or twice a year. Here are some tips on where to deep clean your home:
Mold and Mildew Management:
- Clean the mould and dirt from all the common places in your home-eg. bathroom, shower, kitchen-etc. For more information on how to manage mould, check out our blog: 'Don't Be Controlled By the Mould'
- Use proper ventilation when cleaning with harsh chemicals
- Consider using natural alternatives like tea tree oil for mold prevention
Wall and Surface Deep Clean:
- Wash all your walls, cupboards and windows, you might be surprised at how much dirt might be on them.
- Use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent for painted walls
- Clean window tracks and sills thoroughly
Decluttering and Organization:
- Earn some extra cash by selling your old belongings at a boot fair. As hard as it may be, somethings just have to go!
- Use the "one year rule" - if you haven't used it in a year, consider donating or selling
- Organize items by category and frequency of use
Furniture and Carpet Deep Clean:
- Clean your carpets, sofas and any dirt that your furniture has been blocking all year.
- Consider professional carpet cleaning annually
- Rotate and flip mattresses and cushions for even wear
Additional Professional Tips:
Time Management:
- Set a timer for each cleaning task to stay focused
- Break large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks
- Clean during your most energetic times of day
Maintenance Prevention:
- Use doormats to reduce dirt tracked into the house
- Keep cleaning supplies in each room for easy access
- Address spills and stains immediately to prevent permanent damage
Seasonal Considerations:
- Spring: Focus on deep cleaning and decluttering
- Summer: Maintain outdoor areas and clean air conditioning units
- Fall: Prepare for winter and clean heating systems
- Winter: Focus on indoor maintenance and organization
Professional Services:
- Consider hiring professional cleaners for deep cleaning tasks
- Schedule regular maintenance visits to keep your home in top condition
- Use professional services for specialized cleaning needs
If you require further housekeeping help or enquiries regarding our services, don't hesitate to contact St Anne's HouseKeeping on:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 3670 9997
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have!