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Cleaning Guide

Cleaning the whole house thoroughly can often seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you’re limited on time. However, with just a few strategic steps and planning, you can transform your living space into a perfectly maintained household without spending an entire weekend doing chores.

To help with that, domestic cleaning experts have compiled a quick and easy whole-house cleaning guide that will provide you with a step-by-step plan for efficient cleaning while also including eco-friendly practices to go a step further and create a safer and more environmentally friendly household.

Starting with a Plan

The key to an effective cleaning plan lies in breaking down the chores into more manageable goals. It’ll be very helpful to divide your home into different areas that need to be tackled and concentrate on only one at a time. This approach not only simplifies the process but also provides a sense of accomplishment after you’ve completed each section.

Prioritising Areas

Start the cleaning process by focusing on the areas of your home that need the most attention or are the most frequently used, such as the kitchen and the bathrooms. By prioritising like this, you’ll make sure that the most important tasks are addressed first and they’ll be completed promptly.

Adopting Green Cleaning Practices

The use of eco-friendly cleaning practices provides advantages not only for the environment but also for the well-being of your household. It’s also beneficial if you haven’t had the time to shop properly for cleaning supplies and have to rely on the items you already have at home.

You can make great use of natural cleaning agents that are already stocked in your pantry, for example, apple cider vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice, which aren’t only effective but also cost-efficient and less harmful than their chemical counterparts.

Minimising Waste

In addition to using ingredients with natural cleaning and deodorising properties from your pantry, you can take a step further and reduce your cleaning waste by opting for cloths and mops over disposable products. These cleaning tools are reusable, and you can wash and sanitise them after each use. This will also make sure that you already have them on hand the next time you’re cleaning, even if you haven’t gone to the store for cleaning supplies.

Consider also making use of old t-shirts and rags and turning them into cleaning tools as well. Some of these options often provide better results in terms of absorption and durability. By implementing this approach, you won’t only transform your household into a more eco-friendly one but also notice some significant long-term savings.

Addressing Each Room

Kitchen

Make cleaning the kitchen a priority, and start by decluttering the countertops and cleaning the appliances. Dedicate some additional time to any frequently touched areas, such as the cabinet handles and faucets. If you’re dealing with more stubborn stains, consider using a natural degreaser made from vinegar, baking soda, water and dish soap.

Besides cleaning the visible surfaces, make sure to also clean and organise your refrigerator and throw away any food that’s past its expiration date or has visibly gone bad.

Bathrooms

In the bathroom, start by disinfecting and cleaning the toilet, sink and shower or bathtub. Pay close attention to the grout lines and any areas that you’ve noticed are more susceptible to mould and mildew onset.

If you’re dealing with minor mould patches, a simple and easy solution of baking soda and vinegar can work very effectively to get rid of them.

Bedrooms

Dust all surfaces in your bedrooms, including the blinds and window sills, and vacuum or mop the floors. Make sure to also clean under the beds and organise any areas that have become cluttered.

Living Areas

In the living room, similar to the bedrooms, start by dusting all surfaces, including the electronics and their screens, and clean any upholstered furniture.

If you have carpets, give them a thorough vacuuming. Consider occasionally getting them professionally cleaned by a carpet or a domestic cleaning service for more thorough results, especially if they’ve accumulated a lot of stains and dirt.

Laundry Room

In the laundry room, start by organising your supplies. Afterwards, clean the washing machine and wipe down all of the surfaces.

In addition, make sure to empty the lint trap in your dryer to maintain it performing at its best and prolong the appliance’s lifespan.

Efficient Cleaning Techniques

Top-to-Bottom Approach

Cleaning experts always recommend starting from the highest areas of a room and consequently moving downwards. This method will guarantee that any dust or debris released while cleaning will later be picked up and removed once you get to the lower spots.

Time Management

Another useful cleaning technique is to set timeframes for each task or room so you’ll keep your focus entirely on it. This approach provides a solution to becoming too absorbed in one chore and spending all your efforts on it, which usually unnecessarily prolongs the cleaning process and you’re left with no time and energy to tackle the rest of the tasks.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

For the instances when you need deeper cleaning or when you really don’t have any time at all to perform a proper cleaning routine, consider seeking the professional services of a cleaning company. The experts that they’ll send usually have the necessary expertise and specialised equipment to perform all the laborious and time-consuming tasks, such as carpet, window and comprehensive kitchen cleaning, with a high degree of efficiency.

Maintaining Cleanliness

Daily Practices

Adopt the habit of performing minor household tasks daily to maintain the cleanliness of your living space and eliminate the need for extensive cleaning as much as possible. These can be simple chores, such as making the bed, washing dishes right away and performing a quick tidy-up every time you notice your space is becoming cluttered. This will show significant results over time, and you’ll find that your cleaning routine isn’t as intensive as it used to be.

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Tailor a consistent cleaning schedule that fits your needs and lifestyle. For example, set aside certain areas for weekly cleaning and save the less-frequently used spots and rooms for a monthly one. By sticking to a routine like that, you can easily keep your house clean without the necessity for long cleaning sessions.

Final Words

A thorough house cleaning doesn’t have to be an intimidating or time-consuming endeavour, and you can achieve that by making use of a combination of efficient cleaning practices. Whether it’s breaking down the tasks, adapting eco-friendly methods or sticking to a regular cleaning schedule to reduce the need for a time-consuming deep cleaning, the key factor will be to tailor it all to your specific situation and lifestyle. This way, you’ll be able to maintain a clean and inviting home with minimal exertion.

Luke Johnson