Too hot for housework? 5 low-effort ways to keep your home clean during a heatwave

In the extreme weather we’ve been having in the UK recently, cleaning is the last thing that many of us want to do - even though regularly opening windows and doors means massively increased levels of dust and dirt.

The truth is that cleaning can be incredibly physical, especially if you are reaching into the nooks and crannies of your home for a deep clean of often-neglected areas. On days when temperatures consistently reach close to or over 30 degrees Celsius, anything beyond a surface clean can have an impact on our physiology - cue extreme sweating, exhaustion, and even the potential for heat-related health issues such as headaches and dizziness.

We spoke to the experts to understand how we can make cleaning easier on us during a heatwave, and they shared five of the simplest tips below.

5 expert-approved heatwave cleaning tips

While it’s easy to say that you should simply leave your cleaning until it’s cooler, that isn’t a realistic possibility when the weather is so consistently hot. Because of this, it's essential to work smarter rather than harder when it comes to heatwave cleaning – most of all to protect your health.

"A clean home should never come at the expense of your wellbeing," says cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie. "During a heatwave, a few small adjustments to your cleaning routine can help keep both you and your home feeling cool, fresh and comfortable."

1. Clean early with all windows open

When possible, getting your cleaning tasks done early in the day is a sure-fire way to ensure it’s as easy as possible. "My biggest tip is to clean early in the morning," says Lynsey. "The house is usually at its coolest before the midday heat arrives, making cleaning far more comfortable and energy-efficient."

If you really must do a deeper clean, for example, dusting your shutters or scrubbing skirting boards, then do so before the most extreme heat of the day arrives, ensuring you don’t need to sacrifice your cleaning schedule too much during the summer.

Cleaning expert and scientist at Astonish, Emma Mannion, also recommends throwing open windows and doors to allow cooler air to circulate through the home before temperatures peak.

"Open windows and doors at either side of the home if possible, to create a cross-breeze that helps cool down your living spaces," she says. "Enhanced airflow in the morning not only cools down your home, but also helps to diffuse cleaning fragrances."

2. Ditch the hot water and steam

Hot (or even boiling) water is a go-to for many of us when cleaning, given its natural ability to kill more germs and bacteria. But in this searing weather, it is perfectly fine to adjust your water temperature down.

"Where possible, use cool or lukewarm water instead," says Lynsey. "Most modern cleaning products work perfectly well without boiling hot water."

Some heat-based cleaning tools should also be avoided during a heatwave. "Steam cleaners, for example, create additional heat and humidity, which can make your home feel uncomfortable very quickly," Lynsey explains. As such, she advises putting these away during the hottest periods and using them again only when it cools down.

3. Utilise hands-off cleaning hacks

Rigorous scrubbing can leave you sweating and exhausted at the best of times, let alone during a heatwave. So now is the time to make the most of cleaning methods that require little to no actual scrubbing.

For example, Sarah Burton, Director at North West Commercial Cleans, shared a clever trick for cleaning taps that requires minimal effort. "My favourite overnight bathroom cleaning hack for the heatwave is soaking taps in a simple vinegar and water solution. Fill a sandwich bag with water and a cap of vinegar and secure it around the taps overnight using an elastic band.

“In the morning, remove the bag and gently brush or wipe the taps clean and let them run for around 60 seconds. This is a simple way to help prevent limescale and keep taps looking their best in the heatwave – and there’s so little effort required from you!” Sarah said.

4. Give electric automated tools a try

Automated and electric cleaning appliances are a no-brainer in the hot weather, doing the majority of the hard work for you. So if you haven't already treated yourself to the likes of an electric cleaning brush or a robot vacuum, now may well be the time!

Electric cleaning brushes, for example, will help dislodge dirt around taps and in crevices in your kitchen and bathroom with much less effort from you than an ordinary sponge or cloth - meaning you can still enjoy a sparkling home no matter how warm it is. Simply run one of these brushes over your sink, toilet, or shower every couple of days to prevent build-up.

Emma is a big fan of automated vacuuming in summer, too. "A robotic vacuum, for example, can autonomously handle daily floor cleaning, saving you from the physical strain of manual vacuuming in the heat," she explains.

5. Make the most of cooling aids

There’s no need to power through without help if you are cleaning during this warm weather, Lynsey explains. Instead, she suggests making the most of all the hacks at your disposal to help you cool down.

“I recommend keeping a cold flannel, cooling facial mist or chilled towel nearby while cleaning,” she says. "Something as simple as a cold flannel on the back of your neck can instantly help you cool down if you're feeling hot. And don’t forget your fan!”

Plus, nothing works as well as taking it slow whilst scrubbing your home this summer. "Work through one room at a time and take breaks in between," advises Lynsey. "Pacing yourself helps prevent overheating and makes cleaning feel much more manageable."

Staying hydrated during hot weather is vital, cleaning aside. We'd also recommend trying a few tricks to keep yourself cool and to keep your house cool. At the end of the day, a clean home is important, but never at the detriment of your wellbeing.