Maintaining a clean home is achievable with a structured schedule and following tried and tested techniques. Follow this comprehensive guide for effective cleaning routines and expert advice. This will ensure that your property is kept in a good condition. This guide can also be followed when undertaking any cleaning prior to moving out.
Suggested Cleaning Schedule
Daily Cleaning
- Kitchen: Wipe counters, sink, and hob; hoover floor.
- Bathroom: Quick wipe-down of sink and mirror; hang up towels, wipe out bath/shower after use.
- General Areas: Quick declutter of living spaces, bedrooms, and dining areas.
Weekly Cleaning
- Kitchen: Mop floors (only on tiled or vinyl floor – and remember not to use excessive water), clean appliances, empty expired fridge items.
- Bathroom: Deep clean toilet, sink, shower/bath, mirrors, mop floors.
- Bedrooms: Change bedding, dust furniture, vacuum floors.
- Living Spaces: Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, clean floors.
Monthly Cleaning
- Windows and Mirrors: Thoroughly clean all windows and mirrors.
- Walls and Baseboards: Wipe down visible dirt and dust.
- Furniture and Upholstery: Vacuum sofas and chairs, spot-clean stains.
Quarterly Cleaning
- Carpets and Rugs: Steam clean or shampoo carpets.
- Kitchen Appliances: Deep clean oven, microwave, refrigerator.
- Storage Areas: Declutter cupboards and storage spaces.
Annual Cleaning
- Curtains and Blinds: Wash or professionally clean.
- Exterior Spaces: Clean gutters, power wash patios and decking.
Important Note
Always use cleaning products according to the manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Do not use excessive water on laminate floor as this will damage the floor and this may then require replacement.
Professional Cleaning Tips
Toilet Cleaning
- Apply toilet cleaner around the rim and bowl.
- Let it sit 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub with a toilet brush, including under the rim.
- Flush and disinfect seat and exterior.
Stubborn Limescale: Apply vinegar or limescale remover overnight. Scrub vigorously and flush.
Shower Screens
- Spray with vinegar or limescale remover.
- Allow to sit 10-15 minutes.
- Rub gently, rinse, and buff dry.
Window Cleaning
- Use a solution of water and mild detergent.
- Apply with microfiber cloth or sponge.
- Squeegee vertically or horizontally.
- Buff edges and corners with a clean cloth.
Ovens, Hobs, and Extractor Fans
- Oven: Apply oven cleaner, allow to sit as per the instructions, scrub and rinse.
- Hobs: Use hob cleaner, soak briefly, clean gently, and buff dry.
- Extractor Fans: Remove filters, soak in detergent, scrub, rinse, and dry.
Stubborn Grease: Use oven cleaner or baking soda paste overnight, scrub, rinse, and dry. Remember to always follow the instructions.
Cleaning Different Flooring Types
- Wood Flooring: Sweep/vacuum; use lightly damp mop with specific wood cleaner. Avoid excess water to prevent damage and costly replacements.
- Tile Flooring: Sweep/vacuum; mop with mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Vinyl/Laminate Flooring: Slightly damp mop; prevent water from seeping into seams and joints.
- Carpet: Vacuum regularly; deep clean quarterly.
Essential Equipment and Materials
Below is a list of cleaning equipment that we recommend having ready to use:
- Microfiber cloths
- Mop and bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Toilet brush
- Non-abrasive sponges
- Squeegee
- Spray bottles
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Disinfectants
- Carpet/steam cleaner
- Wood/tile-specific cleaners
Cleaning Techniques
Surface Cleaning
- Microfiber cloths and multipurpose cleaners for quick, streak-free cleaning.
Deep Cleaning
- Scheduled thorough cleaning using appropriate cleaning products and tools.
Natural Cleaning
- Eco-friendly methods using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can be a great way to minimise the impact of your cleaning routine on your skin and the environment.
