How Do I... Clean My House Like a Pro?
An expert reveals the tricks of the trade for cleaning your home faster and more efficiently
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning questions. Here, Elke Keeley, co-founder of cleaning company UrbanYou, shares strategies for giving your home a top-to-toe clean in record time.
How can I clean smarter?
- Splash out on a cleaning caddy: You’ll find that having all your cleaning supplies together in one place and being able to carry them from room to room saves you oodles of time. And they’re not expensive – some very serviceable cleaning caddies are just a couple of dollars.
- Forget scrubbing: When was the last time you saw a professional cleaner scrubbing at a surface? The trick is to use the right product for the stain, then give it time to sink in and do the hard work for you. Simply spray or apply the cleaning solution at the start of your house clean, then wipe away when you’re done.
- Clean windows naturally: You don’t need newspaper or toxic cleaners to make your windows sparkle. Try this non-toxic cleaning solution instead: mix eight-parts water to one-part white vinegar, and pour into a spray bottle. Use a paper coffee filter to wipe down windows – the paper is finer and softer than newspaper and will leave your glass streak-free.
- Also be sure to wash windows on cloudy days rather than sunny ones – hot glass will cause cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, which leaves streaks.
What’s in a professional cleaner’s caddy?
- Multi-purpose spray.
- Kitchen cloths.
- Paper towels.
- Glass cleaner.
- Toilet cleaner.
- Disinfectant.
- Stainless steel cleaner and polish.
- Mop and bucket.
- Vacuum cleaner.
What else can help you power through your cleaning?
How Do I… ‘Clean Over’ My House in 30 Minutes?
- A powerful vacuum cleaner: This is a great investment as it will allow you to clean your floors faster and more effectively. Cordless models are particularly useful for spot-cleaning or using in homes with multiple levels.
- Microfibre cloths: These versatile cloths can be used to do everything from dusting and wiping surfaces to cleaning tubs and sinks. They also work both wet and dry, allowing you to clean surfaces without the need for any nasty chemical sprays or liquids (great for homes with children).
- Essential oils: I use these regularly in my cleaning as they leave the house smelling fresh and inviting. Mix around 10 drops of wild-orange essential oil with one cup of castile soap and use it to clean greasy surfaces and the cooktop. Or, use a few drops of thyme essential oil to clean chopping boards and kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
How Do I… ‘Clean Over’ My House in 30 Minutes?
What’s the best approach?
- Start in one of the hardest-working rooms of the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom, as these will likely be the dirtiest. Spray surfaces with cleaning solution and, in the bathroom, squirt toilet cleaner into the bowl. Leave them to do their work.
- Move on to the living room and bedrooms. Vacuum or mop floors and wipe surfaces, cleaning from left to right and from top to bottom so that you make sure you don’t miss any spots.
- Clear up as you go, making sure everything has a proper home.
- As you work through the home, be sure to give high-traffic areas that gather the most dirt and dust, such as entrances, open-plan kitchens and family rooms, the most attention.
- To clean fiddly areas such as around taps, try using a toothbrush.
- Make the beds: if you don’t have time to strip the beds completely, tidy the doonas and fluff up the pillows. Adding a throw across the foot of the bed will give the space a fresh ‘hotel’ feel.
- Use window cleaner or a water-and-vinegar solution to clean your shower screen.
‘Clean’ Apps That Put Home Help at Your Fingertips
Your turn
What’s your top cleaning tip? Share it in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want more practical advice? Don’t miss How Do I… Choose the Right Fuel Type for My Oven and Stovetop?
What’s your top cleaning tip? Share it in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want more practical advice? Don’t miss How Do I… Choose the Right Fuel Type for My Oven and Stovetop?
Find a professional cleaner near you on Houzz