Before you start
- Microfibre cloths (several colours)
- An all-purpose cleaner, a bathroom cleaner, and a glass cleaner
- A toilet brush and toilet cleaner
- A vacuum cleaner and a mop and bucket
- Rubber gloves
Method 1 Get set up
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Step 1: Gather a cleaning caddy
Put your cloths, sprays, gloves, sponges, bin bags and a duster in one caddy or bucket you carry from room to room. You’ll save many trips.
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Step 2: Colour-code your cloths
Use one colour of microfibre cloth for the toilet, another for the bathroom sink and shower, and another for the kitchen, so germs don’t travel.
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Step 3: Declutter first
Go through the house with a laundry basket and a bin bag. Put rubbish in the bag and items that belong elsewhere in the basket. Clean surfaces are much faster to wipe.
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Step 4: Start the soak
Spray the toilet, bathroom sink, shower, kitchen sink and hob with cleaner. Let it sit while you work elsewhere; the product does the hard work.
The two golden rules
Top to bottom: dust falls, so clean ceilings, light fittings and shelves first, then counters, and floors last.
Dry to wet: dust and vacuum before you use sprays and water, otherwise dust turns into smears and mud.
Also work clockwise around each room, so you don’t miss spots or go back and forth.
Method 2 Clean the kitchen
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Step 1: Load or wash the dishes
Clear the sink and draining board first so you have space to work.
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Step 2: Wipe from top to bottom
Wipe the tops of cupboards and the extractor hood, cupboard doors and handles, then the worktops and splashback, pushing crumbs towards the sink.
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Step 3: Clean the appliances
Wipe the hob (already soaked), the front of the oven, fridge, microwave and kettle. Wipe the microwave inside: heating a bowl of water and lemon for 3 minutes loosens dried food.
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Step 4: Finish the sink
Scrub the sink and taps, rinse, and dry them with a clean cloth for a shine.
Method 3 Clean the bathroom
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Step 1: Dust and wipe dry areas
Dust the light fitting, shelves and window sill.
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Step 2: Clean the mirror
Spray glass cleaner onto a cloth (not the mirror) and wipe in an S shape from top to bottom.
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Step 3: Scrub the shower and bath
Scrub the pre-sprayed shower, tiles and bath, paying attention to grout and soap scum, then rinse with water.
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Step 4: Clean the sink and taps
Scrub and rinse the sink, then wipe the taps and dry them to prevent water spots.
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Step 5: Clean the toilet last
Scrub inside the bowl with the brush, then wipe the outside from the cleanest part to the dirtiest: flush handle, lid, seat (both sides), rim, then the base.
Method 4 Clean bedrooms and living areas
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Step 1: Dust high to low
Use a microfibre duster or slightly damp cloth on light fittings, shelves, picture frames, the TV (dry cloth only), and furniture.
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Step 2: Wipe the touch points
Wipe light switches, door handles and remote controls, which collect the most germs.
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Step 3: Change the bedding
Strip and change sheets and pillowcases once a week.
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Step 4: Plump and straighten
Fold throws, plump cushions and straighten furniture; a tidy room looks clean even before the floors are done.
Method 5 Finish with the floors
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Step 1: Vacuum everything
Vacuum all carpets, rugs and hard floors, starting at the furthest room and working towards the front door. Use the crevice tool along skirting boards.
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Step 2: Mop hard floors
Mop with warm water and a little floor cleaner, starting in the far corner and working back towards the door so you don’t step on wet floor.
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Step 3: Empty the bins
Empty all bins, wipe them if needed, and put new liners in.
| When | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Daily (10–15 min) | Wash up, wipe the kitchen worktops and hob, a quick tidy, wipe the bathroom sink |
| Weekly | Bathroom and toilet, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, change bedding, empty all bins |
| Monthly | Inside the microwave and fridge, skirting boards, light switches, windows, washing machine seal |
| Every 3–6 months | Oven, behind furniture, curtains, mattress (vacuum and turn), cupboards |
Troubleshooting
Streaks on mirrors and glass
You’re using too much product or a dirty cloth. Use a little cleaner on a clean, dry microfibre cloth and buff dry.
Black mould on the shower sealant
Spray a mould remover, leave it as the label says, and rinse. Improve ventilation by running the extractor fan and leaving the door open after showers. Badly stained sealant may need replacing.
Floors are sticky after mopping
You’ve used too much floor cleaner. Mop again with plain warm water and change it when it gets dirty.
Frequently asked questions
How long should it take to clean a house?
A weekly clean of a 2–3 bedroom home usually takes 2–3 hours. Keeping up with daily tasks makes the weekly clean much faster.
Is vinegar a good cleaner?
Diluted vinegar is good for limescale and glass, but don’t use it on natural stone, wood, or rubber seals, and never mix it with bleach.
How often should I clean the bathroom?
Clean the toilet and sink at least weekly, and wipe the sink and taps daily if the bathroom is busy.
Summary
Gather your supplies, declutter, and spray the toilet, sinks and hob to soak. In every room work from top to bottom and dry to wet, then finish by vacuuming and mopping towards the door. Keep a short daily routine and a weekly schedule, and never mix bleach with other cleaners.
