With Christmas fast approaching, the pressure to present a spotless home for visiting friends and family can feel overwhelming. The good news is that achieving a gleaming property doesn't require endless hours or expensive products. Cleaning experts have shared their surprisingly simple, tried-and-tested methods to transform your home in no time.
Unconventional Kitchen Cupboard Cleaners
Some of the most effective cleaning agents are already in your pantry. Lynsey Crombie, known as This Morning's Queen of Clean and author of 'How to Clean Your House', champions the humble teabag. "Tea has been a cleaning staple for centuries," she says, highlighting its powerful tannins that break down grease. She recommends soaking a used teabag in a dirty saucepan or brewing tea to create a streak-free spray for windows and mirrors.
Another unlikely hero is ketchup. Crombie insists it's a "secret cleaning weapon" for tackling rust on metal surfaces like bar stools or radiators. Apply, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and buff. It even neutralises unpleasant odours, such as those from fox poo on a dog's coat, before shampooing.
For limescale, Melissa Mountford, author of 'Live, Laugh, Laundry', advocates for white vinegar. "It's great for removing limescale and grime," she advises, suggesting you add it to a spray bottle. She also recommends running a capful through your washing machine's hot cycle to clean the drum.
Smart Tools and Techniques for Efficiency
Working smarter, not harder, is key. Mountford suggests using a mop with replacement heads to clean bathtubs, tiles, and windows, minimising bending. For dust behind radiators, she recommends a simple hack: blast a hairdryer on its cool setting to dislodge it.
Chris Wootton, Managing Director of Poppies (UK) cleaning service, emphasises the professional technique of 'dwell time'. "All pro cleaners know products take a little time to work," he explains. Spray a surface, wait a moment for the solution to loosen dirt, then wipe for a better result.
He also strongly advises vacuuming over sweeping, and using a slightly damp duster. "The point is that you should capture the dust, not just flick it into the air," Wootton states. For cloths, both he and Crombie recommend microfibre, which can pick up particles as small as a virus, and should be washed at 60°C without detergent.
Natural Fresheners and Stain Solutions
For a fresh, festive scent, Mountford suggests sprinkling cinnamon on carpets before vacuuming. Lemons also serve as a natural cleaner and freshener. Crombie notes their acidic properties cut through dirt; sprinkle salt on a halved lemon to scrub ovens or tiles.
Stubborn stains and drains can be tackled with fizzy drinks. Crombie describes flat cola or lemonade as excellent for dissolving grease in drains, while fizzy water acts as a "miracle stain remover" on carpets. Pour it over the stain, let the bubbles work, then rinse.
Finally, don't rush to throw everything away. Old makeup brushes make perfect precision dusters for lightbulbs and vents, while the inside of a banana peel can polish scuffed leather boots and shine plant leaves.
By incorporating these 15 expert tips, you can efficiently achieve a sparkling, welcoming home ready for the Christmas festivities, using items you likely already own.
