Don’t worry if your home looks more shabby than chic. There is no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to cleaning. Some people have OCD, while others have – let’s be polite here – a more relaxed approach to cleaning and home maintenance. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, there are bound to be some ideas here that work for you.
Clean little and often
Some people don’t mind the crisis cleaning that signifies an impending visit from your mother-in-law, while others find this extremely stressful. Avoid it by cleaning little and often. Clean down one kitchen surface every day. Wipe around sinks and toilets every morning, so they never get really dirty. Vacuum one room a day or clean a floor if you have the time. See more tips at http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/kitchen-cleaning-plan.
Don’t forget the fridge
It is surprising how quickly fridges can get out of hand and turn into science projects. Wipe down a shelf every day, and whenever the salad drawer looks reasonably empty, swill it out under the tap. Once a week, take a quick audit of the food in there. Anything that is past its use-by date must go!
Use washing powder on pots
Have you had a kitchen nightmare? You can save that favourite pan by leaving it to soak with washing powder. This is much more powerful at tackling grease and grime than washing up liquid. Commercial kitchens need more intensive help, and you will need a specialist firm whether you are looking for commercial cleaning in Belfast, London or New York.
Keep things flowing
Don’t let your sink get blocked up. Pour boiling water from the kettle down it regularly, followed by a bicarb chaser. This should dissolve any accumulating nasties. Wipe plates and pans with kitchen roll before you wash up if your sink and pipes seem particularly temperamental. Office kitchens always need a little extra to keep them shiny; look for experts in commercial cleaning in Belfast for more advice.
Tame the laundry monster
Do a load of laundry every day, and don’t tick it off your list until it is folded and put away in drawers. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done. If you have a tumble dryer, you shouldn’t have to iron as long as you hang garments when they are warm.