Scuff marks, like bits of dust when you’ve just finished cleaning, just have a way of showing up when you least expect. Whether you accidentally scrape a wall and leave a mark or endure endless wear and tear, these marks might seem insignificant, but dealing with them usually requires applying a fresh coat of paint.

And if you’ve invested in some of the latest interior paint trends, you might not always have the time, patience, or money to be repainting all the time. But with this savvy tennis ball cleaning hack, you don't have to.

We're always looking for simpler ways to clean – from Nancy Birtwhistle's unconventional oven cleaning tip to expert-approved viral hacks. Now, we can add this clever trick to having your walls look like new, which requires nothing more than a humble tennis ball. Yep. Forget Wimbledon. We’re serving up the real winner with this simple but effective trick.

How to clean your walls with a tennis ball

It’s as simple as it sounds – all you need is to wet a tennis ball and then buff away the stubborn marks and stains. This is actually even better for your walls than using chemical cleaners that might remove obvious patches of paint or leave bleached spots.

It’s understood that the friction from the ball's felt material is what makes this so effective, easily lifting even the toughest of marks – a free alternative to a magic eraser sponge. While any tennis ball will do, it’s best to use one that has its felt still intact and, of course, don’t use an unclean tennis ball. You don’t want to rub in grit or mud.

While this is great for your walls, you can also use this trick on hardwood and vinyl flooring. To save your back and avoid scrubbing on your hands and knees, you can safely slice an X into a surface with the ball, then place it on your mop or broom.

There are a couple more surprising ways you can use a tennis ball in your household chores.

For any pet owners who struggle with hair sticking to their sheets, clothes or other laundry, popping a couple of clean tennis balls into the washing machine can act as a natural lint roller. The friction of the felt ball will help lift hairs or loose bits of lint. Just make sure to use a cooler washing setting.

Similarly, tennis balls in the dryer are thought to help bulkier items like duvets or towels dry more evenly. They are thought to act similarly to dryer balls to speed up the tumble dryer process, helping to distribute air evenly so you don’t end up with damp corners or missed spots.

If you’re unsure about popping tennis balls in your washer or dryer, you can still use this method by hand.

For any clothes or furnishings that have dog hair or lint you just can’t remove, rub a clean tennis ball over it with some speed. It’ll create static that should help lift any stubborn fluff.

Having these nifty hacks on your side can make cleaning your home much less stressful, especially if your household is particularly busy and good at scuffing walls.

We all want to keep a clean home - whether it’s just for our own mental wellbeing or so we’re not rushing around before visitors pop round.

While there’s plenty of big jobs we can do to achieve the organised, pristine space we’ve always dreamed of – from dedicating some time to decluttering your home to making a plan to try to clean the most neglected household items – it’s fair to say that sometimes, we don’t have the time or energy.

This is where an inspired one-minute rule comes in. The deceptively simple solution keeps rooms looking in order and leaves you with enough energy to tackle bigger projects when the mood strikes.

The trick to this rule is as simple as the name suggests - if a cleaning or sorting task can be done in less than a minute, you do it right away.

For the rule to be a success, there needs to be some consistency. But when it takes less than a minute, you’ll barely notice that you’ve been ticking off tasks each day. You can even do them while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave to ping.

The originator of the rule - New York Times best-selling author Gretchen Rubin - also shared that a personal benefit of the rule is not needing to have a plan or making a list of priorities - you simply do whatever needs doing in the moment.

Much like many of the best professional decluttering methods, this one-minute rule has gained a huge online following.

And while the rule was devised to be about life admin in general, it makes perfect sense to hone in on cleaning tasks.

Think about it? When you look at plates that need to be put in the dishwasher, or clothes that need to be taken out of the dryer, the list can feel endless. All that weighing on your mind can add up, and you might put it all off until you have an afternoon clear to do a big clean.

But it makes so much sense to spend less than a minute just ticking things off your to-do list there and then.

Easy tasks you can do with the one-minute cleaning rule

If you’re unsure how helpful the one-minute rule could be, realising just how many rooms and jobs you can use it for demonstrates the big impact of little but often efforts. Daily one-minute jobs can include:

• Making the bed
• Loading/unloading the dishwasher
• Wiping down hobs
• Hanging up clothes
• Popping your shoes back in the cupboard
• Binning any expired foods from the fridge
• Wiping off watermarks on any sinks or taps
• Running a microfiber cloth over the windows
• Plumping up the pillows
• Running a microfiber cloth over any dusty surfaces nearby
• Putting any loose paperwork or old magazines in the recycling.

To keep this trick efficient and consistent, one top tip is to make sure you've got what you need to hand easily. Leave cleaning cloths in an easy-to-access cupboard or drawer, for example.

In an increasingly busy world, we’re always on the lookout for inspired tips that allow us to get stuff done without spending too much of our own time and effort.

Thankfully, Nancy Birtwhistle has plenty of household tips to make efficient use of our time. Whether it’s banishing damp-smelling towels or getting rid of ‘gross’ sink smells, Nancy always favours tips that focus on using less harsh chemicals by utilising things you already have around the house.

And in Nancy's latest viral video, she suggests all you need to clean your dirty oven shelves (racks) is grass, yes, the grass growing in your garden.

Nancy Birtwhistle's oven rack cleaning trick: using grass

Now, all you’re going to do for the grass method is toss your shelves on the grass overnight – or any lengthy period of time if you need it cleaned sooner than that. Once you’ve left it to sit on the grass for a while, get a cloth and wipe away any baked-on grease or food stains.

You’ll see, as Nancy demonstrates in the video, the mess wipes off with ease, leaving her oven racks sparkling like new.

How does this magic work? Nancy replied to a comment from one of her followers that it’s the "humidity and heat" from leaving it on the grass overnight that seems to break down the stubborn residue.

And as an extra tip? She suggested adding fresh grass clippings on top of the shelf once it’s laid out will be even better.

But fear not if you don't have a lawn, she also shows us how to get gleaming results with some washing soda (sodium carbonate).

Now, if you don’t have access to a patch of grass to leave your shelves out on, you can leave them soaking in hot water and three to four scoops of washing soda overnight. Again, simply wipe the stains clean off the next day.

Knowing how to clean an oven is one thing – but what’s the point in scrubbing the inside and getting the door shining like new, if the shelves are grotty and coated in old oil or spills? This is where Nancy’s overnight, elbow-grease-free tip comes in beautifully.

This genius tip doesn't just work on your oven shelves. Some of Nancy's followers shared that they have started doing the same with their BBQ racks. Just in time for any summer parties.

Nancy's social media fans are divided about the grass cleaning hack; some say it's amazing and works every time, while others have not seen results. We're off to try it this evening on our BBQ grill.

If everyone were being honest, we all have that one drawer, or shelf, or pile left on a chair somewhere – you know the one, full of letters and magazines and stuff you planned to sort through, eventually.

There’s nothing more satisfying than a good sort and clean. But when it comes to professional decluttering methods, like the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown, they tend to focus on bigger rooms and tasks, and these smaller piles get overlooked for another day.

Fortunately, Holly Blakey – an influencer who loves helping create calm and organised spaces with practical tips – has a simple but effective three-rule approach to dealing with paper clutter.

Holly's three rule approach for organising paperwork

Rather than throw everything in the recycling and realise too late you might have actually needed something, Holly’s system is simple, and involves making three different categories for your papers: Action, Temporary and Life Documents.

Anything categorised as Action needs to be dealt with immediately, or in the very near future. This can include bills, forms and other things that actively need doing.

By having a dedicated Action folder, you can fill out what you need to and then recycle the rest, or take a photo/scan of something to keep a digital record.

The second rule, filing things as Temporary, includes receipts, gift receipts, warranties and anything you need to hold on to for the time being. Keep these in a dedicated folder or space, and ensure you are regularly reviewing what’s kept.

Once things like warranties or insurance policies expire, you can throw them away or replace them with new ones. Simple.

The third is Life Documents, and this is making sure you’re keeping important, permanent paperwork separate from the rest of the clutter. This will ensure you can always access it when you need it, and it won’t get lost or thrown away by mistake.

Many comments on Holly’s social media page shared their relief at having a new system to follow, agreeing that, despite being smaller in stature, paper clutter can be the hardest to tackle.

One comment reads, "Paper clutter is the hardest because of the amount of deciding. I try to work on small piles at a time."

Holly’s three-step approach isn’t the only useful tip she’s shared. She has previously demonstrated the brilliance of the 'Paper Pause test'. This, in essence, stops you from ever bringing paper clutter into the house to begin with.

Instead of letting paper land on every surface in your home, you pause for just a few seconds and decide where it belongs.

When confronted with something – a permission slip, a takeout leaflet, a letter from your bank - pause for 10 seconds and consider if you can action it now, if you even need to keep it, if you can recycle or shred it safely right away, or if you can request a digital copy.

Other tips for decluttering paperwork

• Go digital: many organisations, including banks and healthcare providers, offer paper-free communications
• Make instant decisions: with some bills or permission slips, for example, you can decide to take action right away and then you don’t have it lying around with other papers for days
• Colour code your folders: if you're sorting your papers into specific categories, having distinct colours for each will help you stay on top of admin
• Shred sensitive papers after you’re done with them.

Small decisions in the moment help prevent bigger clean-ups later.

While there’s plenty to celebrate as autumn rolls in — golden leaves, cosy jumpers, pumpkin spice lattes — one thing guaranteed to kill the mood is the arrival of soaring energy bills. As shorter, colder days put extra demand on our heating, lighting and power, we're always eager to find ways to mitigate the costs – and one you might not have thought of is cleaning.

It turns out that letting dust and dirt pile up doesn’t just make your home look messy; it can actually make your appliances and heating less efficient. The good news? It’s an easy fix.

So before you declare a household ban on touching the thermostat, or start wearing three jumpers, grab a duster and tackle our hitlist to help save energy around the home.

8 dirty household items driving up your energy bills

Simple cleaning habits can help improve the efficiency of your home. “A little maintenance goes a long way,” says Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie.

“The small jobs we're suggesting take just a few minutes each, but together they’ll help your home stay clean, warm, and energy-efficient all season long.”

1. Radiator grills

It's not really surprising that radiators tend to slip under the radar when it comes to cleaning, hidden behind furniture and only revealing their true, dusty selves when the temperature drops.

"That dust acts like insulation, trapping heat inside the radiator instead of letting it circulate into the room. That means your heating works harder to reach the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat," says Catherine Green, cleaning expert for eco-friendly detergent brand Smol. "A quick vacuum before heating season and a light tidy once a month during use will keep things working more efficiently."

“Even a small layer of dust can reduce your radiator’s heat output by a quarter, which means your boiler must work harder for longer to heat your room," confirms Isabella Forgione, small appliances expert at AO.com.

To clean your radiators, start by turning your heating off and letting them cool. Next, use a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment and run it over the front grill to suck up loose dust. You can then slide a radiator brush or a long-handled duster between the fins and pull out trapped fluff.

Finally, wipe the visible grill and back down with a damp cloth, using a solution of mild detergent like washing-up liquid if it's greasy. Finally, dry with a cloth, and then turn your heating back on.

No radiator brush? Try Lynsey's clever hack. "Use the cool setting on your hairdryer to blast the dust out – just pop a towel underneath first to catch it all," she suggests. "You can also use a handheld steam cleaner for a deeper clean. A dust-free radiator doesn’t just look better, it gives off heat more efficiently, keeping you toasty for less."

2. Air vents and extractor fan covers

"When vents get clogged, air can’t flow freely, so your extractor, heating, or cooling systems have to work harder and use more energy just to keep up," says Catherine, who also notes that this build up can shorten their lifespan. "Like radiators, vents and extractors tend to blend into walls or ceilings, so it’s easy not to notice until airflow drops or smells linger."

Start by turning the appliance off at the switch – if you're unsure, you could head to the fuse box and shut off the whole circuit for peace of mind. Then unscrew or pop off the vent/fan cover.

"Use a duster or vacuum brush weekly to keep things clear," says Lynsey.
"If grimes built up, grab a recycled make-up brush to get right into those grooves and corners."

"Wash the cover in warm soapy water, using a toothbrush for slats and crevices, rinse and dry completely," adds Catherine. "Don’t push water toward the fan motor, though."

If the motor is very dirty or noisy, Catherine advises hiring a professional to take a look .

3. Fridge and freezer door seals and coils

Next up on our list of chores is cleaning your fridge. “Your fridge freezer is one of your appliances that continuously uses energy, yet if its coils become filthy with dust or dirt, then you could see its energy usage increase by 20%," says Isabella. "Cleaning your coils should be a priority – to do so, turn your fridge off first."

"Give them a gentle clean with a soft brush or the nozzle attachment on your vacuum," suggests Lynsey. "It only takes a minute, but it helps your appliances run cooler and last longer."

"You should also use this time to check your fridge’s door seals for grime because if its seal isn’t tight, then cold air escapes and its efficiency drops even further," adds Isabella.

"It’s also a wise idea to defrost your freezer regularly to help it run smoothly and reduce its energy consumption.” Use the same method as you would for cleaning the rubber seal on a washing machine.

"Because the seals are tucked away in the door folds, we tend to ignore them," agrees Catherine. "A quick monthly check keeps them sealing properly and stops your fridge from overworking. Mix warm water with a little washing-up or baking soda. Then, using a cloth or brush, gently work the solution into the gasket folds to lift grime and mould. For stubborn mould, use a vinegar spray."

To check for an even seal, Catherine suggests running a sheet of paper around the edge: if it slides out easily, the seal might need replacing.

4. Light bulbs and fixtures

When was the last time you cleaned your light fittings? "Dusty bulbs and fittings can make your rooms look dimmer and duller," says Lynsey. Therefore, you may be tempted to switch on more lamps, or to run the dimmer switch higher than needs be – yes, you guessed it, wasting energy.

"Wipe lampshades and ceiling fittings with a dry microfibre cloth, or if they’re grimy, use a mix of vinegar and water. For delicate areas, a recycled make-up brush is perfect for whisking dust off light bulbs and tricky corners."

5. Smart thermostats and sensors

“Even these nifty devices can contribute to wasted energy if they’re covered in dust," says Isabella at AO.com. "Dirty sensors can give inaccurate readings, which may lead to unnecessary use of your central heating.

Gently dust your sensors and keep the area surrounding your thermostat as clear as possible. Essentially, a clean, unobstructed thermostat helps keep your heating precise and energy bills under control.”

6. Kettle

It’s easy to underestimate limescale, but even a thin layer can insulate the heating element, reducing efficiency and making it work overtime to heat up. Meaning you might want to increase how often you descale your kettle to save energy.

"Over time, that means higher electricity use for every cuppa," says Catherine. "It’s easy to forget because the kettle still 'works', but regular descaling a kettle keeps it running efficiently and prevents those pesky crunchy limescale flakes from ruining your morning brew."

To descale a kettle, start by filling halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar (or use 1-2 tablespoons citric acid in a full kettle of water).

Boil the mixture, then turn off and leave for 30-60 minutes (longer if heavily scaled). Tip out the solution and discard any loosened scale. Rinse thoroughly, then boil fresh water and discard to remove the vinegar taste. Repeat rinse if needed.

7. Ovens and hobs

As we ditch salads and sandwiches for something more warming, our ovens and hobs are called into action far more frequently. A hob – particularly a ceramic or induction design- will be slower to heat up with a film of dirt across the top, while elements caked in grime will take longer to reach the correct temperature. Therefore, cleaning an oven or cleaning an induction hob becomes more significant.

"Make sure your oven and hob are clean and ready to work their magic," says Lynsey. "Wipe down your cooktop and cooled oven cavity after each use with a warm, soapy cloth, and for a deeper clean, mix bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid to form a paste. Let it sit for a while, then scrub away to lift grease and burnt-on food. Your oven will heat evenly, smell fresher, and work much more efficiently."

8. Washing machines and tumble dryers

Both your washing machine and tumble dryers can be big energy guzzlers if not cleaned properly, with the failure to clean filters being a common forgotten step.

"Clogged lint filters in both can add up to half an hour of extra usage, which mounts up to a lot of wasted power across the year," says Isabella at AO.com. "You should remove and clean your lint filters after every couple of uses and vacuum out the vent area to get to those hard-to-reach places."

"If the lint filter feels waxy (which can happen from detergent/fabric softener residue) then wash it in warm soapy water and leave it to dry before reinstating it," says Catherine. "Smol washing-up liquid is a perfect grease remover in this instance!"

"It’s also a good idea to run a hot empty wash once a month with white vinegar to keep any limescale at bay," says Isabella. "Ultimately, the longer the heater element works efficiently, the faster the cycle will be.”

FAQs

Do I need to be careful when cleaning appliances?

Absolutely. When cleaning any electrical appliance, it's imperative that you make sure it's turned off at the wall first. If you're unsure if power might still be running through it, unplug it. if that's not possible, switch off the appropriate circuits from your fuse box.

It's always a good idea to dig out the instructions (or find them on the manufacturer's website if they're lost). Following the care instructions there will ensure you don't accidentally void any warranties by using the wrong cleaning products.

Let's face it, decluttering isn't fun. It can be hard to let go of once-sentimental items and to know where to even start. So, putting together a checklist can really help.

Every house is different but there are some items probably kicking around your house that you would never miss. From old batteries to devices you can't use anymore, getting rid of these little things will cumulatively make all the difference to your space.

If you're ready to declutter your house but are lacking direction, here are 32 things you can probably get rid of right away, whatever your decluttering method is.

32 items you can probably get rid of today

Old CDs

If you have a large CD collection that's gathering dust, it might be time to get rid of some of them. Do you have a method of actually playing them? If not, seriously think about whether or not you will use them again.

Similarly, if you listen to most of your music now on streaming services, think about getting rid of the albums that you can easily listen to digitally.

Mystery cables

Hands up if you have at least one drawer or box dedicated to cables and tech that you're not really sure still works - or what they're even for.

If that's you, audit this drawer. Work out what the cables and leads correlate to and get rid of anything that doesn't serve any purpose. If you still deem them all necessary, at least you'll have untangled them!

Mismatched socks

Go through your sock drawer and pair everything up. If there are any stray socks that have been looking for a partner for a while now, turn them into cleaning rags.

Expired skincare

This one is often overlooked but all beauty formulas have a shelf life. Often, they should be used 6, 12, 24 or 36 months after opening - the exact duration will be stated on the label.

Older products might not necessarily be harmful to you but the active ingredients will become less potent and the formula will lose its efficacy. Old skincare can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, causing itchiness, break-outs, rashes and more. Essentially, they just stop doing their job.

Old greeting cards

While you don't want to get rid of meaningful greeting cards from loved ones, avoid holding on to every single one. If the cards don't contain a personal greeting, you don't love the artwork and they're not from someone you're particularly close to, it might be time to throw them out.

Discoloured clothes

It can be tough to let go of clothes that once looked great, but are no longer in their glory days so have been relegated to a corner of your wardrobe. Whether it's white t-shirts with yellow marks you just can't get rid of, or clothes that have lost their vibrancy over time, seriously think about getting rid of your discoloured clothes - especially if you haven't worn them for years.

Expired medication

Audit your medicine cabinet. Like skincare, all medication has an expiry date - but we often overlook it. Once expired, medicines will become less effective (or even risky) due to changes in chemical composition. This will affect their strength and efficacy.

Anything that doesn't fit anymore

You wouldn't be alone if you've got pieces in your wardrobe that you've held onto for a while, hoping that they might one day fit you. Not only do these pieces take up unnecessary space, but their very presence can make you feel bad, especially if you attach any guilt to not fitting into them.

Donate them to the charity shop or sell them online, and embrace clothes that make you feel amazing instead.

Puzzles with missing pieces

Is there anything more annoying than doing a jigsaw puzzle or starting a game, only to find out that a few pieces are missing? Don't put them back in the box for the next person to be similarly disappointed.

Dried-out nail varnish

While you can sometimes revive old nail varnishes by adding a drop of nail polish remover, hot water or nail polish thinner, if the formula is gloopy and dried out, sometimes it's better to just cut your losses and get rid of it - especially if there's not much left.

Burnt out candles

It can be difficult to get rid of your favourite candle, but if it's burnt out and not holding any light, it's pretty pointless keeping a hold of it. If the candle is finished but you want to reuse the jar, pour boiling water into it and then skim the remaining wax of the top when it rises up.

Duplicate utensils

Go through your kitchen utensils and scrutinise all your duplicates. Do you really need more than one garlic press, ladle or slotted spoon? By having a more minimal set up, you'll be able to use your space more efficiently.

Excess plastic bags

They cannot be domestically recycled and come at a cost, so many of us understandably hold on to our plastic supermarket bags. But they can take up a surprising amount of space.

Recycle them at your local supermarket or recycling centre, and ensure you take your bags with you next time you shop to avoid buying even more!

Broken or empty pens and pencils

Another simple thing to get rid of, cull old pens and pencils you can't use anymore. This can take a little bit of time as you'll need to test each one, but it will also save you the frustration of trying lots of dry pens before finding a functional one the next time you actually need one.

Old gifts that aren't to your taste

When someone gives you a thoughtful gift, instinctively you might want to put it to use to show your appreciation. But sometimes, if they really don't match your decor (or taste), they'll be relegated to the cupboard or spare room. If you have some old gifts stored away that you know will never see the light of day, considering donating them to charity.

DVDs that you'll never watch again

Get rid of old DVDs that you can either watch digitally, or are just never likely to crack on again. Most televisions don't come with players now so if you have no means to watch your old ones, it's time to donate them to charity.

Old gift cards

When we use up the full balance of physical gift cards, they're often handed back to us by the shop assistant so it can be tempting to keep a hold of them in case we ever top them up or have any remaining balance in them. But how likely is this scenario? Not particularly.

Do an audit of your spice rack

Spices, herbs and seasonings can last a long time and having an expansive collection is great, even if there are some that you only use once a year, but there are ways you can streamline your spice rack.

Audit your collection and consolidate any duplicate jars. Then, check to see if any water or liquid has got into the remaining ones. If they're spoiled, throw them out. And if you've had some spices for a really long time without using them, consider throwing them away.

Expired sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, you don't want to take any risks. While expired products are unlikely to harm your skin, the formula will change and become less effective.

There's no guarantee about the level of protection it will provide after its expiry rate, so it's worth erring on the side of caution and investing in a new bottle instead.

Every bottle will state the expiry date; in most cases this will be six to twelve months after opening.

Uncomfortable shoes

Comfort is key when it comes to footwear, and while a level of discomfort is expected when wearing high heels, don't hold onto shoes that cause you so much pain you simply cannot wear them.

Makeup that doesn't work for you

We all sometimes purchase the wrong makeup products. Whether it's an expensive moisturiser that causes breakouts or a foundation in the wrong shade, if the product isn't right for you, you just won't use it.

Instead, donate it to a loved one, or if it's only been lightly used, some charities will also accept makeup.

Old, flat. or yellowing pillows

If you're wondering how often you should change your pillows, the answer, sadly, is more often than you might think. Experts advise changing your pillows every one to two years.

Dead batteries

They can't always be recycled or disposed of at home, so many of us have a container of flat batteries in our house gathering dust. Not only are these taking up space and are visually unappealing but they're often not even stored in the right way as they cannot withstand extreme heat or be left in locations where there is moisture or humidity.

Most supermarkets have a battery recycle point, so search your nearest one and pop them in your bag next time you go out. Don't simply throw them into the landfill collection as this could start a fire.

Excess hangers

Take your excess hangers to the charity shop. Not only will this open up a lot of space in your wardrobe to actually see all your clothes, but someone else will get use out of them.

Old (paid) bills

If you're not paperless when it comes to utility bills, then you probably have a stack of old bills somewhere. Pop them into your recycling bin and consider going paperless if you have no need for physical bills.

Books that you're not likely to read

Getting rid of books can feel painful, but if you've got some titles in your collection that you know you're unlikely to ever pick up, or that you've already read, then give someone else the pleasure of reading them by donating them to a friend, book exchange or charity shop, or even selling them online!

Business cards

Ever found yourself accepting a business card from a local restaurant or someone at a networking event, knowing that you'll probably never use it? Instead, record their details on your phone or add them on social media. As for all the old business cards from old acquaintances? If you can't even remember who they're for, get rid of them.

Shrunken clothes

We've all been there. The realisation that you put your favourite wool jumper in the washing machine and it's come out in a size appropriate for a small child. It can feel too heartbreaking to immediately get rid of shrunk clothes, but if it's unwearable, cut your losses and get it out of your closet.

Spare bedding that you don't use

If you're a hoarder, it can be tempting to hold on to old things in the hope that you'll one day use them - like old bedding, which might be suitable for guests. While there is a need for spare bed linen, if they are seriously washed out, old and uncomfortable, recycle them, or turn them into cleaning cloths.

Old letters

A relic of the past, letter writing is sadly a waning art. For that reason we definitely don't recommend you cull all letters (who doesn't love an old love letter or scribbled note from a pen pal?!) but do get rid of anything really old that doesn't hold sentimental value.

Old fashioned equipment

The definition of this will very much depend on your lifestyle. But if you've swapped an alarm clock for your phone or eschewed your DVD player in favour of streaming services, think about the place these old pieces of equipment or technology still hold in your life. If they're not decorative or likely to be used again, consider donating them.

Old magazines and newspapers

As much as we love magazines, a pile of old ones doesn't only look unsightly but they can take up serious space in your house. If you don't have space to efficiently store them away, think about culling some of the ones you're not likely to pick up again. Cut out any articles, recipes or images you love before recycling them. The same stands for newspapers.

Life, death, taxes... and dust. There are some things in life that are unavoidable - whether we welcome them fondly or not.

It seems that there is always something to dust or clean up at home, and we'd all love to clean our house like a professional every time, but that isn't always plausible. People get busy, life gets in the way. But that doesn't mean you can't take small and simple steps to keep on top of your chores. 

A clean home can really change your mood, so these are some of our favourite tips for staying on top of your housework. 

32 tricks for keeping on top of housework

Clean little and often

Letting messes accumulate and become harder to clean is just giving yourself a much bigger task. 

Who wants to tackle mountains of rubbish and dried-in mess for hours when you could spend 10 minutes a day cleaning as you go? Try doing small things each day, even if it's just running a wipe across the surfaces and taking rubbish out regularly. 

Our cleaning must-haves...

Work your way top-to-bottom, left-to-right

Don’t start a room by cleaning the coffee table and then turn your focus on dusting the blinds - you might find you've accidentally sprinkled that dust over something you've just cleaned.

Keep cleaning as simple as possible by starting at the top of the room, such as dusting the corners of the walls, and work your way down to the floor to avoid redundant work. 

Separate your cleaning products by room

This is a nifty little trick that can make cleaning feel more organised and simplified - and it's Mrs Hinch approved. 

Sharing her top tip, per Good Homes Magazine, the cleaning guru advises divvying up all the cleaning products you use by room, keeping them in separate baskets. This makes it much easier to just grab the basket and get right to it, without having to stop-and-start or dig around for missing bits.

Make sure you're fully stocked before you start

There’s nothing worse than, when you finally muster up the energy to clean or tackle some chores, you realise you don’t have enough polish or bleach. 

We all know that feeling of once we stop what we’re doing for a minute, we sometimes lose all momentum. 

Don’t let a last minute supply issue slow your roll. Keep regular tabs of your cleaning supplies days before you usually clean certain rooms.

Stick to one task at a time

If you start hoovering and suddenly notice a smudge on the doorframe, or discover some weeds in the garden while cleaning your windows, don't suddenly switch and leave things half-finished. 

This will feel like you're doing too many things at once, you could waste time and prolong the housework and you could even forget to finish some tasks - meaning when you sit down thinking you're finished, you make an unpleasant discovery. 

Set a timer

Having your smartphone on you while you're cleaning might feel like it'll distract you and prolong the housework, but if you use it wisely, it can streamline your chores. 

Use your smartphone as a timer so you can avoid letting yourself potter around waste time. 

Try and clean as thoroughly as you can before the timer goes off. You can also use these timings to better plan for your next cleaning, understanding which rooms need more time and which ones you can save time on.

Declutter regularly

It's simple really - the less you have, the less you have to clean. 

There are plenty of great ways to get started decluttering your home, including focusing on one room at a time or grouping similar items. Refine your belongings, free up space to tuck away more things and you'll find that it's easier to stay on top of overall cleaning.

Get the family involved

If you live with family or flatmates, keeping on top of the housework could be as simple as sharing out the tasks. 

You might meet some resistance (especially if you have teenagers in the house…) but you can give them some of the easier tasks to begin with, simple things like dusting or taking the bins out.  

These small chores taken off your list frees you up to tackle some of the bigger tasks.

Invest in your tools and gadgets

When it comes to your money, you might resent the idea of spending too much on anything to do with housework and chores, but the right investment can make your life so much easier. 

Spend a little more on the sorts of gadgets that can simplify your time cleaning and you'll have more time for yourself each week. Can you put a price on that?

Some gadgets that are worth the investment include a good vacuum cleaner, a power scrubber for your bathroom tiles and a more up-to-date washing machine if yours is getting on in years.

Give yourself a reason to get started

There is no greater motivation to keep on top of your housework than the knowledge that you're going to have visitors. 

If you need some inspiration to get more organised with your chores, why not plan a regular thing at your home? This could be a book club, watching a show with friends, or just hosting a regular dinner - not only will you want the place to be pristine, but you get the added benefit of enjoying a regular social engagement, too. 

Baking powder can save a lot of time and effort

Keeping on top of your housework can be made simpler by using things that really, really work. And you might be overlooking some unsung heroes that can cut down on the time needed exerting some elbow grease on tough stains or smells. 

Baking powder can be used as a very effective deodoriser - sprinkle soft surfaces such as a dog’s bed or a fabric sofa with a little baking powder and then vacuum it up after 15 minutes.

Add some quick tasks to your daily routine

When you think about it, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the week where we can add a bit of maintenance without really exerting much effort. For example, give your bathroom surfaces a quick wipe while you’re in and out getting ready for your day – and keep a bottle of shower spray or mould spray by your shower so you can spray it right after you’re done without forgetting. 

Similarly, if you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave to ping, run a wipe across your surfaces or throw some things in the bin. 

It’s a small, obvious step, but it'll stop things building up.

Have a designated clutter space

Okay, this one might seem counterintuitive, but, the reality is, nothing will ever be perfect. 

Instead of getting down about it, or giving up on cleaning and decluttering altogether, try to minimise any mess or loose ends to one specific draw/cupboard/box. 

Eventually, as you get more organised and find time to declutter further, you can reduce the size of your clutter space to the point where it's nothing more than an easy-to-hide small box.

Clean away your plates right after eating

Something that can catch everyone out is waiting too long after cooking and eating to clean up. Once you've had your meal, you might feel relaxed and sleepy - and the last thing you want to do is scrub the pots and pans. 

So try to clean as you go, popping anything used in the dishwasher or rinsed through as soon as you're done with it. 

Leaving things too long is how you find yourself with a sink full of plates and pans with caked in stains, turning a two minute job into a 20 minute one, which could have a knock-on effect on your other housework.

Assign each member of the family their own laundry day

This one might not be as relevant if you live alone, or the opposite, and you have too many people to justify it, but if you can swing it, giving family members an assigned day for their laundry can really simplify the housework. 

To start, it puts the onus on them to make sure their clothes are in the washing machine on schedule, meaning less items casually strewn across the house. 

Secondly, having an assigned day each means that clothes don’t get mixed up or lost, and you wont be digging in hampers for missing pieces of uniform or favourite tops when you're already in a hurry.

Have a 'lost and found' box

Taking inspiration from the likes of supermarkets, deploy a lost and found basket or ‘trolley.’ At retail stores, employees will often put things they find in one lost and found trolley until it’s full, and then reassign things to their rightful place when they get a spare moment. 

This means you can put everything back where it belongs in one go instead of rushing around every time you spot something.

This is particularly useful to those with small children or grandchildren - you don't mind the toys being everywhere during the day, but when the children go to bed, you can neaten up the place easily in one go.

Synchronise your window cleaning

Whether you do it yourself or have someone who cleans the outside of your windows, try to make time to clean the interiors after the exteriors have been done – this way, any marks are more visible and easier to get.

Your cleaning appliances need cleaning, too

Keeping on top of your housework will be much easier if your gadgets and machines are working as they should. Putting your dishes through a dishwasher and them coming out just as dirty because you haven't cleaned it for a while will just add to your work. 

Take the time to use a dishwasher cleaner once every couple of months, and check that your washing machine and drier filters are also in good shape. 

Find products you love using

You might not have ever really paid much mind to why you buy the products you do, and this could mean you're missing out. Sticking with brands or products you've used for years just out of habit could mean you're not making the most of new innovations in the industry. 

Shopping around to find something with a scent you love, or using a washing up liquid that is kinder on your hands, will make chores feel more pleasant and rewarding. 

Make sure everything has a home

No matter how big or small, if everything in your home has a designated space, it’s easier to spot when something is askew. This can also be made simpler by keeping similar items together, so you don't have too much faffing around needed. 

Start the day on a positive note

Each morning, get in the habit of doing small, simple things that will form healthy habits. These don’t even need to be too strenuous, but make your bed, open the blinds, let fresh air in, etc. 

Eventually, you won't even realise you’re doing it but it will make a difference to your housework. 

Make a nightly checklist

Whether it’s making a reminder for the last person who used the bathroom to wipe down the sink to avoid toothpaste stains or spraying mould remover on the grouting, doing little things every night will keep your house sparkling as you sleep. 

The added bonus of these nightly steps is avoiding a much bigger clean up job down the line.

Trade chores with a friend

The trick to keeping on top of your housework is to not overload yourself with tasks you either cannot do alone, or simply don't enjoy doing. If you have a mental block on your housework, it'll be harder to find the motivation. 

You might have a friend who really loves gardening, for example, whereas you can't stand it. You can barter and make a deal where they’ll come and help you weed and mow once a month, and you can do something in return, be it helping with the ironing or cooking them some freezer dishes.

Remind yourself why you're doing it

"Take a picture, it lasts longer" - while this little expression is usually used as a sassy retort, in this case, it is great advice in terms of finding the motivation to keep on top of your chores.

If you take a photo of your house when it is pristine and you’re super proud of it, you’ll have something to motivate you to keep it looking that way. 

Clear your space, clear your mind.

Outsource, even if just occasionally

You might not be able to afford a cleaner on a regular basis, but you should consider springing for the help of an expert once every couple of months at least. 

You can tap in the extra elbow grease of a professional who can focus on doing a bigger, deep clean, freeing you up to just focus on lighter maintenance jobs.

Check you’re making the most of all your machines

Do you know all the features of your home gadgets? Make some time to properly sit down and check out the manuals or look up tutorials online. You might be missing out on nifty features that can really keep you organised.

For example, many washing machines can come with pre-set timers for washing and drying, meaning you can set it so things are cleaned and dried by the time you get back home without having to faff.

Assign days for certain tasks

Why not make Sunday your "bedding and ironing day"? This way, you know what to expect when you wake up in the morning, you can build up motivation and you can get into a rhythm. 

Plus, assigning certain days for certain tasks might improve your quality of life. Falling asleep every Sunday in fresh sheets and pyjamas? Heavenly! Monday morning will feel less daunting. 

This way, you’re also not presented with unwelcome reminders you haven’t done your chores when you’re trying to get ready on a Friday night.

Reward yourself

Whether you reward yourself after meeting your fitness goals with a brand new outfit, or a nice meal after a work goal is accomplished, we're used to following a 'carrot-and-stick' approach to many events in our life. 

The 'carrot' - or treat - for keeping on top of your housework can be anything from a nice treat in your clean room or an uninterrupted episode of your favourite reality TV show. 

Whatever it is, associating your housework with a nice reward will encourage you to keep on top of it.

Categorise tasks

Not every task needs to be done with the same cadence. Some can be daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly, for bigger tasks like clearing out attics or basements. 

If you have a calendar – digital or physical – try to scribble in reminders for each of the tasks. For things like quarterly and yearly cleaning tasks, getting a date it must be done means you wont forget and you can prepare well in advance, so it won't be put off or come as an unwelcome surprise. 

Make it fun

If you think of your chores as, well, a chore, you might find yourself more hesitant to get started or keep on top of it. However, if you have the next episode of a gripping podcast or the next chapter of an audiobook queued up and ready to play for your regular spot of housework, you’ll be raring to go.

Prioritise rooms and tasks around your mood

If you know that by Friday each week, you’re tired and a bit low on energy, don’t leave the biggest rooms or messes for then. 

Prioritise around your schedule and make sure you aren't making housework harder than it needs to be.

Have a system and keep it consistent

If you can, stick to a pattern - in terms of the days you actually do your housework, and the order in which you do it. 

Cleaning the house in the same order every time - working on one room at a time, and starting and finishing with the same task - will help you build consistency and avoid wasted time as you try to mentally keep track of what you've done - or what you might have overlooked. 

Once you get the routine down, you might find that you can even get it done quicker each time. 

Running a household is no mean feat and sometimes daily chores can feel endless. But following some golden rules and a few clever cleaning and organisational hacks can save you a lot time and effort. 

From finding the right tools and knowing how to declutter your home more effectively, to simple ways to make your home feel (and smell!) fresher, we've collected 32 expert-approved tips to ensure your home stays neat - even when life gets busy.

We consulted some expert cleaners, home organisers and those who offer professional decluttering services on their best advice for keeping a household in order. Here are 32 household tips to help keep your home looking its best. 

32 household tips for cleaning, organising and tidying 

Don’t put off cleaning

The golden rule is not to put cleaning off, as cleaning and organising expert Joyce French at home improvement website HomeHow explains - little and often is best. "Don’t put cleaning off, as it will mount up and seem like too much to tackle in one go," she told us. "Do small cleaning tasks every day when you have a few minutes, to help keep on top of things and save the need for a large effort each week." 

Our cleaning must-haves...

Declutter every day

One of the golden rules of keeping a house tidy? regularly clearing away clutter. it may sound simple but when we let this slide, mess soon builds up and can take some time to shift, while a few minutes regularly can help keep everything in order. 

Use the right tools

Invest in the right equipment says professional cleaner Sabrina Tretyakova, who works as a cleaning technician for Fortador cleaning appliances. "Your cleaning is only as good as the tools you use," she continued. "Invest in good-quality cleaning supplies like microfibre cloths, a vacuum with HEPA filtration, and effective cleaning solutions."

Build in ample storage

Make sure every room has enough storage to house bits and bobs as well as any items you want to keep out of sight. "Storage and organisation are key to keeping your house tidy. Make sure you have ample storage in every room, so things are easy to put away," cleaning and organising expert Joyce French explains. 

Freshen surfaces with essential oils

An efficient and natural way to freshen up your home's scent is by using essential oils, as cleaning and organising expert Joyce French explains. "When dusting, dilute a few drops of lemon, eucalyptus or peppermint oil in water with a teaspoon of distilled vinegar and pop in a spray bottle," she told us.

"Not only is this an eco-friendly way to freshen surfaces, but the scent of the essential oil will linger, helping your home to smell good. If you want to use it to clean your kitchen, just add a few drops of washing-up liquid to your spray."

Hang up cleaning tools

Keeping your cleaning tools tidy will ensure they stay in a better condition - and can therefore clean your house more efficiently. Invest in sturdy hooks or a wall-mounted organiser to keep them in place.

Invest in compartments for drawers, cupboards and shelves

Another top tip is to compartmentalise your spaces. "Keep storage organised in cupboards, wardrobes and drawers, use baskets, tubs and boxes to compartmentalise items," cleaning and organising expert Joyce French told us. "This will ensure everything from spice jars and packets of food to stationery, toys and shoes remain organised."

Invested in a laundry basket with a lid

There's no getting away from laundry being unsightly. Invest in a large basket with a lid and try to keep on top of it so it doesn't fill up (often easier said than done with bigger families!) Keep it in a place where the basket will look discreet and tie in with the rest of the decor.  

Keep on top of your clothes and beauty products

"If cupboards and wardrobes are overflowing, it may be time for a clear-out to stop rooms becoming cluttered," cleaning and organising expert Joyce French told us. "To stop this happening again, implement a one-in, one-out policy for clothes, toys and other items." 

It's worth thinking about your capsule wardrobe and how it works as a whole to ensure your clothes collection is as compact as it can be and you're not housing items that simply don't work within your outfits. 

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda prior to hoovering

To leave rooms smelling fresh, scatter some bicarbonate of soda onto your floors before hoovering. "Use a sugar shaker with a closeable lid," cleaning and organising expert Joyce French told us. 

"That way you can add lavender from the garden or a few drops of essential oils and give it a good shake to mix it in. Then, all you need to do is open the holes up and sprinkle it over your carpets and rugs. Plus, any leftover deodoriser can be stored until you need it again."

Establish a nightly routine

Cleaning expert Will Cotter of FreshSpace Cleaning advises getting into a nightly 'reset' routine. He explains, "Make a habit of putting things away and getting ready for the next day. Create a list of tasks you need to do before going to bed. 

"You can wash or load the remaining dishes in the dishwasher, clean the kitchen counters and surfaces, and put away any items you used during the evening, like books, remote controls, or games. Then take out the trash, tidy up your shoes and jackets at the entryway." This will pay dividends in the morning! 

Prep items for the next day

Cleaning expert Will Cotter also advises you to be prepared for the following day to keep your spaces organised. "Prepare the necessary items you’ll need the next day so they're easily accessible - such as keys, bags, or lunch." Having a designated spot for these will help keep your house in order and ensure you hit the ground running in the morning. 

Invest in a good cookware rack

A good cookware rack, specifically that's easy to clean, is a must. There's nothing worse for a kitchen's ambience than dirty dishes stacked up and a larger, studier cookware rack will ensure your dishes have space to dry and will look more organised next to the sink. Look for one that's easy to clean without nooks and crannies that are difficult to get to and a design that encourages airflow. 

Encourage good habits

Keeping a clean and tidy household is undoubtedly a team effort, as cleaning expert Will Cotter explains. "Encourage your family members or housemates to clean up after themselves. This includes putting away their own stuff, washing dishes, and wiping up spills. 

"Talk to them about why it’s important to share the responsibility of keeping the living space clean and safe. You can even make it fun by creating a rewards system or consequences to motivate everyone."

Invest in trinket dishes for jewellery, hair ties, and keys

Everyone should have a trinket dish in their bedroom, as while we might intend to keep our jewellery tucked away in a box or jewellery roll, we often just fling it on the nearest surface after a busy day. A trinket dish will house those bits and bobs you regularly take off, or keys that often don't make it back in your handbag. It's also worth keeping one next to the kitchen sink for when rings and bracelets are removed before washing up. 

Buy some storage containers for under the bed

The area under the bed can be a huge asset in terms of space, but it can also turn into a bottomless pit of old items if you're not careful. Instead, invest in storage crates, boxes or vacuum-pack bags to keep old clothes and other items out of sight. 

Embrace the one-touch rule

"Another nifty trick is the 'One-Touch Rule'," cleaning expert Will Cotter tells us. "This means if you handle things once - don't leave items lying around, and put them where they belong right away."

Have a designated spot for post

Letters, bills and packages piling up can make anyone feel out of control. Designate a spot near the letterbox where you can keep your mail in one place and go through it daily to ensure nothing important is missed. 

File receipts straight away

For those of us who are self-employed or keeping receipts for expenses, they can end up littering desks, or stuffed into random containers to be organised at a later date. Get into the habit of filing receipts straight away into a folder and keeping with the rest of your important documents. Or, take a picture and file them electronically. 

Put together a cleaning schedule

Cleaning expert Sabrina Tretyakova recommends creating a cleaning schedule for your household to stay on top of. She suggests, "Breaking challenging tasks down into smaller ones, like daily, weekly, and monthly chores, makes them easier to manage. This helps keep your home consistently clean."

Upgrade your clothes hangers

Mismatched tatty old clothes hangers can look unsightly and also make it harder to see your clothes. Investing in wooden hangers gives a sleeker overall appearance, particuarly if you have an expose clothes rail. If you want to save space and find wooden hangers too bulky, velvet hangers have great grip and are a slimmer choice. 

Invest in a clothes rail

A clothes rail can help you keep your clothes in order and prevent clothes that you never wear from piling up at the back of a closet. Keep your wardrobe minimal and organised by having pieces that are easy to mix and match on display so you can pull together an outfit in minutes. 

Air our spaces when possible

It may sound simple but regularly getting some air into your spaces can make all the difference when it comes to keeping them fresh. "I advise opening your windows regularly and letting in fresh air to reduce indoor pollutants," says cleaning expert Sabrina Tretyakova. 

Use natural air fresheners

Cleaning expert Sabrina Tretyakova suggests opting for natural fragrances over anything artificial in your spaces. "Instead of artificial fresheners, I recommend using natural air fresheners such as essential oil diffusers, fresh flowers, or simmering ports with citrus and herbs," she explains. 

Invest in glass containers for storing dried food

Cereal, nuts, dried fruits and even dry pet food can be decanted into glass containers for a more pleasing aethetic and prevents half-empty cardboard boxes from cluttering your surfaces or pantry. It's also easy to see when your favourite dried foods are running out and a top up is necessary. 

Make your bed

Another golden rule when it comes not just to keeping your household in order, but also boosting your mental health, is to make your bed. This short and simple task provides an instant sense of achievement first thing - and nobody can argue it's much nicer to come to a well-presented bed later in the day. 

Cover drains with a hair catcher

Fishing weeks' worth of hair out of the bathroom plughole is never pleasant and a simple hair catcher can prevent this arduous task and ensure there's no build-up. This theory also works well with a food catcher in the kitchen sink. 

Keep a squeegee in the bathroom

The bathroom is a breeding ground for bacteria so it's essential to keep on top of cleaning it. Investing in a squeegee will help you stay on top of things by removing excess water after showering or bathing. Also wipe around the areas of the sink to remove spills, excess water and hair. 

Keep things in the same place

It might sound simple but having a set place for things like your hair bobbles, beauty products, the kids' toys and important documents - and sticking to keeping them there - will help your home feel much more organised.

Organise your fridge with an eat-me-first section

Keep food waste to a minimum by designating a section in the fridge to items that will soon go out of date. This fridge hack isn't only better for the environment by minimising consumption, it will also save you time and money. 

Steam clean your microwave

Make a habit of steam cleaning your microwave once a week to keep it looking (and smelling!) fresh as well as warding off lingering bacteria. A simple and natural way to do this is to boil one cup of water in a bowl with lemon slices and vinegar and boil for a few minutes. Leave the bowl in the microwave with the door closed for at least five minutes and then wipe down with a cloth. 

Get your family or partner involved in a ‘daily reset’

Professional home organiser Gemma of The Home Edit Bristol advises, "My best advice to keep a tidy home and my special tips for staying organised with the chores is to have a ‘Daily Reset’ just spending 10 minutes a day with a basket whizzing around the house collecting up items from work surfaces, floors etc and putting them back where they belong will ensure that keeping on top of your home is much more manageable. 

"This is the piece of advice I always give to clients after a session to help them maintain their homes more easily and to help them feel less overwhelmed. If you’ve got children then why not get them involved too - play some fun music, set a timer and make the daily reset into a game!"

Dishwashers are the saviours of many kitchens, taking on the bulk of the dreaded washing up and doing so quickly and quietly. However our dishwashers can also sometimes let us down, especially with keeping our silverware looking its best. 

Pulling out the draw of your dishwasher to a tray full of dull cutlery is far from ideal, especially when you’ve got guests over for dinner. This viral cleaning hack for the kitchen, which has racked up thousands of views online, might be the affordable solution to your drab silverware problems. 

The popular tin foil dishwasher hack shows users rolling a piece of aluminium foil into a ball and putting it in their utensil tray in the dishwasher then putting it on for a cycle, to produce sparkling silverware. 

How to use tin foil in your dishwasher

If you're a sucker for a good expert cleaning hack and this is the best way to give the foil trick a go with minimal risk of any scratching. Of course, if you are going ahead then we would recommend you don't put anything too valuable or delicate in the dishwasher with the foil, as it's better to be safe than sorry. 

The method is simple. "To use this hack, simply ball up a small piece of foil, roughly the size of a golf ball, and place it in your cutlery basket. Any larger and you risk it becoming dislodged and scratching other items, or worse, becoming trapped in your filter," explains Ava Wilson, Chief Editor at Unclutterer and seasoned cleaning expert. 

"You should also make sure that there are no loose edges or small pieces of foil that could come away during the cycle as this could cause damage to your machine."

Once the foil is in the right place, run your dishwasher as you usually would and make sure you don't remove the foil ball until the cycle is finished and all dishes are cool to the touch. It might also be a good idea to know how to clean your dishwasher quickly and easily beforehand, this way your machine will be working at its optimal potential. 

Is it safe to put foil in the dishwasher? 

With so many common dishwasher mistakes to avoid you might be wondering if it's even safe to put aluminium foil in your dishwasher in the first place never mind if it'll benefit your dishware and cutlery. Luckily there's nothing that can go too wrong when adding a ball of foil to your dishwasher cycle, unlike using foil in the air fryer there are fewer rules to follow to ensure no damage is done to the machine.  

Whilst it's considered a low-risk hack there are some potential issues to look out for when doing it. Speaking to Omar Idrissi, an appliance expert and owner of ADK Kooling, he warns, "Generally I would not recommend putting foil in the dishwasher because it can crumple or tear, causing bits to stick in the dishwasher's components or even block the drain. This can potentially damage the dishwasher or lead to poor washing results." 

However, for this hack, keeping the tin foil balled up and within the cutlery, compartment should ensure that it doesn't tear and it stays right where it's supposed to be. 

Other dishwasher cleaning hacks 

If you're still hesitant about trying this viral foil trick, don't panic as we asked the experts what other ways we can get more cleaning power out of our dishwashers and it turns out there are a few other hacks to try! 

• White vinegar: When it comes to cleaning with vinegar the world is your oyster, and dishwashers are no exception. Ava says, "Another way to get your dishes shining is to use white vinegar as a rinse aid. Not only does this help remove soap residue and give your silver or glassware an extra shine, but it’s eco-friendly, can dissolve limescale, and will help your machine smell clean and fresh." 
• Regular maintenance: Another way to make sure your dishwasher is running at optimal functionality is to keep on top of its maintenance. Ava recommends cleaning the filter after every use to remove food and limescale as well as ensuring the spray arms are free of any obstructions with each wash. She says, "This will help your machine run more effectively and prolong its life, as well as ensure every wash is hygienic." 
• Invest in good quality detergent: You can't rely on your dishwasher for a spectacular clean when you're not arming it with the best tools. This is why Omar recommends getting the best detergent tablets for several reasons, he says, "To save water and energy while getting a deep clean, choose a high-quality detergent that is appropriate for the hardness of your water and select the appropriate wash cycle for the load." 

Whilst there is a potential risk of the foil breaking free this is a quick and easy hack worth trying. After our trial, we would say it works best on genuine silver cutlery and to make double sure that your foil ball is big enough to stay in play and not start moving around your machine during its cycle. 

Keeping on top of dust levels around the house can feel overwhelming. I can't be alone in feeling like I'm constantly dusting to no avail. This sense of defeat led to me asking for advice, and who better to help than a dust expert at Dyson and a clean air specialist to suggest how to reduce dust in the home?

No matter how often you clean the house you may still find yourself questioning why there is still so much dust and it turns out that there are several resulting factors that can help to limit the amount of dust that accumulates in our homes. 

Fortunately, the various methods are easy enough to implement to lessen the presence of dust in the home enabling the job of getting rid of dust in a home to be more efficient, easier and more time-effective. Here's what the experts say will help to reduce dust levels around a house.

How to reduce dust in a home: 8 expert tips

More than merely a visible coating of unsightly speckles on the sideboard or the TV screen, dust is a rather unpleasant concept to be surrounded by because it's made up of a mix of dirt, dead skin cells, mould spores, pet dander and more. 

"Household dust is a complex matrix of components, including dead skin cells, hair, dust mites, dust mite faeces, bacteria, viruses, mould, small insects, and other fibres and particles," explains Dennis Mathews, a lead research scientist (Microbiology)  at Dyson. 

"Many of these particles are only visible under a microscope, making it possible for them to accumulate quickly without our awareness. Our skin is a prominent component of dust in our homes, with an average human shedding around two to three grams of skin per day, even more at night – equivalent to roughly the weight of a packet of crisps in a week." 

Unpleasant reading but unfortunately, no matter how much you clean your house, dust is inevitable. Here's how the experts recommend limiting dust levels around the house...

1. Vacuum carpets, rugs and doormats reguarly

Keeping floors clean is an essential task to prevent any dust from being disturbed as you walk around the house and therefore being disturbed back into the air. How often should you vacuum?  

Of course, it's important to vacuum and clean all flooring types, but carpets and rugs are particularly important when it comes to reducing dust because the fibres can trap huge quantities of falling airborne particles. Particularly those in high-traffic areas. 

"Vacuuming frequently on areas that receive more footfall will help to stop dirt from building up and getting trodden into your floors," says Dennis. "Using a cordless vacuum is helpful for this, as the versatile format means you don’t have to spend time getting the machine out from a cupboard, plugging it in, moving it around and so on."

I recommend the Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner – it's quite shocking just how much dust is there but not visible.

2. Take a slower approach to vacuuming

We've all zipped around with the vacuum to give the house a once over especially when trying to clean the living room fast before guests arrive, but the experts explain why taking a slower approach is the best way to reduce dust in the home.

"Vacuuming more slowly gives the machine more time to remove the dirt, especially the ground-in dirt and debris and hidden dust," advises Dennis. "Dust is made up of several components, including dust mites, allergens, bacteria and viruses that can sit deep in soft furnishing and carpets."

In addition to going slow, it also pays to go over the same spot to ensure it's entirely dust-free. "More passes over an area will also give the machine the best chance of cleaning well," says Dennis. "However, any more than two or three times gives minimal increase according to our research."

3. Dust more efficiently and more frequently

No matter how often you dust it can feel like the dust is still there. Cleaning experts say the best way to reduce dust is to change the way you tackle dusting.

"When dusting use a damp mop or cloth so as not to stir up the dust into the air," says Lars Dunberger, technology development manager at air purifier specialists Blueair.

While using this expert cleaning hack is key, it's also important to remember hidden areas of potential buildups. Dust can accumulate on just about any surface in the home, from the top of doors and kitchen cabinets to windowsills and even door handles. It's important to cover all areas.

While it’s not everyone’s favourite task, dusting should be carried out at least once every two weeks, if not weekly, especially if you have pets in the home - as this helps to reduce mild sickness and allergies. 

4. Invest in an air purifier

The best air purifiers are an easy way to improve the air quality in the home, removing dust is a huge part of that process.

Our homes are filled with airborne pollutants, dust, pollen, pet hair and more - and one way to reduce these different particles throughout the house is to invest in an air purifier. The purpose of an air purification system is to filter the air of dust and nasty allergens and bring a flow of fresh air back into your home.

"We even have an air purifier specifically designed to keep dust in check," says Lars. "Blueair’s DustMagnet™ technology is uniquely designed to attract airborne dust particles like a magnet before they settle on floors and surfaces."

"Thanks to a powerful airflow in combination with two positively charged pre-filters, airborne dust is captured and removed, resulting in less time spent dusting and vacuuming."

5. Open the windows

It might not be the most effective way to keep a house warm in winter, but opening the windows daily is an easy way to reduce dust buildup. As our experts have already explained dust mites can't survive in  

As a result, Lars recommends the following: "On dry days open windows for about one hour per day to reduce humidity in the house."

6. Use a dehumidifier daily

We know that reducing humidity levels can help, therefore it makes sense that running one of the best dehumidifiers can prove invaluable in helping to reduce household dust. 

"Air conditioning and dehumidifiers help as dust mites cannot survive in areas of low humidity," Lars explains. A dehumidifier works by removing moisture in the air, doing so with an extraction process which means it can also help to eliminate airborne elements of dust, that will be captured in the dehumidifier filter.

7. Clean and refresh filters

Make sure all the filters within your home are cleaned regularly or changed to ensure they are working at maximum efficiency. If a filter is dirty it is directly impacting the air quality of your home by not filtering out only dust, but bacteria and other nasty pathogens. 

From AC units to vacuum cleaners even cleaning a dehumidifier, it's recommended to keep on top of cleaning all filters to ensure no trapped dust is being blown back into the space where you are trying to improve indoor air quality.

8. Wash bedding frequently

Increasing how often you wash your sheets and bedding is a quick and easy way to reduce dust levels from building up in another unexpected area. 

You wouldn't think of the bed as a particularly dusty zone but when you think of what Dennis has explained about the amount of dead skin in dust it suddenly makes total sense that your bedding, mattress and pillows generate and hold a lot of dust. 

"Washing bedding at a warm temperature once a week will help to reduce dust," says Lars.

So duvet covers and pillowcases should be washed once a week to prevent the build-up of skin cells and dust, but don't forget to include washing your mattress protector in your new washing regime, because that is what keeps your mattress clean. You should then aim to wash your pillows and deep clean your mattress at least once every 6 months. 

 What is the best way to repel dust?

"In general, dust particles are mechanically and/or electrostatically ‘stuck’ to surfaces. While it's common to clean dusty surfaces with a wet cloth, the most effective method for eliminating household dust, including dust mites and their droppings, is to vacuum them first," says Dennis. "Vacuum little and often, rather than just a weekly deep clean, like many of us have historically done."

To vacuum to repel dust more efficiently Dennis adds: "A vacuum needs to apply force to particles for a certain time to dislodge and entrain them into the machine. The force is supplied by the airflow from the machine, as well as the brush bar and cleaner head. The force can be increased by changing to higher suction settings, whereas the ‘time’ can be extended either by moving slower or by completing more passes over an area."

FAQ

Reducing the dust in our homes is important for all households to maintain a better level of hygiene, but for those who suffer from allergies or breathing difficulties, the task of reducing dust is all the more important.

We’re all familiar with the usual suspects when it comes to the dirtiest spots in our homes, we certainly don’t scrub the toilet for the fun of it. However, experts have revealed there are some surprising items in our homes that could potentially be much dirtier than our toilet seats – and we might not be cleaning them enough. 

Whether you know how to deep clean your house or not, often the dirtiest items in your home are commonly falling under the radar when it comes to the weekly or even monthly house cleaning routines. 

Some of these items gather so much germs and bacteria that the interior experts at Online Bedrooms have recommended we should be cleaning them daily. 

So what are these bacteria-boosting items and what can we do to keep them clean? 

Experts reveal the dirtiest items in your home

1. TV remotes

When doing our weekly clean of the living room it can be too easy to rush around and forget to clean the smaller objects in the room. TV remotes are handled multiple times a day by everyone in your home which makes them the perfect place for bacteria to collect. 

Should you need to clean a living room fast, then consciously wiping down your remotes at the end of the day could lessen your load when doing a big clean in a time crunch. Just make sure to get your disinfectant wipes into the button crevices too! 

2. Light Switches

Much like remotes our light switches are touched numerous times a day by numerous different hands so it's no surprise they're ground zero for germs. Light switches may more often than not be neglected from your cleans, after all, they don't really collect much dust. 

However, during a weekly clean, it's a good idea to disinfect all the switches in the house with a disinfectant wipe or cloth. 

3. Lamp Shades

Lamp shades are not only guilty of collecting lots of dirt and dust but they can also pose a fire risk warn the experts at Online Bedrooms. It can be quite a difficult job cleaning all our lampshades properly with their differing materials and shapes. For this very reason, we've put together a guide for how to clean lampshades that will make the whole process that whole lot easier! 

4. Oven gloves

Normally when we tackle cleaning our kitchen our main concern is how to clean an oven quickly and easily, and not so much the smaller things like oven gloves. But it turns out they can get quite filthy very quickly! 

Throwing in your oven gloves and tea towels with your weekly washes will get rid of any grease and grime that may have accumulated from handling oven trays. This will also stop any bacteria from lingering and contaminating your meals. 

5. Wardrobes

This space might take you by surprise but wardrobes are one of the most common spots in the house that are overlooked when cleaning. Most of us will certainly make sure to dust the outside of the furniture and polish any mirrors attached but the insides are usually neglected. 

Wardrobes can collect a lot of dust and dirt from our clothes and shoes, which is why the interior experts recommend cleaning the ground and back wall of your wardrobes when you can. There's no need to do it weekly but it definitely should be on your spring cleaning small spaces list! 

6. Shower Mats

Even though they're mainly used when we're at our cleanest, bath mats can quickly collect dirt and bacteria from daily use. If you know how often you should wash your towels then your bath mat can be thrown in with them too. 

Should you start to smell damp in your bathroom then there's a good chance it's your bath mat needing a clean, so it's best to keep on top of it to keep the smells away too! 

7. Coasters

Another unsuspecting item that, although used daily, is normally not given the cleaning attention it needs. 

"A wipe of a coaster to get rid of the ring leftover from a glass isn’t enough to keep it clean," warns Nic Shacklock, an interior expert at Online Bedrooms. "You’ll need to give it a proper scrub every month to clean any bacteria that gets pushed down from glasses being on top of the surface." 

Although they do need a monthly scrub, simply wiping down your coasters after every use is still a good daily habit to keep your house clean and tidy. 

8. Extractor Fans

Much like our oven gloves, extractor fans tend to build up layer upon layer of grease over time when we're cooking each day. To prevent any nasty germs from lingering and to keep your fan functioning at its best, simply wipe it down every couple of weeks. 

Cleaning grease off our kitchenware can be a real pain which is why we've put together our favourite expert cleaning hacks for kitchens to help you. Whether you're looking at cleaning an oven with baking soda, how to clean oven trays or how to clean a stovetop, the right methods and tools can make all the difference. 

9. Door Handles

Door handles, much like our remotes and light switches, are one of the most frequently touched items in our homes. Because of this, added attention needs to be given to them to incorporate them into every household clean. 

Giving door handles a wipe with disinfectant weekly can rid your handles of any harmful outdoor germs and bacteria. 

We rarely find ourselves shocked anymore when another crazy but creative TikTok cleaning hack goes viral. And yet, after finding one woman's take on a popular cleaning trend you can definitely consider us surprised and somewhat baffled. 

If you're familiar with the #CleanTok side of TikTok you may have already come across the trend of soaking pillows in bathtubs filled with chemical concoctions. Also known as ‘stripping’, this pillow cleaning technique involves submerging pillows into hot water that’s been mixed with household ingredients such as white vinegar, detergent and baking soda. 

Aside from cleaning with vinegar and other usual cleaning suspects, one user has added a rather unconventional ingredient to her pillow-cleaning bath solution. Her TikTok video, which has garnered a staggering 8.6 million views, has been met with a noticeable amount of backlash for more reasons than one. But it’s her addition of sliced citrus fruit that has left bed experts utterly confused.

In the video, Janelle, one-half of the food and home influencer duo @JanelleandKate, starts by removing the cover of her daughter's pillow. She proceeds to submerge the pillow in what she describes as “the hottest water” and then pours over large amounts of baking soda, clear detergent, stain-removing powder and finishes with lemon slices. 

Janelle leaves the pillows in the solution for a few hours before returning to the yellowed water. She then instructs users to put the pillow in the tumble dryer with clean tennis balls so it's fluffed back to its original shape.   

The yellow water that she claims is the dirt and “toxins” from the pillow is more likely a result of the lemons she’s left to soak in the tub for hours. 

Thousands of users have expressed their confusion and annoyance at the unconvincing cleaning hack, with one person commenting, “All that yellow came from the fruit you put in it.” 

Nevertheless, bed experts from Bensons for Beds have caught wind of the hack and have quickly debunked it as both ineffective and even potentially damaging. “We’d always exercise caution when it comes to any excessive cleaning routines that use unnecessary ingredients in the process," warns Rachel Marshall, brand manager at Bensons for Beds.

Instead of giving your pillows a chemical bath, the bed experts suggest cleaning your pillow by following what the provided instructions tell you to do. “A pillow should last up to two years as long as they are well taken care of. This means taking note of the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning and being wary of any overly complicated methods which might actually damage the fibres.” Rachel explains. 

It's important to remember there are different types of pillows, that all require a different approach when it comes to cleaning.

Most pillows are made of synthetic or down materials and can be washed on a cool, gentle cycle in the washing machine. If the label says the pillow is dryer-safe then Janelle's trick with the tennis balls is legitimately helpful. For other pillows, such as memory foam and latex, Rachel suggests spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent. 

Whilst unusual hacks such as these mean well, it's always best to follow what the actual experts are recommending. Rachel adds, "If in doubt, always check the label or refer to trusted bed experts for advice on maintenance and cleaning. And yes - stay clear of adding any fruits to your bed cleaning routine.”

The one thing every household has in common is dust and how easily it can build up. Knowing how to get rid of dust effectively in your home will not only make your space look and feel cleaner, but it can also play an important role in the better health and well-being of everyone who lives in your house. 

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by daily dust levels, no matter how much you reduce dust in your home. Learning how to get rid of dust is a simple step you can take toward a cleaner indoor environment, for improved indoor air quality and improved overall health because indoor pollutants can actually be up to five times higher than they are outside. 

Eliminating dust is an ongoing process – one that includes regular attention and using one of the best vacuum cleaners but by following these 10 basic steps you can get on top of it without too much effort.

How to get rid of dust in your home: 10 expert tips

Avoid the most common dusting mistakes by following these expert-approved cleaning methods to help eradicate all traces in your home.

1. Use a damp microfiber cloth

A clean microfiber cloth, preferably damp does a great job of holding dirt, so use one of those to wipe down your furniture, windowsills, lamps, decorative items, and anywhere else that dust accumulates. This can be done every few days or every week at least, but you could even quickly do it in selected spots daily to keep on top of things.

A damp cloth is a much-favoured cleaning hack for getting rid of dust most effectively, as Ivan Ivanov, a cleaning expert at End of Tenancy Cleaning explains: "Using a damp cloth over a dry one is the most important facet of dusting. A dry one just disperses dust particles into the air. A damp cloth collects all the dust with ease."

Microfiber cloths can be used for all sorts of cleaning tasks, from dusting and cleaning floors to kitchen cleaning or cleaning windows, glass and tiles. And there are several other useful tools available as well, including washable dusters with extendable handles, to help you reach ceiling fans, shelves, and blinds. 

You can also use your soft, damp cloth to carefully wipe the dust off when cleaning plant leaves on your houseplants.

2. Deep clean carpets and rugs

When tackling how to clean hard floors, it's much easier to keep dust-free, but rugs and carpets hold on to a lot of dirt and therefore need extra care and attention when cleaning to get rid of dust. 

If you happen to have a lot of carpets in your home, the best tip is to buy a strong vacuum, preferably one of the best cordless vacuums for extra ease. “You should vacuum once a week to keep them clean," Ivan advises. "Every three months, you should then think about how to deep clean the carpet or hire a carpet cleaning machine to avoid soaking and damaging the carpet."

"Don't be afraid to vacuum more often than once a week though; pet owners especially should consider vacuuming more frequently. Our furry friends bring in germs and bacteria from the outside, so consider upping your vacuuming amount. ”

3. Tend to cleaning window treatments

Curtains, blinds, and any other type of upholstery can accumulate unexpected amounts of dust and it's all too easy to forget to regularly clean these areas. Curtains often require more maintenance than blinds, but they still need to be factored into your cleaning routine to get rid of dust effectively in your home.  

"The best way to de-dust your curtains is by using a vacuum and running it from the top to bottom of the fabric so that dust is moved to the floor, where it can be vacuumed, rather than back into the air," advises Sophie Moore, a window treatment expert at Unbeatable Blinds. "It is essential to get your curtains dry-cleaned once a year too, as this can help reduce dust build-up.

“The best way to clean blinds is to dust them regularly using a microfibre cloth or feather duster," Sarah explains.

4. Invest in an air purifier

There are many benefits of an air purifier in the home. Air purifiers work by using a fan to suck the air from your home, drawing it through high-efficiency particulate arrest (HEPA) filters and trapping particles, before recirculating the particle-free air back into the room. This means that they're one of the best options if you're looking for tips on how to get rid of dust, as it works on particles you can't even see yourself.

The best air purifiers are available in a wide range of sizes, prices, shapes, and colors, so you can find one that meets your needs, as well as something that fits in with your home decor. 

5. Make use of a doormat

It seems simplistic, but keeping a doormat both outside and inside your door allows people to remove a lot of dirt from their shoes before they enter your home. Much of the dust and dirt that accumulates in our home comes from outside, so this is imperative to note when learning how to get rid of dust.

However, you'll need to make sure to clean those doormats regularly too, as they themselves can become a breeding ground for dust that can easily be tracked into the living space if you aren't on top of it. Shake them outside every week or so to remove the debris to prevent it from being trodden throughout your home.

6. Wash your bedding weekly

Staying on top of how often you should wash your sheets helps to avoid dust gathering – washing them weekly is advised by experts. 

How often you wash a mattress protector is less frequent, but still, a good idea to ensure your mattress is kept in tip-top condition. Simply remove the mattress protector and wash it every two months, as advised by bedding experts. 

And yes – even the best pillows should be washed about every three months, although you should make sure you know how to wash pillows properly and check the care instructions first since different pillow fillings require different approaches. 

You should also vacuum your mattress every month, to get rid of any particles there.

7. Change the filters in your home

Filters in heating and air conditioning units collect dust and debris. Changing them regularly gets that dust collection out of your house, and it will help your furnace or air conditioner run more efficiently. 

Filters should be changed about every three months, although some less expensive filters may require monthly changes while others will last for up to six months. 

It is also worth cleaning the filter within your vacuum to ensure it's working at maximum efficiency for trapping dust particles. Consult your manufacturer's guide manual for how best to clean the filter on your machine, to avoid damaging it in the process. If you've noticed an unpleasant smell when vacuuming your rooms, it is definitely time to clean the filter in your vacuum cleaner too.

8. Don't forget to dust walls and radiators

It's all too easy to forget that the walls of our homes can harbour dust and hidden dirt particles, it's therefore important to remember to clean walls when tending to household chores. 

"Don't forget to incorporate dusting your walls into your cleaning routine," advises Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist, and cleaning expert. "A long-handled duster makes this easy, just make sure the duster is clean before you start." We recommend the Flatmate Long Flat Duster, £10.99 at Lakeland which is specially designed to clean radiators with ease.

 Start at the top of the wall and work your way down, paying special attention to the areas around doorways where cobwebs form." Always include wall-mounted radiators and the walls behind them, as this can be a common trap for extreme dust build-up if left uncleaned.

Removing cobwebs will then in turn eradicate the more fearsome task of tackling how to get rid of spiders.

9. Ensure you leave your shoes at the door

Instead of wearing your shoes throughout the house, make sure to take them off when you come home. This will help you avoid tracking that dirt that then ends up as dust through your home.

And to further reduce the dirt from your shoes entering your home, try to give your trainers, heels and boots a wipe down from time to time too. A simple antibacterial wipe or a dampened microfiber cloth can be used to wipe both the base and the side of your shoe, to get rid of dirt from the outside world.

10. Groom pets on a frequent basis

As explained earlier, we all love our four-legged friends, but fur, dead skin particles, and the dirt that sticks to your pet's fur and paws after being outside will often end up on your floors, furniture, and more. 

In order to avoid all of this accumulating into dust, it's generally suggested that you bathe your dog once every six weeks. Of course, this varies by breed, and over-washing could lead to skin irritation and other issues for your pet. If you have cats ensure you regularly groom them to remove excess fur before it's in the air.

Talk to your vet or a professional dog groomer to learn more about an appropriate bathing or grooming schedule for your pet based on breed, activity level, and time spent outside. 

How often should you dust and why is it important?

How often should you dust is paramount when undertaking household chores, along with how often you should vacuum because the two tasks work in tangent – ideally it's a good idea to dust highly used areas every week, at least. 

When questioning how often you should clean areas of your house, consider how often the space is used. Low-traffic areas, such as guest bedrooms, and time-consuming dusting projects, such as blinds, baseboards, and ceiling fans, you should aim to dust every other week or once a month at the very least. You might also want to consider how to clean lampshades as they can accumulate a lot of hidden dust.

Why is it important to rid a home of dust? Dust comes from a huge range of sources including dead skin cells, food debris, fabric fibers, decomposed insects, particles from smoke, and more, including chemical residue from various household products and cleaners. Unfortunately, these substances can contribute to allergies and asthma as well as more serious chronic health conditions, depending upon the toxicity of your dust. So eliminating as much dust as possible is important for protecting and improving your health. 

When it comes to cleaning our homes, we all find ourselves sticking to a different routine – whether you tidy every day and have a deep clean once a month or prefer to have a weekly deep clean without tidying in between. But how often should you clean your house? 

From carrying out a daily routine of cleaning the kitchen to deep cleaning bathrooms once a month, we asked the professionals to share their version of a good cleaning schedule and expert advice on what to clean when.

How often should you clean your house: an expert timeline

There is no one answer to 'how often should you clean your house' because each room, surface, appliance and furnishing will need to be cleaned with a different frequency depending on how often it is used and for what purpose. 

As a result, the cleaning professionals and experts that we spoke to have compiled an easy-to-follow cleaning schedule below that breaks down the answers to how often should you clean your home into daily, twice-weekly and weekly, and monthly tasks.

This simple cleaning timeline should help you to organize your housework routine and keep germs at bay in every room of the house for a happy and healthy home. 

Daily cleaning tasks

Disinfect kitchen surfaces

Cleaning kitchen countertops and other surfaces should be a daily task. “Kitchens are a hotspot for bacteria, which can be dangerous when preparing food for yourself and other family members," says Heather Nixon, sustainability, NPD, and regulatory manager at cleaning brand Bio-D. “To reduce the chance of consuming bacteria and prevent build-up, make sure to clean areas in your kitchen at least once a day with products that sanitize and kill bacteria."

"Areas to focus on include kitchen worktops, dining tables, and the kitchen sink." To do this you may want to consider a general all-purpose cleaning spray, to disinfect and stop bacteria from building up. “Doing so will massively prevent the spread of bacteria, whilst preventing flies from being attracted to leftover food on surfaces.”

"Make sure to clean your microfibre cloth, any dish cloths and any reusable sponges or scourers the same day," adds Heather, as this will ensure they are germ-free for the following daily clean.

Wash bathroom basins

Cleaning professionals advise wiping and cleaning the bathroom sink daily, simply because we use them for our own personal hygiene - like brushing teeth twice daily or washing your face every day. 

"Always wipe the sink down after use or alternatively once in the morning and evening," advises Alicia Sokolowski, president of home cleaning services AspenClean. "This is to keep on top of your bathroom’s cleanliness, to prevent scum, mildew, or bacteria from building up."

"Particularly after brushing your teeth as you don’t want any toothpaste stains to build up. We suggest using an all-natural bathroom cleaner and a microfiber cloth as they will not leave any harsh chemicals behind."

Wipe down the toilet

While tackling cleaning toilet stains and limescale can be left for longer periods, there are quick and easy toilet cleaning tasks that experts recommend undertaking on a daily basis.

"Give your toilet bowl a quick scrub at the end of each day to remove any stale water smells and prevent brown stains from forming," advises Alicia. "If you have small children who may have the tendency to touch the toilet seat then I would suggest giving it a quick clean each day."

Give the flush handle a daily wipe to ensure the surface is sanitized, preventing the transfer of possible germs to other frequently touched surfaces around the house.

Vacuum high-traffic areas

Lynsey Crombie, a cleaning expert and best-selling author, recommends cleaning high-traffic areas of the home daily to keep on top of dirt brought into the house. "High-traffic areas, such as home entrances, door mats, and kitchens should be vacuumed daily. But stairs can be vacuumed once a week and the rest of the house twice a week."

The general consensus on how often you should vacuum the rest of the house is at least once a week - but it very much depends on your lifestyle and household.

Twice-weekly cleaning tasks

Wash and change towels

Experts agree that when it comes to how often you should wash your towels, every three uses is the the ideal. This means your bathroom towels ideally require changing every other day. These are often neglected for much longer but soon start to defeat their purpose if they are carrying a whole load of germs. 

Deep clean the toilet basin

"If the toilet is used daily I would recommend deep cleaning it at least 2 to 3 times a week to keep germs at bay," advises Alicia. "However, a guest bathroom, or a toilet that gets used rarely only, has to be cleaned weekly or even biweekly." 

See our guide on how to clean a toilet to do a thorough deep clean.

Dust and wipe surfaces around the home

Dusting surfaces every two to three days will prevent dust particles and airborne germs from getting a chance to build up. 

"The most important facet of dusting is having a damp cloth over a dry one," advises Ivan Ivanov, cleaning expert at End of Tennancy Cleaning – sharing his preferred method for how to get rid of dust effectively. "A dry one just disperses dust particles into the air. A damp cloth collects all the dust with ease!"

"Incorporate dusting your walls into your cleaning routine," adds Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert. "A long-handled duster makes this easy, just make sure the duster is clean before you start. Or for convenience use a sweeper tool with a clean dry cloth. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down; pay special attention to the areas around doorways where cobwebs form." 

Of course, if you tackle this every few days you are less likely to have to contend with cobwebs, therefore eliminating the feared task of tackling how to get rid of spiders.

Disinfect the bins

Experts advise giving your trash can a quick clean with a disinfectant cleaning solution every few days. "Kitchen bins, in particular, are a breeding ground for germs and should be cleaned at least two times a week," advises Howard.  

The best kitchen bins don't require you to touch them in order to throw something away, but cleaning professionals still advice giving them a quick wipe. "The inside, and outside and the lid should be wiped over frequently, and if there is a foot pedal do not forget to clean this area too," Howard adds.

Weekly cleaning tasks

Wash and change bedsheets

Ideally, you should wash your sheets weekly, but this will be dependent on time and energy costs. 

Dr Chun Tang, from Pall Mall Medical, explains that not changing our bedding often enough can lead to a range of problems that are simply avoided with a change of sheets, “Think of your bed sheets as a sponge, absorbing old makeup, dirt and body secretions, night after night. When sleeping on unclean bed sheets, it’s common to experience skin redness, irritation, and breakouts. Dust mite droppings, a common associated risk of unclean bedding, can also worsen asthma symptoms and trigger eczema flare-ups."

Deep clean bathrooms

How often you should clean your bathroom will ultimately depend on how frequently it's used and by how many people. However, experts all collectively agree that in general, bathrooms should be cleaned at least once a week.

Set aside time each week to give your bathroom surfaces a full scrub down. This includes cleaning your shower, bath, tiles, and floors to ensure every surface is free of germs and grime.

"It’s best to give tiles, ceramics, and fixtures a good clean once a week," advises Sue Caldwell, cleaning expert at Clean Living International. "Bathroom floors should be treated like all other hard floors in the house and mopped once a week. Make sure you aren’t reusing dirty water from the rest of the home and avoid using harsh chemicals in here."

In agreement is Alicia, who adds, "I would suggest mopping your bathroom floor at least once a week. We recommend damp mop over wet mopping, as wet mopping takes longer to dry and might leave streaks because of that. Try to use a microfiber mophead as they eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and they also prevent the spread of bacteria onto other surfaces."

Vacuum floors and furniture

Every week, it’s time to clean or vacuum the majority of the floors and surfaces in your home, including your carpets and bathroom floors. Then it's time to tackle the furniture, digging down the side of the sofa with the adaptor nozzle.

"The best advice for cleaning wooden floors is to vacuum at least once a week to prevent dirt from building up," advises Matthew Lee, a senior research scientist at Dyson. "Vacuuming your carpeted spaces once a week is also enough to keep dust and dirt at bay."

In addition to floors, Matthew recommends including key areas in your weekly vacuum, advising, "cleaning two of the ten spots; ceilings, walls, mattresses, skirting boards, pet baskets, lamp or lampshades, curtains or blinds, stairs, and sofas every week means you can achieve a whole house deep clean every month. This is a highly recommended frequency to maintain a clean home without getting overwhelmed by the daunting task of trying to deep clean your entire home at once."

Wipe everyday smaller kitchen appliances

Inspect your fridge once a week, whilst making a shopping list you can wipe the shelves down at the same time and check for any expired food and dispose of this during your cleaning session. Then check the kitchen appliances that you use every day and give them a quick wipe down including your kettle, toaster, and sink handles. Don't forget the inside of your microwave needs cleaning more often than your oven too - ideally weekly.

Once a Month

Deep clean kitchen appliances

Make a ritual of deep cleaning your frequently used kitchen appliances every one to two months to keep them in good working order. Clean your dishwasher, clean your washing machine, and clean your oven every month in order to keep your kitchen essentials germ-free and in good working order for longer. It's much cheaper to keep them clean than it is to pay for a repair or to replace them. 

For your dishwasher, remove the racks and give them a full scrub down to avoid grime and grease building up. For washing machines try cleaning with vinegar for a chemical-free clean. With ovens, it's best to use hot soapy water to get the job done without contaminating food.

Vacuum the mattress

This simple task should be done at least once a month. "While vacuuming the carpet or floors may be a weekly chore, you also need to pay attention to your mattress when cleaning," advises Anne Marie Boyhan, a sleep expert at The Sleep Care Co. 

"Everyone should vacuum your mattress at least once a month but, for any severe allergy sufferers, consider giving your mattress a refresh on a weekly basis. Vacuuming your mattress will help remove allergens, dust mites, and other nasties, alleviating allergy symptoms and improving sleep in turn."

Dust blinds and light fittings

You should dust your blinds and clean any light fixtures at least once a month. While surfaces and easy-to-access areas are best dusted every few days, tackling trickier areas such as blinds and light fittings can be tended to on a monthly basis for a proper deep clean. 

The act of dusting surfaces more frequently should ensure that general dust levels are kept low so that even the deep cleans are less of a task.

Wash windows inside and out

Give your home a better view by keeping the windows clean with a monthly wash cycle.  "We recommend cleaning your windows inside and out around once a month," says Ivan. "Dirt can build up quickly – Save yourself annoyance in the future by getting on top of your window cleaning." Top tip: choose a cloudy day to perform the task, as sunshine can dry the washing solution too quickly and result in streaks.

What to clean every three months

Clear out and clean the fridge

Deep clean your fridge every three to four months to keep everything fresh, as well as spot cleaning any spills as they happen.  

"Ideally, you should clean your fridge every 3-4 months," advises Elaine Aguiar, experienced cleaning professional at Elaine Cleaning Services. ”We also suggest doing a fridge audit once in a while giving the inside a quick wipe before a big food shop, as this makes the seasonal deep clean a bit easier and quicker."

Elaine adds, “we believe that simply hot water mixed with washing up liquid is by far the best solution for cleaning a refrigerator as it helps break old, dried, and greasy food spills. Even though people often turn to bleach as an effective solution, you should never use this to clean your fridge." 

Not cleaning a fridge regularly enough allows bacteria to multiply and make your food storage somewhat unsavory – potentially wasting the contents of your well-organized fridge contents. 

What to clean every six months

Deep clean your mattress

While vacuuming your mattress is more frequent a task to undertake washing it is not as easy and therefore a less frequent task.

"It is essentially a personal preference, but we suggest that you clean your mattress at least every couple of months," advises Kate Dutton, director of products at Eve Sleep. "If your mattress cover is removable and washable it is advisable to wash this every 3-6 months." 

Wash inner bedding

It's important to remember to clean your inner bedding - the actual pillows, and duvets - in addition to cleaning the covers.

"Not cleaning your pillows every six months can lead to a build-up of fungus," warns Martin Seeley, a sleep expert at MattressNextDay. "A study found that not washing your pillows or their covers can lead to up to 16 different specifies of fungus building up - triggering allergic reactions or infecting your lungs or other organs. You should, therefore, clean your inner pillows every six months."

Likewise, "you should also be washing your duvet every six months," Martin adds. "These should be washed at 60 degrees or as high as the care label allows. Naturally, if your duvet is too large – you should take it to a commercial laundry or laundrette."

What to clean every 12 months

Deep clean carpets

As long as you are vacuuming your carpets regularly, a deep clean of carpets and upholstery can be left as a yearly cleaning task. Generally speaking it's best practice to deep clean your carpet every 12-18 months to keep it looking its best. Of course, if your carpet is subject to particularly heavy use or potential stains, homeowners may want to consider deep cleaning it more often to help maintain its longevity. 

"A professional clean once every one to two years is the best way to keep your carpets and rugs in a good condition and make them last longer too," suggests Darren Manning-Coe, owner of carpet and upholstery cleaning company, Denny & Coe.

Wash soft furnishings

Your curtains, drapes, cushions covers, and sofa throws should be washed once a year to give them a new lease of life – and often homeowners neglect these staple soft furnishings. 

Spring is the ideal time to tackle this job to enjoy the benefit of being able to air the larger items on a washing line outdoors. 

Clear out guttering

Another important but often overlooked cleaning job is to clear out gutters to avoid blockages and leaks. This isn't a task you should take on yourself, it's best to call in a professional in to tackle the job once a year to keep them in good working order.

Sweep and clean fireplaces

If you have a working fireplace in your home, this should be cleaned out and swept thoroughly once a year to maintain a safe environment for a roaring fire and ensure it's more-efficient for heating purposes. 

Spring is generally the best time to do this, to clear out the ash from winter fires and give the chimney and fireplace an airing through the warmer months.

Mastering how to clean brass properly prevents tarnishing or discoloration. it's also crucial to know the most efficient way to clean all finishes to keep them looking their best.

From shiny new brass to aged antiqued brass, this alloy metal's versatility makes it ideal to complement all decors. However the trick is keeping it looking the way it was designed. Just like other metals in your home, improper cleaning of brass could ruin the original state of the material and therefore its desired look. So just like how to clean stainless steel, you need to know how to clean brass properly too before you embark on your latest cleaning checklist.

Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways to clean brass, whether lacquered or unlacquered, to keep it looking its best. Plus, many of the best ways to clean brass involve only natural ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboards.

How can you tell if something is brass?

Brass is a copper and zinc alloy material. It looks fantastic in our homes but is a material that will corrode over time and develop an iridescent rainbow patina on its surface if not cleaned sufficiently. But all things that look brass are not necessarily brass, so how do you find out?

“The way to know whether or not something is fully brass is simple," says Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. “Place a magnet on it, If it doesn’t stick, it’s brass. If it does stick, it’s only brass-plated."

Before you start cleaning the brass you need to know what type of brass it is, and whether it has an unlacquered or lacquered brass-plated finish. "Polishing isn’t necessary on objects that are only brass-plated, and, in fact, it could actually scratch the plating off," Barrie warns. "That’s why it’s important to identify whether or not the brass is just a plating before you embark on any brass cleaning project."

How to clean brass: the different cleaning methods

Once you've checked which type of brass you're cleaning you should choose the best method to suit because the different types of brass all require a different approach whether it is solid antique brass or brass-plated alternatives.

For cleaning brass, there are a few different options depending on what you have to hand at home.  All of the below methods will work brilliantly for sprucing up your brass appliances or home fixtures, so choose which one is most convenient for you, and get cleaning.

1. Clean brass with soapy water and a cloth

All brass finishes, lacquered or unlacquered, can be given a gentle clean by way of wiping the surface down with a soft cleaning cloth and a small amount of soapy water. “Clean with warm water or warm water combined with a mild pH-neutral liquid soap and then polish with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Microfibre cloth is ideal as it is gentle but effective for cleaning without scratching and needs only to be dampened with water to clean the product,” explains Emma Joyce, Brand Manager at Perrin & Rowe.

This can be done daily for areas around the home that require it, such as in kitchens and bathrooms, where brass fittings are exposed to elements of potential tarnish. 

"General day-to-day cleaning can be done with a weak soapy water solution and a clean microfibre cloth," advises Barrie. "This works on brass and brushed brass."

“One of the best pieces of advice we can give is to keep on top of cleaning your brass, especially taps,” advises Barrie, "because it is much easier to do this than once soap build-up or limescale has started to set in. Make sure you get the handle and around the base, but don’t rub too hard. Rinse with clean water and dry with a dry cloth."

2. Use a specialist polish to clean antique brass

Antique brass has a beautifully aged patina that gives the material its charm, meaning it needs to be cleaned with care to avoid stripping away the character. 

"If the brass is unlacquered it will patina and age in time with the correct care and maintenance," says Lee Lovett, found of The Soho Lighting Company. "To remove any discoloration to the finish, use a polish that is specifically designed for brass. Refer to the instructions for the correct application and apply it using a soft cleaning cloth. Use in conjunction with warm water, using the soft, damp cloth to remove any debris, dirt, and dust.”

"Of course, if you prefer you can let the brass age naturally without any interference. By forgoing the polishing, it can allow the fixture to become wonderfully tarnished, sometimes polishing could restore it to a new-like state which defeats the object of letting it age in the first place."

"If the object is just brass-plated, all you actually need to clean it is warm water and soap," warns Barrie. You should avoid strong cleaners or scrubbing brass-plated items because you could scratch the plating off. “The purpose of lacquer is to prevent tarnishing and it can be polished regularly by using a soft cleaning cloth to remove any stains or fingerprints easily," suggests Lee.

3. Clean brass with vinegar and salt

Cleaning with vinegar is one of the most common methods used to clean and restore brass. If your brass has tough stains that need removing, then you'll need the abrasive power of salt. A white vinegar and salt scrub will do the trick and works similarly to the acid dips that are used to clean metals for manufacturing.

In order to figure out how to clean brass with vinegar, simply combine 1/2 cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon of semi-coarse, table salt (not fine salt and not coarse salt). Mix in a medium sized-bowl with enough all-purpose flour to thicken. Stir the mixture completely to dissolve the salt. If the mixture is too thin, simply add more flour to create a paste.

Rub the paste onto your brass objects and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. If needed, use an old, wet toothbrush or a cotton rag to scrub stubborn portions of grime.

Afterward, rinse all cleaning solutions away and wipe completely dry to rediscover the shine and beauty of your brass implements. 

4. Clean brass with lemon and baking soda

If you don't wish to use vinegar, you can use lemon juice as a substitute acid and the sodium in baking soda to create a homemade brass cleaning paste. This is a powerful duo to accomplish a sparkly clean brass finish with little elbow grease.

Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well to create a paste. Rub the mixture onto your brass items and let sit until dry. Buff away the dirt and grime with a clean wet cloth, making sure you leave no leftover residue behind.

This natural solution is a great way to clean items that must remain in place while cleaning. This includes doorknobs, lamp bases, and door knockers. Always unplug electrical appliances before cleaning. Baking soda is also a great option for cleaning other metals around your home, including cleaning a stainless steel sink and how to clean copper.

5. Try toothpaste for an alternative polish

An inexpensive, plain white toothpaste has plenty of scrubbing power to clean and polish real brass fixtures. Avoid gel toothpaste or those with artificial flavorings to eliminate the chance of a bad chemical reaction.

Simply apply a thin layer of toothpaste to your brass objects and let them rest for a few minutes. Next, take a soft clean cloth like microfiber or cotton and polish it away. Tougher spots may demand a little more force and the addition of extra toothpaste.

Toothpaste is an excellent way to remove the tarnished patina on brass that is caused by oxidation. The process of oxidation is common for brass items that are exposed to water. It is easily identified by a blackish, green, or blue patina and will sometimes harden into a thick crust over the surface of the brass.

6. Use tomato sauce, tomato juice, or ketchup

For a quick cleaning solution, simply rub a tomato-based sauce onto your brass items or let them soak in a bowl of tomato juice. These tomato products provide a mild acid cleaning that must be rinsed completely off after 5 minutes. If the items are really dirty, you can let them soak longer.

Use warm water and a soft cloth to restore the bright shine of the original brass. When cleaning brass, avoid using highly abrasive cloths, steel wool, or metal bristles that can leave unsightly scratches on the surface of your beautiful brass objects.

What is the best homemade cleaner for brass?

To clean patinated brass without a lacquer you can try a natural homemade cleaner.

"An old-fashioned and cost-effective method is mixing equal quantities of salt, flour (or baking soda), and vinegar together and leaving it on the patinated brass for an hour," advises Lee. "You then simply wipe off and it is as good as new." 

"Or if you’re in a hurry, mix half a lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda and rub with a cloth in a circular motion, then rinse off."

“To remove limescale from brass taps we advise a 50/50 solution of lemon juice and water," advises Emma. This is a common solution for descaling a kettle too. 

"To avoid it running away, apply some cotton wool and wrap it around the area. Leave on for no more than an hour then remove cotton wool and rinse and dry fully with a lint-free cloth. For heavy scaling, the process can be repeated as long as the area is rinsed off in-between treatments to avoid a build-up of the citric acid.”

How do you clean badly tarnished brass?

If you wish to remove the tarnished appearance of your brass there are a number of different cleaning options, natural and otherwise. “Tarnish is an issue that happens to many types of metal, including brass. This can make it look dirty with a black, gray, or light surface, however, all types of tarnish are easy to deal with in most cases," explains Leigh Start, operations director at The Metal Store. 

“There are many types of metal cleaners available commercially that remove tarnish," explains Leigh  "If you opt for one of these then always use a very small amount and work it into the metal with a soft cloth. Try to avoid stiff brushes or abrasive cloths to avoid scratches"

 “Alternatively, you can use your own DIY recipe of baking powder, diluted vinegar, or lemon, which is just as strong as an ordinary metal cleaner."

Elaborating on how to use a natural remedy to clean badly tarnished brass, Barrie suggests, "combine the juice of half a lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda and stir until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth. If the tarnish is heavy, let the piece sit with the paste on it for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry. It might be that you need to repeat the process a couple of times if the brass is badly tarnished ."

What not to do when cleaning brass

“Avoid getting household bleach or cleaners onto your brass fittings when using on surrounding surfaces," warns Emma, speaking primarily about cleaning bathrooms and cleaning kitchens with brass fixtures and fittings. "Any splashes should be immediately rinsed with clean water and dried and should not be allowed to remain on the metal finishes. To avoid this happening, cover the fixture with a cloth or towel when cleaning tiles, mirrors, countertops, etc."

Know when not to clean it yourself. If your brass has a shiny, lacquered finish to prevent it from aging or tarnishing, then you should not try cleaning it yourself an important part of planning how to clean brass. Lacquered brass surfaces can be easily wiped down, but you should not clean or polish these items in the same manner as unlacquered or live brass.

How often should you wash your towels and is there truly a right or wrong answer to that question? We asked cleaning and towel experts to find out – and the answer was unanimous.

Overwashing towels can affect the fibres and turning your best bath towel into a rough, starchy sheet is not pleasurable for the drying experience – nor efficient because the absorbency levels can be affected. 

Similar to managing how often you should wash your sheets, there's definitely a fine balance to be struck, because not washing enough is unhygienic and negates the effects of having a shower to get clean because every time you dry off you transfer dead skin cells. When combined with moisture, this becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. 

See how often the professionals say we should be washing to avoid a bacteria build-up. And because it's also not just about how often you wash your towels, but how you wash them, we've also included advice on the best way to wash towels with some simple cleaning hacks to get better results.

How often should you wash your towels?

“The amount of times you wash your bath sheet depends on how often you shower or bathe," explains Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy. "However, I’d suggest washing your main towel after three uses as this avoids a build-up of bacteria. When your towel is not in use, leave it to air on a towel rail. "

“How many times you should wash your hand towel can vary on how many people are in your household but, on the whole, I’d recommend switching and washing your hand towels at least twice a week in order to maintain cleanliness and avoid germs spreading," says Lucy.

"For towels and face towels, I'd recommend washing your towels after three uses - and waiting for them to dry completely before the next use," states Kyle Grant, Founder of sustainable, on-demand laundry service, Oxwash. 

The American Cleaning Institute also suggests that "bath towels should be hung out to dry between uses and washed after three to five normal uses." 

Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor says, “We would recommend washing your towels after at least three uses because every time you dry your body, skin cells are transferred onto your towel which quickly grow bacteria."

"The best way to prevent germs from growing on your bath towel is to ensure it dries completely between each use and is washed frequently," says Joanna Ross, General Manager of Design at Sheridan.

Guidelines that say 'normal use' refers to your everyday cleansing routine, but this will differ depending on your lifestyle. For instance, if you've been doing a lot of physical exercise and producing excess sweat, you should strive to wash towels more than the recommended every three uses. 

Similar to determining how often you need to vacuum, if you have a larger household with more people sharing hand towels, you'll naturally need to launder them more often, too. 

"You'll need to wash your towels more frequently if, for example, the towel has body fluid on it, then it should be washed after only one use," Kyle explains. "Or if it's a sweaty gym towel! Finally, if your skin is sensitive and/or easily irritated, wash all of your towels after one use, and use an organic and skin-friendly detergent."

The best way to wash towels according to experts

Frequency aside, it's imperative to use best practices to maintain the quality and softness of your bath sheets and hand towels. Follow these tips from leading professionals to keep your bathroom towels in tip-top condition and preserve them for longer.

1. Wash at the right temperature

There's a temptation to use a hot cycle every wash when you're looking to eliminate possible bacteria, but all the experts agree that 40 degrees is fine for more frequent cleaning.

“Generally, wash your towels at 40 degrees as any higher can cause them to wear out too quickly," explains Lucy. 

“When it comes to towel care and ensuring they last the distance, my top tips include washing them on a 40-degree gentle machine wash," advises Joanna. "Whilst it can be tempting to dry clean your luxury towels, I would avoid this as it dilutes the softness." 

Lucy adds, “You can, however, remove oils and bacteria that can build up over time, by putting them through a 60-degree wash occasionally. This routine will allow them to be perfectly hygienic without taking away from their quality and texture."

2. Avoid overloading your machine

To get the best results when washing Lucy recommends, “Wash your towels together at the end of the week but try not to overload the machine because they need plenty of room within the drum to breathe and circulate, allowing them to be rinsed and fluffed up properly.

“If you try to stuff too many in, you’ll end up with a clumped together heap, with moisture pockets throughout, leading to scratchy, stiff towels. Make sure to wash your towels separately to your other laundry to avoid any color or fibers transferring onto your beautiful pristine towels”

It goes without saying, but for optimal results, you should also ensure your washing machine is clean before you get started.

3. Wash towels and clothes separately

When creating different laundry piles be mindful to separate more than just colours, because experts say towels should be washed on their own for best results.

"Washing towels with clothes can transfer a lot of bacteria between each item in the washing cycle," says Jessica Hanley, founder of towel retailer Piglet in Bed. "Putting towels in their own load allows towels to dry easier, as damp towels typically dry slower than clothes."

"Make sure you shake any excess water from your towels before placing them in the dryer, as this will help fluff the material and keep them absorbent. Avoid leaving wet towels to sit in the washer for a long period of time, as this can result in an unpleasant musty smell."

4. Use softeners sparingly

Hold off on the fabric softener, because while it may feel like it's essential for soft towels, too much is in fact bad for softness. Chrissie Rucker, Founder of The White Company explains, "for super-soft towels, adding a fabric conditioner to the final rinse enhances the softness of terry fabrics, but use sparingly as excessive quantities will reduce absorbency because it coats the fibers. Use just a little fabric conditioner every other wash to keep towels feeling their best.”

Joanna adds, "avoid using silicone-based fabric softeners and conditioners. As these will repel water and will reduce the absorbency of the fluffy towels."

5. Tackle stains immediately

Whether you're removing red wine stains from carpets, removing suncream from clothes or fake tan from towels, tackling stains as soon as they occur will always result in more effective removal.

"To remove stains efficiently it's widely recommended to use oxygen-based stain removers," says Joanna. "Never use bleach to clean stains, and make sure bathroom cleaning products containing bleach are kept separately to avoid any bleach stains."

6. Dry towels thoroughly

It's very important that towels are dried thoroughly to ensure no moisture is left because damp towels (even freshly laundered ones) are a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. 

Line-drying towels may not always be possible, but it is always advisable. "Line drying your towels in the shade is ideal and it reduces electricity usage," says Joanna. "Tumble drying your towels for a few minutes when they are almost dried off the line will maximize their softness."

"If you need to tumble dry your towels completely, I’d recommend drying them on a medium to warm setting and ensure they are completely dry before storing them in your linen cupboard.” 

If you don't have a tumble dryer you can look for alternative ways to dry laundry indoors, using expert tips and tricks to tackle the task more efficiently. 

7. Fold your towels to keep them in good condition

Folding your towels is not only a great way to save space but can also be an easy method to ensure they stay in good shape. “Begin by holding the short end of the towel at chest height, and then fold each edge across to meet the opposite side fold to achieve neatly overlapping thirds,” says Jessica. 

"Fold up the bottom third of the towel, then fold the top third down, and store with the outer folded edge of the towel facing out to make it easy to grab your towels off the shelf – and to keep your closet looking great."

Knowing how to clean a leather sofa properly is important because they are more susceptible to potential damage than other upholstery and some traditional cleaning methods can cause further stains or watermarks.

Leather sofas are a great choice for many reasons; they’re stylish, timeless, durable, and best of all, they’re relatively easy to clean – when you know how. As an expensive investment piece for your home, the last thing you want to do is damage your sofa when cleaning it. Just as you would when cleaning stainless steel or cleaning marble, cleaning leather requires extra care and attention - and there are dos and don'ts for a better clean. 

Our expert guide to how to clean a leather sofa covers all the key cleaning methods to keep your leather sofa in good condition and to prolong the life of your sofa.

How to clean a leather sofa: an expert step-by-step

“There are ample options when it comes to cleaning your leather couch correctly; it’s important to use products specifically designed for treating leather,” says Chad Bodinnar, Sales Manager, at ScS. 

“Water-based products are particularly useful for treating most stains by penetrating the surface to clean without harming your leather. Ensure that any liquid that is used to clean the surface is wiped dry with a microfibre cloth and that, once cleaning is complete, you apply a leather protection cream to condition it. This will provide you with a protective layer to help repel stains and soiling whilst working to keep the leather soft and comfortable." 

Follow our simple step-by-step guide to refresh your leather couch.

What you’ll need: 

• A vacuum cleaner 
• Two or more microfibre cloths 

• Saddle soap/white vinegar/gentle soap 

• Leather cream 


1. Vacuum or wipe away dust and dirt

Similar to cleaning hardwood floors, the first step to cleaning your leather sofa is to physically remove any dust, dirt, or grime from the surface of your couch. "This will avoid it from being inadvertently rubbed into the sofa when you’re wiping it down with the cleaning solution," explains Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice.

Use the best vacuum you have for the job and go over your entire sofa, including the back, arms and underneath the cushions to completely remove all traces of dirt. If the cushions are removable then take them off to capture any hidden dirt.

"A good option here is to use the soft brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to avoid scratches. But if you don’t have a suitable vacuum cleaner, a dry microfibre cloth would also do the trick - and is important for Step 3 too!" 

2. Prepare a cleaning solution

When it comes to choosing the right soap or cleaner for your leather sofa, it's a case of the gentler, the better. "A few options work well here, and most are household items readily available in your bathroom or pantry," says Rebecca. "A mild PH-balanced soap is the very best choice for cleaning leather – either in bar form or by mixing a few drops into some warm water for a very diluted mixture."

"For a natural approach, a simple dilution of 50:50 white vinegar and water can do the trick. This is an effective, yet gentle stain remover for most types of upholstery and leather is no exception. Lastly, saddle soaps, or soaps specifically made for leather, are an option, but they also run the risk of darkening or hardening the surface of your sofa."

3. Carry out a patch test

Once your solution is ready it is advisable to test it on a small section of the leather first, before liberally applying. "Whichever cleaning solution you choose, try using it on a small section of the sofa first, " Rebecca advises. "Preferably somewhere that isn’t highly visible."

"Apply a small amount, and let it dry out to ensure that it looks the way you want it to and there isn’t discoloration."

4. Clean the sofa with a microfibre cloth 

Once you're happy with the results of the patch test it's time to start the cleaning process. "You’ll need two soft microfibre cloths, one for cleaning the sofa and one for drying it," advises Rebecca. "First, dip one cloth into the cleaning liquid and wring it out – it should be damp, and not dripping wet. If you’re using bar soap, dampen the cloth and swipe it across the surface of the soap." 

"Now, working from top to bottom, rub the cloth gently but firmly along the surface, taking care to go into the corners. Continue to rinse the cloth in the cleaning solution as and when you need it." Master to to clean your microfibre cloth to make sure it's up to the job.

"To avoid water marks after cleaning we advise that you dampen a colorfast cloth with boiled water from a kettle and gently wipe the entire panel or cushion from seam to seam,"advises Giselle Lancaster, Buying Manager at Sofology. "This will help to prevent any water stains as the fabric dries."

5. Buff the surface dry

After washing the sofa with your solution, the next step is to buff the leather surface dry, to ensure there's no excess moisture left – taking extra care to tackle seams and cushion recesses. 

"There’s no need to rinse the solution out, but it’s crucial to thoroughly dry the sofa to ensure there’s no risk of mildew or mold," explains Rebecca.

6. Apply a leather conditioner 

An optional but highly recommended step is to apply a specialist conditioner to preserve the leather. Rebecca advises, "to keep your leather sofa in tip-top condition, we suggest using leather cream or conditioner to restore moisture and suppleness. This is best used every 6 to 12 months, though it’s also best to check the care label on your sofa’s upholstery to find the best option."

 What should you not clean a leather with?

“Real leather is a natural product so it can react badly to harsh chemicals or acidity, so it’s best to avoid these cleaning products,” warns Chad. “Anything too acidic like undiluted vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach can be too aggressive – these will cause discoloration and potentially material damage to the leather.” 

"We would always recommend using specialist cleaning products for leather sofas," advises Chad from ScS. However he goes on to note that cleaning with vinegar is ok when it's not neat, explaining, "you can mix equal parts vinegar and warm water to create a natural solution that can be effective to remove unwanted stains or marks after a spillage.”

Can I use washing-up liquid to clean my leather sofa?

The question of whether you can use washing-up liquid to clean a leather sofa is a frequently asked one because you can clean most things with a dishwashing detergent - but not a leather sofa it would seem. 

“Due to leather’s sensitivity, it’s not advised to use washing-up liquid to clean the surface," warns Chad. "There are so many varieties of leather that each sofa can react differently, depending on what type of leather you have. In which case it’s best to treat any immediate spill with warm water and a clean cloth, wiping in circular motions and then going over with a dry microfibre cloth so as to not leave any water behind."  


“If that doesn’t work, seek advice from the manufacturer's guide or a specialist product made for treating leather to ensure you’re not causing further damage to the material.” 

How to clean stains from a leather sofa

"Like many fabrics, it’s best to blot (never rub) spillages as quickly as possible with a dry absorbent cloth," advises Charlie Marshall, Founder at Loaf.

"Blot up spilled water, food, oil, or ink as soon as you can before it has time to set," agrees Rebecca. "Rubbing alcohol can be carefully used to lift ink stains, and baking soda works well on grease marks. For tougher stains such as pen ink, there are cleaners available that can be used in small amounts to treat those areas." 

For more severe stain patches Charlie adds, "We don’t recommend using saddle soap or any other specialty cleaning products, instead, we recommend contacting a certified company that can send professional upholstery cleaners to your house to ensure the leather stays looking tip-top!"

Expert tips to prolong the life of your leather sofa

The number one way to prolong the life of your leather sofa is to keep it clean and take good care of it day-to-day. 

“Dirt and dust increases fabric wear and can dull the colors, reducing the lifespan of your furniture so it’s vital to keep on top of its maintenance," explains Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor. "As a minimum you should lightly vacuum your leather sofa once a week with a soft brush attachment, paying special attention to the arm fronts where your hands rest.” A deeper clean every three months or so is also recommended to ensure it's pristine for years to come.

Charlie Marshall, Founder at Loaf adds: “It wears brilliantly with age, but there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for leather. Firstly, leather doesn’t like sharp objects or things like belt buckles, as these are going to scratch and mark it. You also want to be wary of the leather fading, so keep leather sofas out of direct sunlight or heat.”

Rebecca also shares the following top tips to care for your leather sofa to maintain its condition:

• Gently vacuum your leather sofa with a soft brush attachment weekly.
• Always clean up any spillages with a clean, damp cloth as soon as possible. 
• Frequently plump up and rotate your sofa cushions to help maintain their appearance and durability.
• Pay attention to the front of your sofa arms as over time dulling and abrasion can occur if spills are left unattended. 
• Proactively protect your leather with specialist products, refer to your manufacturer’s guide if you’re unsure.
• Add cushions and throws to welcome a layer of protection for potential spills.
• Don’t let your leather sofa be exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as this can dull the color. 
• Don’t overdo it with the cleaning products and particularly avoid detergent. To be on the safe side stick specialist leather care kits.

Who'd have thought cleaning with vinegar could be so effective? Even professional cleaners regularly use white vinegar as part of their tried and tested go-to cleaning supplies.

This pantry cupboard staple is one of the best cleaning solutions around, as well as being cheap and chemical-free – a quality to consider for making more eco-friendly choices around the home.

Favored for tackling tough stains, limescale, and more, make sure you store white vinegar alongside your cleaning products, organized under the kitchen sink. This natural product is ideal for kitchen appliances, sinks, windows, walls, door handles, mirrors, upholstery, and floors. 

To tackle any of our vinegar cleaning hacks below, all you'll need is a bottle of white vinegar and a clean microfibre cloth and you're all set to be dazzled by the sparkling results. 

How do you go about cleaning with vinegar?

It's easy to make an effective solution for cleaning with vinegar.  Some chores may require you to use it neat, but the general consensus is to dilute the white vinegar with water, preventing it from being too acidic on the surfaces you are cleaning. 

“A warm water and white vinegar solution of roughly a 50/50 split can be used on most household surfaces that are common touch points,” says  Chris Wootton, the managing director of the domestic cleaning business, Poppies. "It’s ideal for anywhere that has hard-water stains such as lacquered taps or areas that have build-ups of grease. The acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits, limescale, dirt, and grime."

Many may be put off by the idea of cleaning with vinegar due to the strong smell, but the scent is less pungent when diluted with water and doesn't last long. If you open windows it'll be gone in no time.

Cleaning with vinegar – 23 things you can clean around the home

This naturally acidic product is an ideal eco-solution for the whole house, from cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the kitchen, or even cleaning the living room. Our Lifestyle Editor, Tamara Kelly, tried cleaning with vinegar in her home and has only included the cleaning hacks below that are expert approved or she has vetted herself to ensure they really do work.

1. Clean a washing machine with vinegar

Using vinegar is one of the most natural ways of cleaning a washing machine. 

For best results, pour two cups of white distilled vinegar into the machine’s drum and set your washer to carry out an empty cycle at the hottest water setting. The vinegar naturally breaks up mineral deposits and any mould growths.

2. Descale a kettle with vinegar

Wondering how to descale a kettle? Vinegar is your friend once again.

We recommend filling the kettle with half white vinegar and half warm water and letting it sit for at least an hour. After this time you'll see that the limescale starts to disappear because vinegar is naturally acidic and will dissolve the mineral deposits that have built up.

3. Clean an oven with vinegar

Cleaning an oven with vinegar offers a natural solution, avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals in an area associated with food. 

Vinegar is highly effective for cutting through the grease and grime that builds up on the racks inside your appliance. Remove the racks and sprinkle each with baking soda, then spray with vinegar. The mixture will start to react and create a foam, loosening any grime or food build-up on the metal. Once it stops foaming, rinse with hot water and leave to dry.

4. Clean a fridge with vinegar

Cleaning a fridge is another chore where you will probably want to avoid hard chemicals. "To make your own cleaning solution, we suggest adding one part vinegar and three parts of water solution," advises Elaine Aguiar, at Elaine Cleaning Services.

"This is a better alternative to using chemically loaded cleaning sprays. Not only can these damage surfaces, but residue from the chemicals particles can come in close contact with food causing a high safety risk."

5. Steam clean a microwave with vinegar

If your microwave is plagued by food smells, try mixing a heat-safe mug of water with a generous tablespoon of vinegar to deodorize and provide gentle steam clean. Simply heat up the vinegar and water solution for up to five minutes to get rid of the lingering smells. Wipe down any steam condensation with a microfibre cloth to remove any residual dirt.

6. Clean a sink with vinegar

Get your sink sparkling in no time with a dash of diluted vinegar cleaning solution. Use a 1:1 white vinegar and warm water solution to gently remove dirt and watermarks from the inside of your ceramic or acrylic sink, suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Spritz the sink and surround with the solution, then use a microfibre cloth to wipe it clean. Take care when cleaning a stainless steel sink because vinegar can be damaging to the surface if it is left for long periods of time. 

7. Dedorise drains with vinegar

A touch of vinegar can dramatically improve any unpleasant-smelling drains. Professional cleaner Lynsey Crombie, TV's Queen of Clean, tells woman&home how she's a fan of "deodorizing drains with vinegar."

To do this Lynsey suggests, "pour 20ml of white vinegar directly down the drain a few times a week to keep odors and gunk at bay." Ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens.

8. Clean a dishwasher with vinegar

It's important to have an easy yet effective method of cleaning a dishwasher because food particles getting stuck in the machine and clogging up the drains can be a regular occurrence.

“Prevention of problems like this is important and we have a solution that a homeowner can use every month to prevent clogging, “ says Ben Peach, Product Laundry Manager at Haier Europe. He recommends "running a cycle with the dishwasher empty at least once a month, choosing the highest temperature and using vinegar to degrease the inside, the drains, and the pipes."

9. Clean a shower head with vinegar

Shower heads are notorious for limescale build-up, yet probably not cleaned frequently enough. To tackle cleaning a shower head with vinegar simply remove the shower head and submerged it in a half and half water and white vinegar mixture in the sink. Leave it for an hour – no longer because overexposed to acidity is not recommended when cleaning stainless steel. But after one hour there should be no trace of limescale, with no need to scrub and potentially risk scratching the surface. 

If you can't remove your shower head you could get the same results by filling a sandwich bag with the vinegar solution and tying it around the head. 

10. Remove water marks from shower trays and baths

When it feels like you've scrubbed and bleached stubborn watermarks to no avail it's time to turn to white vinegar. Whether tackling the watermark stain in the bottom of your acrylic roll-top bath or cleaning the shower tray, this natural method will produce incredible results. 

Pour a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and water to cover the unsightly pink-tinged area for between 30 minutes to one hour before rinsing away and giving the area a gentle wipe-over with a cleaning cloth to ensure it all traces are removed.

11. Clean grout with vinegar

For a tough but totally natural approach to cleaning grout, try vinegar and warm water. Mix equal parts of both directly into a spray bottle to apply directly onto the grout with ease. After letting it rest for five minutes or so gently scrub with a specialist grout brush or toothbrush to remove mold, watermarks, and grime.

12. Clean a shower curtain with vinegar

If your shower curtain is material and can be removed from the rail, wash it in the washing machine (checking the care instructions first) on a gentle setting with a low spin at 30 degrees. Add 120ml of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to naturally eliminate any dirt.

13. Clean windows with vinegar

Spritz glass panes and uPVC frames with a homemade white vinegar and water solution to get a streak-free finish every time when cleaning your windows. 

To make the perfect solution Adam Pawson, at window specialists Safestyle UK advises, "I’d recommend using a spray consisting of one part distilled white vinegar to 10 parts warm water which can be applied directly to a cloth before being rubbed evenly against the glass."

14. Remove water marks from upholstery

White vinegar is the secret weapon for cleaning watermarks from upholstered furnishings, according to Lynsey. She advises "mix equal parts vinegar and water, and apply directly to the area – working in an up and down motion using a soft bristle brush." 

We would always recommend doing a patch test in an area that's less visible before you begin. 

15. Clean crayon off walls with vinegar

White vinegar is the ingredient to restore your interior walls if a crayon stain has somehow 'mysteriously' made its way onto your best living paint color. 

To tackle cleaning a wall with crayon stains, dip a toothbrush or sponge in vinegar and trace it lightly over the spot in a slow, circular motion – ensuring to avoid going over too much of the wall. The vinegar will break down the oily crayon mark and remove it with minimal effort.

16. Revitalise leather sofas with vinegar

Use this natural remedy to revive leather sofas and armchairs, to give them a gentle cleanse to remove dust and any visible dirt. 

Lynsey suggests cleaning with, "neat vinegar, applying a small amount to a microfibre cloth and rubbing in a circular motion over the whole area."

17. Clean door handles with vinegar

Vinegar may not be as effective for killing germs as bleach or commercial cleaner but it does still offer a level of antibacterial cleansing for areas that frequently come into contact with skin - such as door handles. 

Use your half-and-half mix of white vinegar and water on a microfibre cloth to gently wipe handles on doors and kitchen cupboard door handles.

18. Clean floors with vinegar

When you consider how often you should mop your floors it's worth seeking a natural method to prevent any prolonged damage from using harsh chemicals. Use your water and white vinegar solution to clean hard floors, but avoid natural stone or waxed wood finished as vinegar could potentially damage the surface of these materials. 

Declan Christie at Luxury Flooring & Furnishings says, “When you are cleaning wooden floorings or solid floorings such as laminate and vinyl, it can be tempting to use expensive specialist floor cleaners, although if you are looking for more natural and cheaper products to use outside of specialist products then you can always mix water with vinegar and rubbing alcohol with your choice of essential oils. This can be very budget-friendly and equally as effective."

“All you need to do is fill your bucket with the appropriate levels of water to your coverage area, then add 50ml of white vinegar, a great natural dirt stripper, 1 cup of rubbing alcohol as a disinfectant, and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oils, which will make your solution and floor smell fantastic!" We recommend peppermint for a fresh scent.

19. Remove toilet stains

Unsightly toilet stains are a result of limescale build-up that gradually discolors over time. There are many hacks out there to combat this rather unpleasant occurrence, some influencers use pumice stones to scrub it off, but we've found Vinegar to be the most effective solution for cleaning toilet stains – and the least taxing.

"Out of all the areas and appliances in our homes, the toilet is one of the most problematic and this is because it sees a lot of use and constantly has still water sitting inside of it, which is the perfect environment for limescale to thrive," explains Tony Jones, general manager at Harvey Water Softeners. Coloration is further influenced by the fact that, as limescale dries, it picks up any dirt particles along with it and slowly stains build layer by layer on the inside of the toilet bowl."

"The best way to tackle this problem is with an acidic solution, which can cut through the limescale. One way you can do this is by adding four cups of white vinegar to the toilet bowl and then letting it sit overnight before flushing it away in the morning,” Advises Tony.

20. Refresh bathroom mirrors

Bathroom mirrors are commonplace for smudges, watermarks, caked-on hairspray, and toothpaste splashes so they need an extra good clean more frequently than other mirrors throughout the home. 

To quickly remove any traces of bathroom dirt, try a homemade mix of one part of white vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle, spray the solution onto the glass, and wipe up and down or side to side with a microfibre cloth. 

We would recommend polishing the mirror in two steps, once to remove any splashes and stains then giving it another once over to leave it gleaming.

21. Restore shine to glass stovetops

Removing burnt-on food and restoring a gleaming shine when cleaning glass stovetops is easy with a dash of vinegar.

"Simply fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water and spray it onto the stain," advises Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently scrub the stain away. You can also use an old toothbrush and gently scrub in circular motions."  

We recommend a 50/50 ratio of white vinegar with water so it's not concentrated and therefore less of a strong scent. Wipe down the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any hints of the vinegar scent.

22. Remove carpet stains

Who'd have thought vinegar would be handy for cleaning carpets? Specifically stains. "For water-soluble stains, such as drinks or mud, blot away the mark with a solution of two pints of water with a quarter of a teaspoon of white vinegar," advises Johanna Constantinou, brand director at flooring specialists Tapi. 

"Start with a clean cloth and gently press the stain, moving from the outside to the inside. Never rub the stain as this causes it to move into the carpet fibers and you risk permanent damage."

"With any stain, it’s a good idea to test your cleaning product on an unseen area of your carpet before use to make sure it won’t damage or discolor the material. And always avoid using hot water as this can make stains worse."

23. Clean a dehumidifier

If you're looking for a natural solution to help clean a dehumidifier we highly recommend a DIY solution of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

"Mix 120ml / half a cup of white wine vinegar and 50g/ 1 quarter cup of bicarbonate of soda with 2 liters / 8 cups of water," advises professional cleaner Lynsey. "Mix until fully dissolved and decant the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to clean with ease."

This simple solution is the perfect natural remedy for removing mold, bacteria, and dust debris from the outer casing of the best dehumidifiers as well as the filter and water collecting compartment.

Does vinegar disinfect or clean?

There's a lot of conflicting information around the efficacy of vinegar as a disinfectant but it's important to remember that while it does work as a disinfectant to a certain degree it's not as effective as bleach or commercial cleaning products. It's favored over these stronger disinfectants because it's natural and therefore kinder to use around many areas of the home, the kitchen especially.

“Vinegar is an acidic liquid that cleans so well because it is able to dissolve stains and build-up such as soap residue, grease, and glues,' explains Ex-Nasa scientist and Oxwash founder Dr Kyle Grant. "Vinegar has a pH of 3 and is, therefore, a relatively strong acid and has been proven to kill germs (bacteria) such as E. coli and Salmonella. However, a ‘disinfectant’ should kill over 99.9% of germs to be labeled as such. Vinegar falls short of that target and should therefore not be used on its own as a disinfectant.”

What can you not clean with vinegar?

Vinegar is an acidic liquid which is what makes it so efficient for breaking down grease, grime, oils, and bacteria. But the acidic element can make it unusable on some surfaces, so always be sure to test the area you are cleaning in an inconspicuous patch. 

"It’s important to remember that vinegar is corrosive. So, while it is ideal for cleaning most areas around the house, there are some surfaces that should be cleaned with caution. Granite, marble and stone floor tiles should generally only be cleaned using mild soapy detergent and polish," advises Chris.

Vinegar is not recommended for prolonged use on stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron so it's best to limit the time it's in contact with the surface, limit exposure to between 30 minutes to an hour, and rinse thoroughly after use.

Chris also warns "while some people do use this solution to clean hardwood, if acidic solutions get into the grains too often, it can warp the wood." 

It's a regular household chore for most, but just how often should you vacuum your home? Is once a week enough or should we be doing it daily? We asked the experts to help determine if there is a definitive 'right' amount.

Vacuuming needs to be a regular household cleaning chore because there can be unpleasantness hiding on every surface, in every room. So, just like knowing how often you should wash your sheets, it's good to know just how regular the task should be.

"Household dust is a mixture of indoor and outdoor pollutants and often includes dirt, skin cells, hair, clothing fibers, bacteria, mold spores, pollen, microscopic specks of plastic, and dust mites," explains Alexander Provins, Director EMEA at Blueair. "If you suffer from allergies and asthma, dust mites can be a major indoor trigger that makes symptoms worse."

With this in mind, we enlisted the help of professionals, from research scientists in microbiology and cleaning experts, to determine how often we vacuum to stay on top of dust and allergens to improve the air quality in our homes.

How often should you vacuum your home? 

While every household will have its own routine and cleaning checklist, experts unanimously recommend vacuuming at least once a week. Much like how often you should be cleaning your home depends on your home and your lifestyle.

Matthew Lee, a senior research scientist at Dyson says, "The best advice for cleaning wooden floors is to vacuum at least once a week to prevent dirt from building up. For me, I try to give the high-traffic areas of my home a little extra attention, such as kitchens and bedrooms, as the floor can quickly collect a lot of dirt, debris, and stray hairs."

"Cleaning two of the ten spots; ceilings, walls, mattresses, skirting boards, pet baskets, lamp or lampshades, curtains or blinds, stairs, and sofas every week means you can achieve a whole house deep clean every month. This is a highly recommended frequency to maintain a clean home without getting overwhelmed by the daunting task of trying to deep clean your entire home at once."

"Carpets can hide dust and dirt between their fibers, as well as harbor microscopic life – such as dust mites, molds, and allergens – all of which can impact your wellbeing. So, it’s important not to wait until your carpet looks visibly dirty before vacuuming," Matthew warns. "Vacuuming high-traffic areas twice a week and the rest of your carpeted spaces once a week is enough to keep dust and dirt at bay."

Lynsey Crombie, cleaning expert, TV star, and Queen of Clean agrees but recommends cleaning high-traffic areas even more regularly. "Vacuum the stairs once a week and the rest of the house twice a week. But high-traffic areas, such as home entrances, door mats, and kitchens should be vacuumed daily," she advises.

"Vacuuming habits really are a personal preference but our data tells us most people will do a full home vacuum once a week, typically 25 minutes in an average-size house," explains Lupe's Pablo Montero, former Dyson research and development engineer. "I would personally concur with a once-a-week minimum." 

If you have a busy household with children or pets, you might find yourself reaching for the hoover more often, however. In favor of a daily vacuum Geoff Johnson, director at ROIDMI UK advises "For a busy household, particularly one with pets, vacuuming carpets, hard floors, potentially furniture, and even beds every day will dramatically reduce allergens in the home."

"It doesn’t have to be a complete and time-consuming ‘spring-clean’ every day, but regular vacuuming with a HEPA (a high-efficiency absorbing filter) or better-rated vacuum will keep particles and dust from building up to levels that trigger allergic reactions. Think of it like the pollen count, by regularly vacuuming with a high-quality cleaner, you will keep your home’s allergen count low most of the time."

So the answer, much like how often you should be cleaning your home depends on your home and your lifestyle.

Should you dust or vacuum first?

Logically we assume dusting first to be the best practice if you're looking to get rid of dust in your home. But turns out there are good reasons why on some occasions you should vacuum before you dust.

"Unfortunately, the very act of traditional dusting with a cloth will lift a lot of dust and other allergens into the air, where they will come into contact with skin or get breathed in," explains Geoff. "If the surface you are cleaning can be vacuumed first, with a small brush or crevice tool, we would always recommend running over the area first with the cleaner to pick up the bulk of the dust and particles.

"Conversely, if the area isn’t suitable for vacuuming, perhaps like delicate ornaments or glassware, we would suggest dusting before you vacuum the rest of the room" Geoff suggests. "In this case, the dust and allergens that will be lifted into the air are likely to get sucked into the vacuum cleaner as you clean the room. 

“Using a wet cloth to clean surfaces is fine, but the sequence of cleaning tools matters. Dampening dust on floors – even fine dust invisible to the naked eye – could mean that you’re creating a habitat more favorable to dust mite and mold proliferation," warns Monika Stuczen, a research scientist in microbiology at Dyson.

"Dust is most effectively removed with a vacuum cleaner first, before going on to wipe surfaces. Even then, it is important to use a vacuum cleaner with effective filtration and sealing technology to ensure that whatever you vacuum remains trapped and is not expelled back into the home.”

How to vacuum properly: 6 tips from a Dyson engineer 

We asked Tom McVey, Principal Engineer at Dyson how to vacuum more efficiently, to get the best results when looking at how to deep clean a carpet, how to clean hardwood floors, and generally keep surfaces dust-free.

Tom begins by explaining the process, “In general, dust particles are mechanically and/or electrostatically ‘stuck’ to surfaces. A vacuum needs to apply a force to particles for a certain time in order to dislodge them and entrain them into the machine.

“The force is supplied by the airflow from the machine, as well as the brush bar and cleaner head. The force can be increased by changing to higher suction settings, whereas the ‘time’ can be increased either by moving slower or completing more passes over an area."

Now that you know the science behind the process, it's time to get started!

Here are Tom's top tips on how to vacuum properly:

1. Choose the right machine

Choose the best vacuum for the job. Different vacuums are designed for different floor types and home sizes. "Different machines will perform differently depending on the surface they’re used on. Owners will always need to balance the performance they want with the time it will take to get an optimum clean," says Tom.  

"Some machines will be engineered with hard floors in mind and will struggle on thick pile carpets, for example. Choosing the right machine for your home will make a big difference to the ease and speed with which you’re able to clean your home," says Tom.

2. Use the correct setting

You'll achieve a better clean by using the right setting for the surface you are vacuuming. "Most machines have options depending on your floor type and user preferences that can optimise performance. For example, our 'Boost mode' is designed for ground-in dirt and debris and Eco mode is designed for general cleaning. Auto mode, however, takes this decision out of your hands and will intelligently adapt to the floor type thanks to in-built micro-processors." 

Check the user manual on your model to see the different options.

3. Attach the best tool

Tackle different areas of the home with different tool heads to ensure you can get into every corner and crevice. "Use the right tool for the right job: making sure you choose the right cleaner head or accessory tool for the job can make a big difference to performance and ease-of-use."

Most machines, including all the best Dyson vacuum cleaners, normally come with several of the following:

• Multi-floor tools for great all-round cleaning, particularly good on carpets
• Powerful torque-drive heads that dislodge ground-in dirt from even deep-pile carpets
• Fluffy heads that excel at cleaning hard floors
• Mini-heads for cleaning stairs, mattresses or upholstery
• Crevice tools for gaps and crevices, or hard to reach areas
• Soft dusting tools for delicate furniture

4. Vacuum slowly

It's not just how often you vacuum but the speed at which you do that can make a big difference. "Vacuuming more slowly gives the machine more time to remove the dirt, especially the ground-in dirt and debris and hidden dust deep in soft furnishing and carpets," says Tom.

5. Vacuum over the same spot

Tom advises going over the same spot more than once. "Go over the same spot but not too often. More passes over an area will also give the machine the best chance of cleaning well, but any more than two or three times gives minimal increase according to our research."

6. Vacuum little and often

"Vacuuming frequently on areas that receive more footfall will help to stop dirt building up and getting trodden into your floor." says Tom. Using the best cordless vacuum is helpful for this because they're generally lightweight, easy to set up and quick to move around. Alternatively, the best robot vacuums can be handy for quick, daily cleaning - they cannot provide the same performance as a vacuum cleaner, but they are a handy supplementary tool.

Master how to clean a shower like a professional with these quick and natural cleaning tips that can be used in any bathroom. 

The best and easiest way to clean a shower is to get into a good bathroom cleaning routine of giving it a quick wipe down after every use. However, we don't always have the time to do this daily, and it's very normal to see hard water stains and soap scum accumulate over time.

Luckily, the handy cleaning hacks below will help you tackle these common problems by providing natural solutions that are proven to scrub away the stains in your shower, leave your glass shower door sparkling and even show you how to clean grout for a clean and pristine finish. 

How to clean a shower fast and effectively 

There are several strategies you can use to help clean a shower quickly and efficiently, removing water stains, limescale build-up, and mould. We have focussed on tried and tested natural methods below that minimise the need to use chemical cleaning products that contain high levels of bleach.

1. Empty the shower

Start by removing all toiletries and accessories, such as body brushes and sponges , from your shower to create a clear space to clean thoroughly. 

Often bottles of shampoo and body wash, or the soap dish and shower caddies, can fill with soap scum and limescale, which turn into an undesirable mold, fed by the daily soaking. So these will need to be cleaned separately. 

2. Clean the shower tray with vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda is a commonly used, natural, DIY cleaning solution, and it's a good concoction to use to help deep-clean your shower tray.

Vinegar and baking soda, when combined, produce a chemical reaction that can help scrub at the tough hard water stains or other stains on your shower tray. This simple strategy can save you some scrubbing. 

How to clean a shower tray using vinegar and baking soda:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda to cover the whole shower tray surface.
2. Spray down the tray with vinegar. The baking soda will start fizzing as the reaction begins to work. 
3. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then once the vinegar has had a chance to react with the baking soda and the fizzing has stopped, rinse the tray with water and wipe it clean.
4. If you have tough stains, you may want to use a bristled brush for extra scrubbing power before you rinse the tray with water.

3. Use an all-purpose solution to clean surfaces

A general all-purpose cleaner is the best thing to clean all surfaces, making cleaning more efficient because you can use the same solution for everything. Start by spraying all surfaces inside the shower with your cleaning product of choice, of which there are now many natural all-purpose cleaners to cut down on using harsh chemicals in your home.

Spray every surface in one go to do a quick but efficient clean, then return to where you started to focus on smaller areas when wiping them with a clean microfibre cloth.

4. Mix vinegar and water to tackle limescale

For a cheap, quick, and effective cleaning solution to tackle limescale when washing the taps or when cleaning the shower head, mix vinegar and water. This amazing basic cleaning solution can help remove limescale and have your shower gleaming like new in no time.

How to mix it:

1. Fill up a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. It's okay if it's not exact! Then, spray down your entire shower, especially the areas where limescale is visibly building up.
2. Allow it to sit and work for between 5 and 15 minutes 
3. Give the areas a rinse with warm water and then wipe down the shower, applying more pressure to areas where the limescale was at its worst 

Professional cleaning expert and TV's Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie offers her advice, saying, "If you have bad hard water build-up and limescale, cut a lemon in half, cover it with bicarb and rub it all over the shower. Leave it to sit and then rinse and buff." 

"With the shower head, take it off, and soak it in a bowl of white vinegar to remove any limescale and hard water. If the head doesn’t come off, drench a tea towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the shower-head." Be sure to rinse off all traces of the vinegar away after cleaning.

5. Clean the grout between tiles

To get a sparkling finish for your shower, the grout between your tiles might need a little extra TLC. Tiles and grout can both collect tough stains that are hard to wash away, especially if you allow those stains to stack up.

You can use baking soda to remove those tough stains in a matter of minutes.

Make a paste to give your grout a deep clean and use an old toothbrush to apply the paste to the grout to ensure it gets right into the gaps. 

How to clean the grout in your shower using baking soda and water:

1. Create a paste using a spoonful baking soda and water. Add the water a small amount at a time to make sure the mixture is thin enough to manipulate but thick enough to still have texture. 
2. Apply to the grungy areas of your shower. If you have a tiled shower that is showing serious signs of hard water stains, you may want to cover the shower!
3. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub with a bristled brush. In tough-to-reach areas of the grout, you may find it easier to reach deep and scrub the grime away with a toothbrush. In larger areas of the shower, you can use a larger bristled brush to achieve your goals. 

6. Clean the shower screen door and glass surround

Baking soda paste is also a great way to wipe down grimy, clouded glass shower doors and glass panels. Cover the shower door with the paste, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then scrub it away. You may be surprised by just how clear that surface can be.

You can also use a shop-bought glass cleaner, or make your own, using Lynsey's DIY, natural solution below.

To clean up the shower door, screens, and tiles you will need: 

• Water
• A squirt of washing up liquid
• 20ml of white vinegar
• 5 drops of eucalyptus oil

To use, simply mix the solution together and then add to a squirty bottle. Shake well and the apply to the screen. Wipe, rinse down with water and buff with a dry microfibre cloth. 

7. Wash the shower curtain

Shower curtains can start to smell of stagnant water and become a breeding ground for mold around the edges, so don't forget to clean your shower curtain too, if you have one.

Simply unclip the curtain from the hanging hoops and give it a hot wash. "Don’t forget to check the washing instructions on your shower curtain, as you may be able to put it through the washing machine," suggests Heather Nixon, sustainability manager at green cleaning company Bio-D. "If not, leave it to soak in the bath or a sink or wipe it down with an eco multi-surface cleaner."

8. Tackle tough stains with peroxide and cream of tartar

Need some extra cleaning power and a punch that will help you scrub away soap scum and tough water stains? Hydrogen peroxide could be just the tool you need. Often, peroxide alone is enough to remove the majority of the stains in your shower, including water stains. Simply spray the shower down, then allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes and wipe it away.

If you're having more trouble getting to the root of the problem, consider creating a paste using peroxide and cream of tartar. By combining these simple household compounds, you'll get a paste that will help scrub away those tough stains. Apply your peroxide or paste to the tough area, then allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes. Finally, use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the stains away. 

How often should you clean a shower?

As with cleaning the toilet, a shower should be cleaned once a week. But it is often advised by cleaning experts to give all surfaces a daily wipe-down after every use to avoid any excess product build-up and use a squeegee brush on shower doors to remove watermarks. It's also good practice to give the shower tray a rinse after every use to ensure all product and hairs are washed away. 

You should also make sure to clean the showerhead every other week or so too, as this is where you'll experience a build-up of limescale.

"Bathrooms can cause breathing difficulties if mold is left to build up" warns Heather Nixon, sustainability manager at green cleaning company Bio-D. Advising, "Spray your shower with a bathroom cleaner twice a week and wipe away any dirt to keep airborne dust or mold at bay. 

If you want to reduce the time you have to spend cleaning your shower in the future, to make the weekly chore more achievable try this simple tip: store a shower spray or spray bottle with an equal mix of vinegar and water, or peroxide and water, in your shower. After each shower, spray, then wipe it down. This simple step can keep your shower gleaming on a daily basis!

How do professional cleaners clean showers?

To get a real insight into exactly how professional cleaners clean showers we asked a leading expert, Chris Wootton, managing director of domestic cleaning business, Poppies. 

Explaining how to clean a shower on a professional level Chris tells woman&home, "Cleaning showers should be approached with care and it’s important to note what chemicals work when cleaning. All-purpose bathroom cleaner should work well for all shower-related cleaning, including shower tiles, the shower head, and fittings – there’s no need to overspend."

"Start by spraying all surfaces at the same time and then go back to where you started to focus on smaller areas when wiping them. If you have any limescale, ensure it is cleaned with an acidic solution as it is alkaline."

Chris goes on to explain, "The best way to tackle limescale is with warm water and white vinegar solution, and you may need to use the rougher side of a non-scratch scouring pad and some elbow grease."

"For the shower panes, the all-purpose cleaner should also work, but hard water stains can also be lifted and de-odorized by using lemons. To clean the drain, pour a quarter of a cup of bicarbonate of soda down the drain followed by a quarter pint of white vinegar. Let the solution bubble for 10 minutes, then pour boiling hot water down the drain to shift the grease and any lingering debris." 

And there you have it, a professional-style shower clean to keep your bathroom gleaming.

We asked cleaning and bed linen experts 'how often should you wash your sheets' and the answer was unanimous.

Over-washing bed linen can turn the softest sheets into stiff, starchy cardboard. However, not washing your sheets enough can have bad side effects for both you and your bed. 

Just like cleaning a kitchen, cleaning your bed linen and changing pillow cases, sheets and quilt covers needs to be a regular task, or you'll soon see the impact on your bed linen, skin and sleep routine.  

How often should you wash your sheets?

Cleaning expert and TV’s Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie recommends washing sheets on a weekly basis, saying, "Once a week is sufficient."  

Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, purveyors of the best sheets and finest thread counts, agrees adding, "Bed linen care is crucial to maintaining a fresh and healthy bedroom. You should wash your bed linen at least once a week."

Although Lynsey offers a loophole to her one-week cleaning guidelines, adding, "If you have a double bed, sleep on your own, and time is against you, there is no harm in swapping sides and then washing once a fortnight." 

She also adds, "If you have a cold or suffer badly with hay fever, I would advise washing your pillowcases more often or swapping them around."  Washing pillowcases is far easier than washing your pillows, which you'll end up having to do if you let dirt build-up by not washing sheets regularly enough.

"The main reason for washing bedding is obviously hygiene," psychologist, neuroscientist, and sleep expert, Dr Lindsay Browning tells woman&home. "We all sweat, and that along with dead skin cells gets into the bedding not only making them smell disgusting but also becoming clogged up."

"There is also the added problem of dust mites which live on the dead skin cells. Your bed should be a pleasant place to be where you can feel relaxed, if the sheets aren’t washed, look dirty and smell, your bed isn’t somewhere you want to be. In the warmer months, when we sweat more, we should ideally wash our sheets weekly."

What happens if you don't change your sheets often?

Our experts advise on the reality of not washing and changing your sheets regularly:

"Washing your sheets less regularly than you should (once a week) could leave you more vulnerable to allergies," warns Jessica Handley, founder of natural linen bedding company, Piglet in Bed. 

"Clean sheets are key to preventing skin irritation and maintaining a good relationship with sleep. We spend a lot of time in bed – an average total of two days a week to be precise. During that time, we shed millions of skin cells, we sweat (even if we don’t notice it) and we produce natural body oils that build up in the sheets. Even if you shower before bed every night, this will still happen."

Not washing sheets regularly enough can also have on affect on our skin, as explained by Tara Farmer, advanced skin specialist and founder of Flawless Advanced Skincare: "Not washing sheets regularly results in a build-up of bacteria and germs that can attack the skin's immune system."

"It can also clog pores and result in bumps on the skin, pimples, and even cystic acne breakouts. It can also exacerbate existing conditions such as eczema." Explaining the root of the problem Tara tells woman&home, “When we sleep dead skin cells, oils, germs, and bodily fluids collect on our sheets and pillowcases and the bacteria multiply at an extremely fast rate. The average person sheds 1.5g of dead skin a day."

"It's therefore vital for optimal skin health that you keep bed sheets clean and washed regularly in order to avoid this build-up of dirt, dust, and bacteria that can be so damaging to the skin and lead to premature aging.”

Not changing your sheets often enough could also jeopardize how well you sleep and cause your mattress to become dirtier, according to cleaning expert Lynsey who says, "You won’t sleep well and your bed will smell. You will be more at risk of bedbugs as they love dark, moist spaces.

She also warns that not washing your sheets regularly will lead to you seeking advice on how to clean a mattress, because dirty sheets will eventually affect the mattress below. " Sweat will leak into the pillow and mattress," Lynsey explains, "and these are much harder to clean than your sheets. Pillows can double in weight over the period of six months through dead skin cells and saliva if bedding is not changed on a regular basis."

Finally, the longer you leave it between washing your sheets, the shorter the lifespan of your sheets will be in the long term - as dirty sheets are more likely to wear out faster.

Mark Tremlett, founder of Naturalmat explains, "The longer you sleep on your sheets the more stress you’re putting on the fibers in the fabric, and as they get dirtier they get weaker too. Washing your sheets not only makes them cleaner, but also refreshes the fibers and, in turn, will increase their longevity." 

How can you keep sheets clean between washes?

While you might not have time to wash sheets every single week, there are some simple ways to keep sheets clean between laundering:

• Shower before bed
• Wear nightclothes
• Avoid naps after a sweaty sleep session
• Remove any make-up before going to bed
• Avoid putting on lotions, creams or oils right before bed
• Don’t eat or drink in bed
• Don’t allow pets on your bed
• If you aren’t showering, remove debris and dirt from your feet before climbing into bed

We asked cleaning and stain removal experts how to get sunscreen out of clothes and then tested their advice ourselves to see if their simple tips really worked (spoiler: they do!) 

Sunscreen stains on clothing are a problem that plagues us all at some point during the summer, as we apply lotion to stay protected and invariably get traces of it onto the garments we're wearing. Even the best facial sunscreens tend to present as an oily stain if you accidentally getting it on fabric and even lightly tinted moisturizers will show up as a yellowish stain on white garments.

Don't let marks put you off sun safe behavior or being diligent with how to reapply sunscreen. Here you'll find a tried and tested guide on how to get sunscreen out of clothes, with just four, simple, expert-approved steps to remove sun cream stains from fabric for a long-lasting summer wardrobe. 

How to get sunscreen out of clothes

1. Act quickly

Speed is of the essence when it comes to effectively treating and removing stains, whether you're trying to remove suncream or get rid of wine stains. 

“As with all stains, the quicker you act the easier the stain is to remove," advises Susan Fermor from Dr. Beckmann. "So make sure you remove any excess sun cream from the garments as soon as possible. 

2. Rinse clothes in cold water

"If you’re at home, rinse clothes in cold water or if you’re at the beach an old hack is to rub the affected area with sand to dry out the stain and then use a dedicated stain remover once at home," advises Susan.

Professional cleaning expert and TV's Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie agrees, speaking exclusively with woman&home she says, "As soon as you can, rinse the stain from the reverse under a cold-water tap, this way the stain is being pushed out of the fabric and hopefully flushing out as much of the stain as possible."

It's important to rinse the stain with cold water instead of warm because warm water could make the stain worse.

3. Wash with a targeted detergent

After rinsing the worst of the satin away with cold water, it's best to wash the clothes with a targeted detergent. 

"Use a laundry detergent that is formalized to cut through oil and grease, as most sunscreens are oil-based to keep the skin moisturized in the sun," advises Lois Siciliano, garment technologist at Pour Moi.

"As well as this always pre-treat the stain before the wash, helping loosen those stubborn stains," adds Susan.

Applying a pre-treatment when tackling any stain, like when cleaning white trainers, offers a concentrated spot clean directly to the stain before you do a full-scale wash. 

Pre-treatment is particularly effective for oil-based stains, as Lois explains, "Adding a pre-treatment helps to break down the oils. So that when you come to pop it in the washing machine all the hard work is done."

4. Leave to dry in the sun

For light colored clothes where the sun cream may have stained the fabric yellow, try hanging your clothes out in the sun to dry after the wash. The sun is great at naturally bleaching whites in a natural way. 

"You can also use chemical bleaching agents diluted with water," Susan adds for tough stains. However she also warns “but these can leave garments with a chemical after smell.”

Will vinegar remove sunscreen stains?

Yes, vinegar will remove sunscreen stains. This trusty store cupboard staple is a handy, natural cleaning hack for all manner of items, including how to clean a washing machine.

"Sunscreen has an oil base, so you need something to break that down, so one of your go-to products here is white wine vinegar" advises Lynsey. "Cover the stain in the vinegar and leave it for a good 30 minutes to an hour to really allow the vinegar to work." After this time rinse the vinegar away, to avoid any odors. "Then wash the garment at the hottest temperature that is safe for the fabric then check the stain has gone before you dry it."

"Another option is eucalyptus oil," suggests Lynsey. "Eucalyptus oil is great for oily stains. Just cover the stain with the oil, leave for 15 minutes and then rinse." Repeat the same post-wash method as you would do for the vinegar option. "Once the item has dried you will not get the stain out. So, if there is still a trace of the stain repeat this process again."

What to avoid when cleaning sunscreen stains

Our cleaning and garment care experts agree that tumble drying is to be avoided when getting sunscreen out of clothing. Lynsey explains why: "When an item of clothing has had a grease-based stain avoid the tumble dryer because if there is any trace of the stain it will then be permanent. I would air dry on the washing line or a clothes airer."

When applying a pre-treatment to your sunscreen-stained garment, Lois emphasises the importance of avoiding extreme heat, "this can worsen the condition of the stain by interfering with the oil enzymes and make it harder it remove." 

Remember, sunscreen acts as an invisible shield that either absorbs, reflects or scatters UV rays to protect skin against sun damage. Sunscreen does not prevent tanning and ideally should be worn in the winter, too. See the CDC's guidance on Sun Safety for more info.

Knowing how to organise under kitchen sink areas effectively makes it much easier day-to-day to navigate the space and find exactly what you need, when you need it, with ease.

Often, due to a lack of shelves and awkward spacing around pipework, the space under the sink can easily become one of the most cluttered zones of any kitchen - with all sorts of miscellaneous items quickly building up.

However, with smart under kitchen sink organisation ideas, this space has great potential to be highly functional. It is therefore a key area for consideration when organising a kitchen. 

13 easy ways to organise under kitchen sinks

To prevent the space from turning into a cluttered mess and bring you the best kitchen storage ideas for under the sink, we've asked professional organisers and declutter experts to share their tips and advice on the best ways to organise under the kitchen sink for a more harmonious space.

1. Consider what deserves space

The under-the-sink cupboard is one of the most tricky spaces to organise because it feels all too easy to use as a dumping ground for all manner of items. The secret to unlocking its potential is to streamline its contents, similar to the process of organising kitchen drawers. 

“It’s vital to utilise this space because it’s usually in a central place in your kitchen," says Kate Ibbotson, a professional organiser and decluttering coach at A Tidy Mind.

According to Kate, the golden rule for your organisation under the kitchen sink is to "store it near to where you use it". This means that you will most likely want to store items related to dishwashing and cleaning in the under-sink cupboard. 

Before you start organising, it’s a good idea to think about what you’re currently keeping in this space and make changes as necessary. Kate suggests storing frequently used items in the under-sink cupboard since it’s usually an easily accessible space.

2. Think about safety

Given how often we clean our homes the handy under-the-sink cupboard typically contains a lot of hazardous chemicals and cleaning products to reach for with ease, that should be kept out of sight and reach of children. This is especially true of items like colourful detergent pods. If you have small children or pets in the household, it’s crucial to install reliable child locks for this space.

Ideally, you should consider keeping hazardous cleaning supplies in a more secure location instead of using the under-sink cupboard. Instead, when you organise under the kitchen sink, keep only child-safe items in the cupboard like dishcloths, extra sponges, and paper towels. 

Or better still consider cleaning with vinegar and cleaning with baking soda, which seems to be the best way to tackle all of the most popular cleaning hacks.

3. Measure and clean the area

It might sound obvious, but before you set about with under kitchen sink organisation, it's important to prepare the area. This means cleaning your sink, cleaning the kitchen sink drain and cleaning the cupboard underneath so that it's fresh and tidy.

Once you've cleaned your sink, simply wipe down the cupboard underneath with disinfectant and remove any debris that might have fallen in there.

The next step is to measure up, to work out how best to organise it to utilise every inch of room. "We recommend measuring around your pipes to help select products that fit your space," says Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method. 

4. Make use of retractable drawers

Make limited space under the sink go further with savvy storage designs, such as a retractable drawer solution. The ingenious VARIERA pull-out container at IKEA is a brilliant way to store more, as the container pulls out to provide easy access to cupboard essentials. 

The smart design utilises space that might otherwise be wasted because it can be fixed high and at the back of the cupboard, where it may be too awkward to put in shelves or hooks. 

Simply attach the guide rail to the inside of the cupboard, elevated above any items below, then attach the slimline container to store your smaller items up and out of the way to pull out as and when you need them. 

5. Store items in handy baskets

One of our top small kitchen storage ideas, baskets can be super handy when it comes to under the kitchen sink organisation because they can be easily lifted in and out, making it easier to maintain order. However, while installing shelves in an under-sink cupboard is possible, it can be tricky to make them fit. 

“The main issue with the under-the-sink cupboard is the pipes getting in the way. So another option is to measure and then choose individual boxes or baskets in different sizes so that you can make them fit perfectly in the space,” suggests Kate. 

“Keeping your most regularly used cleaning supplies in a portable caddy is a good idea so you can grab your cleaning kit quickly and take it from room to room as needed,” says Kate. If you have space, you could even have extra baskets dedicated to things like laundry (containing detergent, fabric conditioner, stain remover, and mesh bags for delicates). 

6. Install an adjustable tension rod

If you still have lots of empty space above your storage containers and want to utilise it, you could also fit a short tension rod for hanging spray bottles from their nozzle near the top of the cupboard. 

We recommend the 30-50cm extendable Tension Cupboard Rod at Amazon to provide a hanging storage solution to maximise unused cupboard space.

This is a great kitchen cabinet organisation idea, and a particularly good option for anyone renting their home, as it requires no screws or other forms of permanent attachment. These also work well for storing kitchen cloths too, so is a great multi-functional organisation hack.

7. Add attachments to the door

The inner door of the under-sink cupboard is often an underutilized area to provide valuable storage potential, especially as there are many gadget options for making use of this neglected extra space. 

Kate suggests, “You can fit over-door storage in the form of pocket organizers,” she says. “Hooks can be really useful too, or compact shelving for your dustpan and brush, tea towels, scrubbing brushes or cloths.” 

As well as over-door storage, you can often also fix small storage items to the door more securely using 3M sticky pads or small screws.

8. Utilise hooks where you can

Hooks can be a particular hero when you organize under the kitchen sink, and also a great hack when organising a pantry too. Place a few self-adhesive hooks on the walls or inner door of the cupboard, and these can then be used for hanging things like washing up gloves (secured together using a bulldog clip), scrubbing brushes, or freshly cleaned microfibre cloths that need airing.

Try Amazon's Choice of Laolingsly Adhesive Hooks sold in a pack of 12 they attach to the cabinet doors or internal walls to add a storage element to an under-sink area.

Self-adhesive hooks are a great organisation under the kitchen sink option because they can be moved and adjusted super easily. If you find the hooks don't work in one part of the cupboard, you can move them simply and quickly.

9. Opt for clear storage

When you organise under kitchen sinks, it helps if you can see everything at a glance. Whatever type of storage you choose, Kate suggests opting for clear storage as the under-sink cupboard is a dark space, and transparent boxes or drawers allow you to see what you have quickly to help maintain your organisation long-term.

Kate also notes, “To utilise the height of the cupboard, you may need to stack boxes on top of each other or use drawers."

Many clear storage boxes come in stackable sets so that you can keep them organised more easily – with different sizes that slot into each other available from many homeware retailers. 

Plus, clear storage is brilliantly easy to clean. When they get a bit dirty, just empty out the contents and wash them in the sink with water and dishwashing liquid. 

10. Decant into stackable containers

Decant your dishwasher tablets or laundry powder into airtight containers that take up less space than bulky merchandise boxes, and are easier to store than plastic pouches filled with washing detergent capsules. Choosing stackable containers means you can make better use of the space available, not having to wrestle with awkward packing or losing valuable storage potential. 

Storing the items you need to keep dry, like dishwasher pods, in airtight containers is also highly practical. 

"Airtight containers are not just for food, they work really well for storing dishwasher tablets and you can easily see when you are running low," says Lauren Allen, founder of Not a Boring Box. This solution is ideal if you are looking to switch to more sustainable living solutions, "Stylish and practical - you can buy your cleaning products in eco-friendly concentrated refills and dispense into these" Lauren explains.

11. Label everything

It’s easier to maintain an organised space when there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place. That's where a simple yet effective labelling system proves invaluable. 

To make sure everyone in the household knows where things are kept and where to return them to after use, simply add a few labels to the storage you've put in place under the kitchen sink. Like these Unique Laundry Room Labels at Etsy for £2.70. With this efficient system in place, it will encourage all to keep the cupboard tidier for longer.

12. Try compact shelving units

Another option is to utilise a mini shelving unit or a combination of different storage solutions based on what your space allows. This is actually one of our favourite pan storage ideas, but it can work really well under the sink too. 

If you only have a small cupboard to work from, it is possible to get one-row shelf inserts that stand inside your cupboard to create another layer of storage. However, if you have a bigger space, it's worth getting something with several rows of shelves to maximise your storage space.

13. Keep shopping bags in order

Under the kitchen sink is often the place where reusable shopping bags live, which is fine provided they are neat and orderly – otherwise, it can be a chaotic mess that spills out every time the cupboard is opened.

Many retailers now cater to this problem with handy over-door storage solutions, such as this Simplehuman KT1166 Carrier Bag Dispenser from Amazon holds up to 30 Carrier Bags and provides easy access thanks to being mounted inside a cupboard door to provide an accessible place to store shoppers as a pleasing under kitchen sink organisation idea.

Knowing how to clean a washing machine effectively is important for both the longevity of your machine and the freshness of your laundry.

Although a washing machine is a cleaning appliance, it's surprising just how dirty it can get. You've probably wondered why your washing machine smells one time or another, and cleaning it regularly can fix that.

As with the maintenance and cleaning of dishwashers, washing machines need regular care too, and so if you're cleaning your kitchen or putting together a cleaning checklist, ensure you add your white goods to the list too.

For your machine to continue to do its job well, it needs to be as clean as possible. That means cleaning all the components of the washing machine – drum, filter, and door seal included. Here are the basic steps you need to take to ensure you give your washing machine a thorough, deep clean.

How to clean a washing machine in 3 simple steps

The best way to clean a washing machine will vary from household to household and depend on what machine you have, as many newer models have their own built-in washing cleaning cycle.

What you use to clean a washing machine will also depend on personal choice, your machine and what level of maintenance it needs. For a routine clean, many supermarkets sell cleaners you can simply pop in the appliance and set to work.

However, for a deeper clean, a clean that tackles specific issues like mould or if you'd prefer to try a tested organic, natural cleaning method, we've also included the best ways to freshen up your washing machine in those ways below, too.

1. Run an empty cycle

Get into a habit of doing a high temperature, 60°C cycle without a washing load inside. It doesn't have to be a long cycle, but the higher temperature is key because this heat will help to kill off lurking bacteria and mould.

When you run this cycle, you can use a number of cleaning products, including bleach and vinegar (scroll down for an in-depth guide on how to do this).

You can also just run the empty washing machine with some detergent, but if you do, remember to put the cycle on with at least 50% less detergent than you'd use to wash clothes. If you use the full amount, you can cause an excess amount of lather because there are no clothes to absorb the excess water and suds.

Ideally, you'd run this cycle without detergent and use a washing machine cleaning product instead.

We recommend Ecozone’s Washing Machine & Dishwasher Cleaner as a great ecological way to clean. The added bonus of a specialist product means it also helps to get rid of the limescale that has built up in the drum and pipework over time, which is sometimes needed to prevent long-term damage. You can afford to do this every few months, adopting the free methods at more frequent intervals.

2. Clean the outer shell

Although the front is less likely to harbour bacteria and germs, it is the part of the washing machine that is seen most, so it still needs to look clean and hygienic, especially if you want the kitchen to smell good and look tidy.

"Always keep the outer shell of the washing machine clean. This operation does not take much time: simply dust with a damp cloth," explains Ben Peach, Laundry Product Manager at Hoover. "The same thing applies to the glass on the door - clean it regularly with a damp cloth and it will shine like a new-brand one."

3. Wipe the rubber door seal

Don't forget to clean the washing machine's door seal, as this is where hidden germs are lurking. Think about the excess moisture that is brushed past the seal with every load, leaving the potential for dampness and bacteria to build up. Forgetting this step is a major laundry mistake that could lead to mould and bed smells.

"Clean around the inside rubber door seal, as this is an area that will see a build-up of bacteria and bad odours", advises Ben.

Simply use a damp, soapy cloth to gently trace the rubber seal to remove excess residue from the last laundry wash. Just ensure you don't pull the seal away from the door, as this can damage the watertight seal when the door is closed.

How to clean a washing machine with vinegar

As with all cleaning chores, there are lots of natural, organic remedies and cleaning hacks that have been tried and tested as an alternative to chemical cleaners like bleach.

Cleaning with white vinegar is the go-to product for many homemade household cleaners and can be used for everything from cleaning a BBQ to cleaning matt kitchen cupboards because of its natural acidic qualities. You can make an effective washing machine cleaning solution by mixing white vinegar with bicarbonate of soda.

Not only is this DIY cleaning method an eco-friendly, sustainable living option, but it is also a cost-effective option, with many of the ingredients commonly found in kitchen cupboards.

What you will need:

• Two cups of white distilled vinegar
• 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda
• 1/4 cup of water
• A sponge scourer

Directions:

• Start by mixing the bicarbonate of soda and water in a small bowl. This will make a mixture that resembles the detergent for cleaning the washing machine. Pour the white vinegar into a measuring cup.
• Add the bicarbonate of soda mixture to the detergent container of your machine and pour the vinegar into the machine’s drum. Set your washer to normal load at the hottest water setting. Close the door and start the machine, letting it do all the hard work for you. The baking soda and vinegar naturally break up mineral deposits and any mould growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.
• Use a clean scouring sponge to rub around the opening of the washing machine, removing stubborn mould or residue. Wipe clean with fresh water.
• Once the process has finished, the result should be a sparkling clean washing machine that smells good. Just be sure to give it a clean once a month to keep your clothes smelling fresh and your machine working in perfect condition.
• Remember to continue to keep the mould at bay: all you have to do is keep the washing machine door open after the wash is complete, as many domestic machines are so well sealed they don’t get as much air as top-loading machines. The door doesn’t need to be left wide open, just kept off the latch to give it enough airflow to keep the mould from coming back.

How to clean a washing machine with bleach

“Before using bleach to clean your washing machine, you must double-check your machine’s manual to check you’re okay to use it and that it won’t cause damage to your appliance", advises Mark Greig, at Marks Electrical. "Most of the time, it is absolutely fine to clean your washing machine with bleach, though, and it’s the best way to give your machine an intensive clean."

“Once you’ve checked it’s safe to use bleach on your washing machine, you need to clean the filter and gasket. The filter traps all the large things that accidentally go into the machine, and if it becomes too full, it can make your washing machine ineffective."

“Now your machine is ready for a deep clean. Add half a cup of bleach directly into your washing machine's drum, and half into your detergent drawer. Run an empty hot wash. If you can pause your wash once the machine has filled with water, do so for a good hour. Then start the cycle again. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the bleach has been removed. Once it's finished, wipe down the inside of the door and dry out the seals."

Ensure your washing machine is clean and clear of all bleach-based products before adding any clothes to the drum and putting a wash on.

How to clean a washing machine drawer

The detergent drawer itself should never be overlooked when cleaning a washing machine, as it is the most common area where you will start to see a build-up of residue. Seeing the residue makes it the most likely part of the machine you will want to clean.

"The detergent we pour into the dispenser for the laundry is not always used completely by the washing machine. The detergent that isn’t used remains encrusted in the drawer and transforms into mould," explains Ben. "To effectively clean it and get rid of the bacteria, you can easily remove the drawer, then soak it for half an hour in hot water. To remove the mould from hard-to-reach corners, you can use a toothbrush."

To get the drawer sparkling clean, we suggest simply adding washing-up liquid in the cleaning steps above, for added cleanliness. Ensure the drawer is dry before placing it back, to avoid any damp odours.

Get into a habit of cleaning your washing machine drawer weekly or fortnightly because it will make cleaning it an easier task with less detergent to soak off. Because the detergent drawer doesn't have the bonus of a water flow, like inside the drum, to aid with self-cleaning, it's all on you.

How to clean a washing machine filter

Cleaning a washing machine filter is a simple but necessary step to not only provide a better laundry clean but to prolong the life of your machine.

The filter, often located in a door under the drum, is the element within the machine that collects stray clothes fibres, hair, fluff, and the odd coin to prevent these items from getting into the pump and wreaking havoc with the machine.

To clean it, simply take it out, with caution of items and water spilling out into the kitchen floor, empty the filtered paraphernalia into the waste and wipe the filter with a damp cloth before replacing it.

Check your manufacturer's manual to see how to remove and replace the filter efficiently.

FAQs

How often should you clean a washing machine?

If you want to keep your washing machine in tip-top shape, cleaning a washing machine shouldn't be a once-a-year spring clean job.

So, how often do the experts recommend cleaning a washing machine? "Once every two months, do an empty load wash at 60°C," advises Ben. Or follow one of our cleaning steps above, at the same 2 monthly cycles.

A Dr. Beckmann spokesperson agrees that regularly cleaning your machine will make a difference: “It’s important to make sure your washing machine gets cleaned regularly, as bacteria can build up, leading to unpleasant odours. We recommend washing your machine every 2 months, or every 30 washes, to ensure the appliance stays clean and to reduce the risk of a build-up of limescale."

Mark Kershaw, Group Head of Sustainability at Crest Nicholson, adds: "There are several quick fixes when it comes to increasing the productivity of appliances. Thereby ensuring they don’t have to work harder and/or longer to get the job done. For example, make sure you regularly clean your washing machine filters and do maintenance cycles to enable them to work their best. This will ultimately lower their running costs, too."

It can help to bear in mind a few top tips for maintaining its freshness between cleans too:

• Every time your washing machine begins to get a bit smelly, you can add soda crystals to your detergent drawer and put it on a hot and empty wash. This will help to kill bacteria and remove any built-up grime. It’s best to do this often, to keep on top of your machine’s cleanliness.
• Leave the washing machine's door and drawer open as often as you can to give it a good airing – and perhaps deploy one of the best air purifiers to get rid of any excess moisture.
• Once the washing is complete, remove the finished load immediately, transfer it to the dryer, or put it to dry. Leaving the laundry wet inside the washing machine can cause mould and mildew to fester.

How can I deep clean my washing machine?

In the same way you give your home a deep clean every now and then, your washing machine can benefit from one too.

"Deep cleaning your washing machine isn’t just about wiping down the outside; the most important thing you can do is tackle the grime that might be lingering inside. First, clean out your detergent drawer," says Katy Roberts, washing machine expert at AO.com.

"Pull this out and soak it in hot soapy water before scrubbing this with an old toothbrush to loosen any gunk or build-up. Next, you should scrub down the rubber door seal as this area is notorious for harbouring mould," she recommends.

Katy advises you to wipe down the rubber seal with a cloth using a baking soda and white vinegar mix, making sure you get into all the folds. Once you've done all this, she says it's a good idea to run your washing machine on a hot empty wash.

"This flushes out bacteria, odours and any residue that might be lingering in your washing machine. Now you’ve tackled your washing machine’s innards, you can wipe down the outside with a damp cloth to leave it looking spick and span," she continues.

What is the best thing to clean a washing machine with?

While there are a good many things you should never put in your washing machine, we asked the experts what the best cleaner is. That way, when you don't have time for trial and error, you'll have the best method to get on with.

"You’re probably sitting on the best homemade solution with everyday household items, without you knowing it! Mix 250ml of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda," advises Katy.

"Pop this mix into your washing machine’s detergent drawer and watch as it breaks down limescale, removes odours and bacteria without using any harsh chemicals," she adds.

An alternative cleaner she recommends uses citric acid. She says it's a natural descaler and you can add a few tablespoons to the detergent drawer the next time you're running a hot wash. It's said to be great for tackling hard water residue and limescale!

Should you find your washing machine is making your clothes smell bad, you might be making a surprising yet common laundry mistake with fabric conditioner.

Knowing how to clean a BBQ is essential for good food hygiene and to prolong the life of your backyard grill. The better the condition you keep it in, the longer it will last to provide you with many home-cooked grilled feasts for years to come.

Cleaning the barbecue after winter, along with cleaning patio slabs and cutting the grass for the first time, is an essential spring maintenance chore to get the garden summer-ready to BBQ like a professional.

The object of cleaning a BBQ Grill is to remove the burnt-on grease, grime, food deposits, and carbon, so some elbow grease will be required, and also to remove any bacteria to prevent cross-contamination with food.

How to clean a BBQ grill in 4 easy steps

In our guide to the best ways to clean a barbecue, we've included expert-recommended solutions and tried and tested natural options. We asked industry and cleaning experts to share their top tips and to bust the BBQ cleaning myths, to reveal how to clean stainless steel grills as effectively as possible.

"Charcoal, pellet, electric and gas barbecues all require slightly different methods of cleaning depending on the individual components, so it’s always best to check the manufacturer's recommendations before you start", advises Dan Cooper, Head Grill Master at Weber. But his general rules for cleaning a BBQ are as follows.

"First off, you need the right tools", he says. "My personal cleaning arsenal always includes a T-brush, barbecue cook box scraper, microfibre cloth, rubber or latex gloves, enamel, and stainless-steel cleaner sprays, and, finally...an onion". (We'll come to the onion in a bit).

Here is Dan's complete 4-step plan for how to clean a BBQ like a pro:

Step 1: Burn off residue

Start the process by burning off leftover food scraps and grease. ''The burn-off. This first step is key," Dan says purposely. "Heat your barbecue to the max for about 30 minutes – be wary that the dirtier the cooking grates are, the more it will smoke. Once the grill stops smoking, it will generally have burned off most old residual grease and fat."

It’s much easier to scrub off any residual grease or food from the grill surface while it’s still hot. Be sure to wear protective clothing for the 'burn off', or at least old clothes, because it is likely that anything you are wearing will smell of smoke and have traces of old BBQ food remnants by the end of this step.

Step 2: Scrap the grate

"While your barbecue is still hot, brush the cooking grates with a T-brush as this will remove any leftover residue or detritus left behind from the burn off," explains Dan.

Just like when you clean the oven, always ensure that the grill is no more than moderately hot. Never clean the grill while it is scorching hot, and always allow it to cool to a safe temperature first.

Step 3: Disassemble

"Once your barbecue has cooled down, remove all the grates and internal components, and use a T-brush and scraper to clean everything," advises Dan. "The initial burn-off should have loosened hard to remove carbon deposits from the cook box, and this will make sure all grease channels are clear."

He adds at this point: "We would definitely recommend using rubber gloves for this part! Once complete, place all clean parts back into the barbecue. Make sure you don’t jet wash or put components in the dishwasher (a big dishwasher mistake) as this can cause some parts to rust."

Step 4: Clean the outside

Clean the outside of the BBQ with a cloth and specialist enamel and stainless steel cleaners that will leave your barbecue gleaming, because you want the outside to reflect how clean the inside now is, like when you take pride in cleaning your windows.

Dan adds, "For the best shine, I use a clean microfiber cloth for buffing. Once all this is done, you are ready and raring to go for your next garden party."

How to clean a BBQ using natural ingredients

It's always beneficial to clean cooking appliances with natural ingredients because of the food contamination, everything from cleaning an air fryer to cleaning a coffee machine. Whether cleaning with an onion or cleaning with baking soda, a BBQ is no exception.

How to clean a bbq with an onion

After scraping the grill with a brush (step 2), Weber's grill expert Dan recommends grabbing an onion: "Using half a raw onion on the end of a BBQ fork, scrub the grates back and forth", he says.

And before you think he's an onion short of a BBQ burger stack, fear not. He has good reason behind his suggestion: "Onions are acidic and will pick up the grease that’s left behind, as well as any small specks of dirt and carbon. I use this method regularly and it really helps keep my cooking grates in good shape."

Lynsey Crombie, TV’s Queen of Clean, is also a fan of the onion method, saying: "If you have any onion left over, rub it over the racks whilst it’s still warm. Onions have antiseptic properties, so they make good cleaners and will cut through dirt and grease."

How to clean a BBQ with a lemon before cooking

Lemons aren't just for serving in refreshments; they are an ideal natural solution for cleaning BBQ grills, to avoid using chemical oven cleaning products.

"I always have leftover lemons lying around, especially if I’ve had a big BBQ," says Laura Hartnett, founder of Seep natural cleaning products. "Instead of letting them rot in my fruit bowl, I repurpose them for cleaning stuck grease and grime on the grill. The citric acid in lemons is perfect for cutting through residual fat from meat on a BBQ."

"Push some coarse rock salt onto your lemon to tackle any extra tough spots. Lemon juice also has antibacterial properties, so perfect for stopping any nasties growing on your grill."

"Lemons are also ideal for giving your BBQ a quick clean before you start cooking – slice in half and rub over the grill just before you want to begin using it." Because lemons are natural, this is the safest way to clean your grill before cooking, because you can be sure there is no chemical residue left that could transfer onto food.

How to clean a bbq with vinegar

White vinegar is a classic cupboard staple that can be used for a multitude of household cleaning chores, including as a natural solution for how to clean hardwood floors.

Cleaning with vinegar is one of the best methods for cleaning stainless steel grills. Due to its acidic nature, it will dissolve grease, carbon, dirt, and mineral deposits. Your grill will be looking good as new in no time! Many cleaning experts agree, saying it's ideal to mix up a homemade BBQ cleaning remedy.

"White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are staples in your sustainable cleaning cupboard – both are hugely versatile whether you’re cleaning inside or out," explains Laura Hartnett, of Seep natural cleaning products. "Mix them together to form a thick paste and leave on tough carbon grit on your BBQ for at least ten minutes, ideally longer, and then simply wipe away with a damp, plastic-free cloth or sponge. If any spots are still stuck on you can use our copper scourer."

Making sure you use a good cleaning spray is essential when cleaning the BBQ properly. If you are struggling to find a brand you like or don't want to spend too much money, a 50/50 water and white vinegar mix will do the trick. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and it will have your grill gleaming.

How to clean a BBQ with baking soda

For those stuck-on grease and stubborn grime stains that you just can't seem to shift with your normal BBQ cleaning routine, try a handy, naturally derived solution that is also used to clean burnt pans.

Simply mix baking soda with a little water and put it on stubborn marks. The acid-based reaction causes the solution to bubble up and break down even tough grease or carbon. Then get scrubbing with a good cleaning brush.

This a cost-effective, chemical-free cleaning solution is championed by the experts: "The easiest hack to clean your BBQ is to spray the surface with warm water and then sprinkle baking soda all over the grill and base," says Susan Fermor of Dr Beckmann.

"Leave this to soak in for around 10 to 15 minutes and then use a scourer or scrubbing brush to work away the grime. Use hot water to rinse any excess debris and leave to dry. If any grease is remaining on the grill, then soak in hot water with washing up liquid, which will help remove any additional residue."

How to clean rust off a BBQ grill

A common problem all too many of us have after opening up the BBQ after the winter is the discovery of rust on the grill. But all is not lost; it's easy enough to clean off and get the grill looking as good as new.

"I recommend ketchup and beer for getting off rust, just pour some onto the grill and scrub with your scourer," says Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean. But she is keen to point out: 'It is only good for removing rust, it won’t actually clean and disinfect," she explains.

Another effective way to remove rust from a stainless steel grill is by using aluminium foil. Simply scrunch up a small ball of foil and rub the rust directly to remove the rust patch from the grill. While this method is highly effective, we must warn you to beware that to some, the sound is unforgivable, the equivalent of nails being dragged across a blackboard.

How to clean a charcoal BBQ

Contrary to cleaning the rest of the grill, you should wait until the charcoal is completely cool before trying to throw it away - but you should still move quickly, emptying the ash as soon as it is chilled.

"Ensure the BBQ is completely cool before you begin cleaning. You definitely wouldn't want to burn your hands. Wearing gloves will protect your hands," starts Jane Wilson, Cleaning expert and Manager at Fantastic Cleaners.

"Use a wire brush or scraper to get rid of any loose gunk, grease, or burnt bits inside the lid and bowl. For tougher spots, grab a sponge or cloth with warm, soapy water. Rinse everything well with clean water and let it dry fully to avoid rust," she adds.

"Use a damp cloth and mild soapy water to wipe down the exterior of the BBQ. For stainless steel, use a stainless steel cleaner to maintain its shine," finishes Jane.

FAQS

Do you have to clean your BBQ after every use?

Cleaning your BBQ (even just quickly) after every use is recommended for food hygiene reasons and to prolong the life of your BBQ grill. However, you should also add a big BBQ deep clean to your spring cleaning checklist at least once a year, according to the experts.

"Whatever type of barbecue you have, I would always recommend a deep clean at least once a year," is the advice of Weber's Dan Cooper.

"Getting into the habit of cleaning your barbecue after every use will prevent bacteria, cross-contamination, and also rust building up," says Heather Nixon, Sustainability Manager at cleaning brand Bio D.

"Start by spraying the sides with a sanitiser to gather all the dirt. Next, scrape any remaining residue or food off the grills. Once the residue has been removed, soak the grills in hot water with washing-up liquid, or washing powder also works. Allow to soak for 20-30 mins, then scrub it, then leave to dry. (Once dry) Place the racks back, and you are ready to go."

The professional advice is similar to that on how often you should clean your oven – lightly after every use, more thoroughly at least once a year.

Do you clean BBQ hot or cold?

You can clean a BBQ hot and cold; it all depends on what area you are cleaning. "One of the easiest ways to clean your BBQ after cooking is to close the lid and let most of the food particles and grease that is stuck on the grates burn away," explains Joonas Jokiniemi, a barbecue expert with experience working as a chef on food stalls and in pop-up restaurants and the founder of Grill Smoke Love.

"Then you can brush the grates clean while the grill is still hot if you are using a brush that is entirely made of metal. Never use a brush with plastic parts on a hot BBQ as it might melt."

"When performing a deep cleaning, you should always let the BBQ cool down first because you don't want to risk touching any hot parts of the grill and burning your skin," warns Joonas.

How do you deep clean the inside of a BBQ?

"To deep clean the inside of a BBQ you should first remove the grill grates and brush them clean from both sides," advises Joonas. "If you have a gas grill, you can also brush the burner tubes clean."

"Then you should clean the cook box first with a scraper and then with a brush. This is very important because if the burnt food particles and grease inside the cook box pile up, the whole grill might catch fire in the middle of cooking. This will not only ruin your food but it will also cause a fire hazard."

"Finally, you should empty the grease tray under the cook box," advises Joonas. "When cleaning the grill grates and interior you can utilise a product such as Weber Grate Grill Cleaner that is excellent for removing grease and burnt food more efficiently."

"It's going to be different dependent on the type of grill," adds Wes. "For a pellet grill, you'll need a shop vac to remove the ash, then a plastic scraper, grill brush, and some grill cleaner to clean any grease on the inside of the grill."

"For a gas grill, use a brush on the burners, a scraper and brush on the heat deflectors and lid, and a scraper on the cook box. Finish it off with some grill cleaner for a complete clean. It's the same general idea on a charcoal grill. Empty the ash out, then clean the inside with a brush and some cleaner."

How to clean a BBQ grill?

There's no denying that a BBQ is an outdoor dining essential. So if you want to be cooking with gas the next time your guests come for some al fresco dining, keeping on top of your grill's cleanliness is key.

"After each cook, while it’s still warm (not hot!), use a wire grill brush to scrape off any stuck-on bits. If things are really caked on, you can soak the grates in warm water and washing up liquid, then scrub with a sponge or brush," explains Catherine Green, cleaning expert at Smol.

"For a deeper clean, mix baking soda and water into a paste, smear it on and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and rinse off. Dry completely before putting it back in the BBQ," she adds. You can similarly clean your oven trays this way.

Can you jetwash a BBQ?

There are many things in your garden you shouldn't pressure wash, and your BBQ might have to belong on that list.

"You can, but it’s not the best idea. Pressure washers are powerful, and while they’ll blast off grease and grime, they can also strip protective coatings, damage components, or force water into hard-to-dry spots, especially in gas BBQS where water near valves and burners is a big no-no," explains Catherine.

Instead, it's recommended you follow one of the many methods suggested by the experts.

Before you start cleaning your BBQ, always remember to check for manufacturer recommendations, as all models are different.
Some will require different cleaning agents, while others might not be able to withstand certain methods without being damaged.

Organizing kitchen countertops like a pro allows for more space when prepping ingredients, easier cleaning, and an organized space that feels more streamlined and comfortable to be in.  

All too often kitchen countertops are a magnet for clutter. It can sometimes feel like all your kitchen gadgets and appliances are taking over, with all the things we regularly use for cooking often ending up living on the side haphazardly. Cumulatively, all these elements add up, and very quickly, kitchen countertops can become somewhat overwhelming. 

Decluttering and organizing your kitchen is critical for a space that offers maximum value. So here's how to keep your countertops clear and clean, and your kitchen a calm and happy environment at the heart of the home...

Expert tips for organizing kitchen countertops like a pro

“Having an organized countertop space can be beneficial for our mental health,” says Julia Trendell, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens. “Clutter can make simple tasks, such as putting the dishes away, take longer and makes it more likely we will get distracted. Seeing mess also causes us stress, especially if we don’t have time to tidy it away." 

Follow these simple kitchen countertop organization ideas to transform your space into an oasis of calm, free of clutter.

1. Make decluttering a daily habit

Start as you mean to go on and get into a healthy routine of daily habits to keep your home tidy. Find just 5 or 10 minutes daily to clear away any items and clutter that’s gathering on the kitchen counter. Get into a routine of putting away charging cords, post, or things waiting to go to other rooms on a daily basis.  

Tackling clutter on a daily basis will prevent larger piles from growing over time which will inevitably take longer to sort out, and are more likely to become a lingering problem. Prevention is the best solution when it comes to maintaining clutter-free kitchen countertops.

"Kitchen countertops can easily become a dumping ground – the place to drop keys, post, and receipts," says Julie Stevens, professional development director at APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers). 

"Designate a container, a basket, or a tray to collect these items. Keeping them in sight will help to remind you to sort through the pile on a weekly basis. A basket or small container for keys ensures that all keys are in one place and everyone knows where they are."

2. Be strict about what deserves counter space

Minimalism is the approach to take when organizing kitchen countertops. There are often things we think we need on the countertop at all times, but many of these could just as happily live in a cupboard or drawer. 

Julia Trendell suggests stepping back and taking stock of items that have become part of the scenery: "If there are appliances that you haven’t used for a few months, keep them out of sight by neatly packing them away in a cupboard."

"The same goes for chopping boards, cookbooks, and any other items that have crept their way into view over time." The rule is simple, if you don't use it at least a few times a week you can justify removing it from your newly organized kitchen countertop. 

Minimalist design is a key kitchen trend 2023, where we see a focus on decluttered countertops creating a pleasingly restful environment in which to cook, work and entertain.

3. Choose your countertop essentials – and stick to them

There are, of course, some frequently used items that would be impractical to remove from the countertop – this is for instance where you should place an air fryer in a kitchen. In addition to your best air fryer, we’re thinking along the lines of the kettle and toaster, and other key appliances. 

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to think about your true countertop kitchen essentials. This will vary by household depending on your space and the things you use every day – but keep the list short and try not to add to it unless strictly necessary. 

"Appliances and indeed everything else needs to earn its place on the surface" agrees Julie Stevens at APDO. "If it is something that is used on a very regular basis then it can be left out. So if your morning breakfast is homemade juice or a shake then whichever appliance you use to make it earns its place. If you cook rice in a rice cooker 4 or more times a week then the rice cooker earns its place."

4. Install under cabinet storage

If you’re short on cupboard and drawer space, there are clever under-cabinet racks and hooks available for storing things like wine glasses or mugs, to remove them from countertops without taking up valuable cupboard space. 

These smart storage solutions screw directly into the bottom of the kitchen cabinet, to utilize space that is otherwise completely devoid of real purpose. So once these are installed your drinkware will be safely suspended, in place ready to reach for when you fire up your best coffee machine each morning.

5. Rethink your kitchen cabinet contents

If you haven’t done so already, create more space inside your kitchen cabinets by decluttering, reorganizing, and using space-saving storage solutions. Tackling how to organize your kitchen cabinets more efficiently will free up space for items that might be otherwise kept on the countertop. 

Use stackable storage solutions to make the space inside feel more efficient. Most good kitchen retailers offer a wide range of internal storage solutions, from door racks to under-shelf compartments to utilize every inch of available space.

Consider freestanding furniture to provide extra storage. "Bespoke larders and dressers can be fitted with plug sockets, so you can store your kettle, toaster, coffee machine, or microwave in them to free up valuable space on the workable surfaces and ensure the overall kitchen space remains clean" suggests Melissa Klink, creative director at Harvey Jones.

6. Install practical wall storage

Free up countertops by storing essential items vertically, with the simple addition of practical wall racks and rails. A hanging rail, placed just below the kitchen cabinets, can look especially stylish. Combine it with S-hooks and use it for hanging things like utensils, your trusty Place Always pan, dried herbs, and chopping boards. We adore this ultra stylish design above, the Buster & Punch Hanger Shelf, $812.74 / £650 at Nest.co.uk.

Along the same lines, a magnetic knife rack is a great way to keep your knives close to hand when cooking and removes the need for a chunky knife block on the countertop.

7. Consider a new kitchen design

For anyone making bigger changes to a kitchen, consider making design changes to specifically combat potential countertop clutter. "If you’re looking to maximize your storage, then solid cupboard fascias are a must, as they will enable you to instantly hide the contents," says Julia. Also, consider using space-saving storage solutions within those cabinets. 

However, glass-fronted cabinets are still an option if used wisely. "These should be strategically positioned to show off your most display-worthy belongings," Julia goes on to explain. "Just make sure that you don’t overfill this space, and instead keep a minimalist look by rotating glassware and your favorite items for an instant kitchen update."

Julie agrees. "If you are thinking of installing a new kitchen then roller front cupboards may be just what you need," she suggests. "Appliances can be plugged into a socket within the cupboard and the item placed on a roll-out shelf."

8. Put up open shelving

If you have space, one or two open shelves can be a great way to display the pretty things you might otherwise keep on the counter, without cluttering your kitchen prep space. This is a great place to store your wooden chopping boards, spice grinders,  your best cookbooks, or potted herbs. 

Open shelving seems to already be taking priority in the modern kitchen. "We are seeing clients putting away more of the appliances and electronics, for example, kettles and toasters, to save space for display of cherished goods and decorative items on open shelving and worktops," Melissa explains.

9. Utilise space with magnetic designs

In a room with a lot of stainless steel, it makes perfect sense to use the power of magnets to free up space on the counter. A simple magnetic strip attached to the wall creates the ideal place to keep knives safely out of reach and gives your game-changing utensils elevated status. Or seek smart storage designs, like this example from IKEA (above), where the cabinet itself provides a magnetic element for savvy storage above countertops. Buy your own Kungsfors Suspension Rail with Shelf/Magnetic Knife Rack, $23.76 / £19, IKEA.

Alternatively, if you have a freestanding or exposed fridge, you could use magnetic spice jars or hooks to create a home on the side for things that might otherwise become clutter on the countertop. There are even multi-tiered magnetic storage solutions available which include multiple shelves and added extras like paper towel holders – perfect for small kitchens that are especially short on storage space. 

10. Invest in organizational tools

Of course, there are also lots of useful storage solutions available for the countertop. A good storage solution means you can still afford to have your essentials nearby, without them cluttering up the workspace. We are in awe of the simplicity yet effectiveness of this stacked bamboo design (above) by ProCook Extendable Spice Jar Rack, $23.79 / £19.

If spices are part of your countertop essentials you’ll probably want a good spice rack, and if you decide to keep oils next to the hob you could invest in an attractive dispenser or a basket to keep multiple bottles together. This minimizes their visual impact and makes it easier to move them when cleaning. 

11. Use a hob cover for a streamlined look

Especially useful for organizing small kitchens, a hob cover will give you more counter space when you’re not using the stove. Made out of stainless steel, they’re usually sturdy enough to use as an extension to your kitchen counter and give your kitchen a streamlined appearance. They also double as an easy-to-clean kitchen splashback idea when you’re using the hob.

12. Keep utensils neatly nearby

Keeping your most-used kitchen utensils to hand is always a good idea to save you from having to reach far and wide when you need a wooden spoon or a spatula while you're cooking. "If you use certain utensils every time you cook then a jar for those utensils earns its place on the counter," agrees Julie.

Choose to keep them upright in a simple storage pot to retain order without taking up too much valuable space on your organized kitchen countertops.

13. Keep order with storage baskets

Storage baskets are a handy way to organize kitchen countertops, for storing all manner of kitchen essentials from linens to fresh fruit and veg. The baskets provide an attractive storage solution that you can happily leave on the side without worrying that it will distract from your new streamlined look.

Baskets are also ideal for transporting items around the kitchen, direct from fridge to countertop to stove or into a cupboard. IKEA says its RISATORP baskets (pictured above) are "perfect for storing those fruits and veggies that are happier outside the fridge. The steel mesh ventilates so food keeps longer." The mesh basket is supported by a sturdy wooden handle to make carrying a breeze.

14. Stack chopping boards

For many households, chopping boards are another one of those items that are always better to keep to hand, therefore in this scenario, they deserve a reserved spot when organizing kitchen countertops. 

Luckily chopping boards, provided they aren't too old and worn, can add a pleasing aesthetic to your kitchen decor – from rustic wooden boards to add a farmhouse-feel to white ceramic designs that feel more Parisian look.

The key to making them look curated rather than cluttered is to stack them neatly in one dedicated spot on the counter, preferably alongside the hob or the sink for maximum efficiency.

15. Categorize into zones

When it comes to where everything should be placed on your well-organized kitchen countertops think about the working triangle and where the relatable accessories and appliances are located for ease of use. 

If you have a coffee machine place it under the cabinet that stores your coffee beans, cafetiere, and mugs. If you have an impressive best stand mixer choose to store it directly underneath where you store other baking essentials to make it easier when using them altogether.

16. Color code your acessories

An easy way to ensure your kitchen countertops look chic rather than cluttered is to color code your accessories so each acts as a decorative element to the overall scheme rather than just something left on the side. 

Colored tea, coffee, and sugar canisters are an easy way to inject a pop of color into your kitchen color scheme. This way of introducing accent color allows the items on the countertops to feel more purposeful.

17. Display books purposely

If your kitchen is one where you frequently use cookbooks and like the homely feel they add to your cooking space you may still wish to have them out on the kitchen countertop – but in this instance, they should be kept orderly.

Ensure each book is displayed upright with the spine showing to make it easy to navigate what's what. You could go one step further and color code them too, but merely grouping them in the food category is a good enough order. 

A pair of bookends or a bookstand is a nice touch to show that these books have been carefully chosen for display, rather than just having accumulated over time. 

How to organize your kitchen countertops quickly

The most efficient way to organize kitchen countertops is to keep on top of it, with a daily routine of decluttering to avoid a build-up of 'things' that don't need to be out on the workspace. 

Keep only the essentials such as utensils, knives, chopping boards, oils, and spices and tidy away all those little extra bits like unsorted mail, miscellaneous charging cables, and other household detritus.

"Another source of clutter on the countertops is washing up – the things that should go into the dishwasher and those that need to be hand-washed. To prevent this clutter build-up, ensure that tasks such as emptying and filling the dishwasher are assigned daily too. For example, if the dishwasher is run every evening, then the person who makes the tea or coffee in the morning is the one who empties the dishwasher whilst waiting for the kettle to boil," suggests Julie. 

"Equally, the things that are designated for handwashing should be done before bedtime. Going to bed with a clean and tidy kitchen certainly brings a smile to my face in the morning."

"Staying up to date with the available technology is the best way to keep a clean space" advises Melissa. "Try to combine workable functionality wherever possible, with items such as boiling water taps and integrated workstations. You can even have an entire worktop on a rolling slide to expose a service station underneath.”

How do I organize my kitchen with a small counter space?

Keeping an organized kitchen counter space is all the more important when your kitchen is on the small side. "If you have a small countertop then it really is about putting things away after each use, regardless of how frequently you use the appliance" advises Julie. 

"It takes some discipline. Think about the vertical use of space.  Could you add a couple of shelves for mugs and books, or hooks or magnets beneath cupboards to attach storage jars to?" Use space that would otherwise be redundant, so look around and access what wall space is free for extra storage.

"People often find it tricky to add storage into a small space. The size of the kitchen does not matter, as long as you get the organization right" says Melissa. "Taking the time to properly organize your kitchen by function and use is key to maintaining a clean look. The right designer will guide you through all the details to ensure the way you use a kitchen is appropriate for the layout."

What do you display on kitchen countertops?

Only display items that add to the aesthetic of your kitchen counters, without overwhelming the surface. "Displaying items on the kitchen countertops is again related to the frequency of use" explains Julie. 

"A fruit bowl creates a lovely fresh display, as does a plant or two on the window sill. Cookery books are a stylish addition if space allows and of course they inspire you to cook a wider variety of meals. Other items to display are stylish containers for tea, coffee, flour, dried fruit and rice."

Knowing how to clean hardwood floors with the right products is key to avoid damage, ensure the longevity of your floor and so you are left without streaks every time.

Below we share expert advice on what cleaning products should not be used on wooden floors and answer your most asked questions about cleaning dirty hardwood floors, including whether cleaning professionals think it's okay to clean hardwood floors with natural ingredients such as vinegar and water.

We've also spoken to experts in hardwood floors, for their advice on how to best care for your floor between spring cleans so that it looks as good as new for years to come.

How to clean hardwood floors

Follow these four easy steps - reviewed and approved by professional cleaning service providers - to clean your hardwood floors at home:

1. Identify what kind of hardwood flooring you have

Hardwood flooring these days can mean anything from antique heart pine boards to the latest in high-tech engineered planks. With many different varieties available it's important to know what kind of hardwood flooring you have in order to clean it correctly.

Before choosing a cleaning method, identify what kind of hardwood flooring you have from the following: 

• Solid hardwoods such as oak, maple, pine, or walnut are nailed to a wood subflooring. This is then sanded smooth, stained, and typically sealed with a wax or polyurethane finish. When these hardwood floors get worn, they can be refinished, by repeating those same three steps, two or three times for a brand-new look.
• Engineered hardwoods are a thin veneer of wood bonded to a high-quality layer of plywood. This style of hardwood floor is installed as a "floating" floor, where the planks are not attached to the subflooring at all. High-quality engineered floors are indistinguishable from the real thing. They're sealed with polyurethane and can't be sanded and refinished, but they usually last 25-30 years. 

Most hardwoods have a urethane finish, either poly or oil-based, so let's focus on how to keep those clean and shining. 

Regardless of the finish, water is the bound enemy of a hardwood floor. A saturated wood floor, or even one that's in a high-humidity area, is a prime candidate for warping. The key is in gentle cleansing. 

2. Sweep or lightly vacuum daily

"It’s important you dust your floors before starting to mop," explains professional cleaning expert Ivan Ivanov, of End of Tenancy London. 

"A good vacuuming with the best vacuum can remove resolute dust clumps, or a microfibre cloth if that’s your preferred method. Dusting beforehand removes dirt and detritus that will only end up being smeared during the next step: mopping."

Use the hardwood floor attachment on your vacuum to avoid scratching the surface; never use the beater bar. It's well worth investing in one of the recommended best vacuums for hardwood floors to ensure beautiful floors stay that way.

3. Run a microfibre dust mop over the floors

Run a microfibre dust mop over your floors as and when needed or daily, depending on how often you clean your home. If you have pets you'll find yourself giving the floors a once-over at least once a day to stay on top of it. Ensure the microfibre cloth is clean before you begin.

4. Use a sponge mop and a wood cleaning product to deep clean

See our guide to the best cleaners for hardwood floors to find the right product for your floor. A cleaner that comes in a squirt bottle is generally easiest to use.

When you have your cleaning products, simply squirt them onto a damp mop and run the mop across the floor, then squeeze out the dirty residue in the sink or a mop bucket. 

When using any solution, ensure floors are never saturated - as we pointed out earlier this can lead to warping. 

It's okay to use a strong cleaner if your floors are particularly dirty, but be sure to rinse the mop thoroughly after use. If you do need to use something strong, follow up with a wood floor conditioner. It's not a bad idea to keep a couple of different mops handy, one for tackling real dirt and one for lighter duty. 

Ivan explains why a dampened specialist wood-floor mop works best: "They’re specifically designed to work with wood and often come equipped with fine fibres in the mop head, which do a great job of dealing with the small cracks your hardwood floor potentially has."

What is the best way to clean hardwood floors naturally?

Whilst store-bought cleaning products do a brilliant job of cleaning hardwood floors, a more cost-effective option (and eco-friendly living solution) could be to make your own natural cleaning products. You can make your own effective, natural cleaner using a few store cupboard staples, including distilled white vinegar, tea bags and even a little lemon juice.  

All of these methods have been reviewed by professional cleaning expert Ivan Ivanov, of End of Tenancy London.

1. Vinegar mixed with water

Mix up some warm water and vinegar for a quick spot clean or a full-on deep clean. The vinegar cuts through grease and grime and keeps your floors pristine. 

Ivan explains how best to make it: "Fill a bucket with a gallon of lukewarm water, and add in only half a cup of white vinegar before stirring. It’s perfectly safe and acceptable to use this method on your hardwood floors. However be aware that vinegar can dull some of the surfaces, especially if the mixture contains too much vinegar. Play it safe and test your mixture out on a small patch of wood before proceeding with the whole floor!" 

For more controlled application use a spray bottle to apply the solution directly to the floor. 

2. Brewed tea bags

Black tea has been the go-to cleaner for hardwood floors for centuries. Brew five or six bags of tea and let it steep for a few minutes, then add it to cool water in your mop bucket. Mop, as usual, letting the tannic acids in the tea cut through grime brighten up a dull finish. 

Although hailing the black tea method as a 'fantastic hack', Ivan has words of warning when trying this at home: "Unlike vinegar, the tea actually adds shine to your hardwood floor after cleaning. However, akin to that of the vinegar method above, too strong a concentration of tea can result in your floor being stained in a mis-matched way, which is not ideal. Again, it’s always best to test on a small patch of wood and see what the results are after a couple minutes."

Don't be tempted to use tea on engineered floors, just stick to using them on solid hardwoods only.

3. Lemon Juice, olive oil and hot water

Use the hottest water your tap will produce and pour in 3/4 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice to a couple of liters of the hot water. Mix it up with a wooden spoon, don't add salt or pepper to taste, and mop. When the floor is absolutely dry, the acid in the vinegar or juice will evaporate, leaving the moisturizing olive oil behind. If any spots on the floor are slippery, buff out the oil with a cloth and use a little less oil next time.

Of all the home-brewed hardwood floor cleaning methods is the olive oil, white vinegar and lemon juice  is Ivan most preferred. He claims, "Whilst it’s the most complicated, it also yields the finest results! When making the mixture, be accurate with your quantities, as each ingredient will change the balance. As ever, testing on a small patch of wood proves what works best."

Tips for preserving hardwood floors 

Hardwood floors can scratch easily, so here are some tips to keeping them fresh and look as good as new.

"Naturally, hardwoods such as oak and walnut are a much more durable and hardy option for flooring. Soft woods such as pine will easily succumb to scratches and dents, especially in high footfall areas of the home", explains Greg Elliott, Head of Technical at Havwoods. "For floors that are susceptible to damage from heels, pets and general day-to-day use, opting for a textured wood plank will hide those inevitable wear-and-tear marks."

Greg goes on to advise, "Depending on whether you’ve opted for a lacquered, oiled or UV oiled finish, there are a few key maintenance rituals that you should undertake. Wood floors should be cleaned regularly using dry methods, such as vacuuming or dust control mops."

"Ensuring that abrasive dirt and grit is removed quickly is essential for the floor’s lifespan, so placing protective floorcoverings such as rugs and entrance mats in areas where these rough particles are prevalent (external entrances) can be highly effective in prolonging the appearance and life of the wood floor.”

Put pads on the legs and feet of any furniture in the room, especially any moveable furniture. Make sure to use small rugs at doorways and entrances. And always keep your pet’s nails trimmed. 

Finally, as a last-ditch effort, make sure you keep floor-colored crayons in a drawer for quick touch-ups. Rub the crayon on the scratch, turn a blow-dryer on the spot so that the crayon melts into the gap, then buff with a soft cloth. 

The unsung hero of many kitchens is the dishwasher—a true godsend for keeping crockery, drinkware, and cutlery gleaming. So how can you ensure your dishwasher itself is in a squeaky-clean condition? Easy. Just follow our simple step-by-step guide for how to clean a dishwasher, approved by the experts.

When cleaning a kitchen, the dishwasher is an easy element to miss, as many of us might assume that a dishwasher cleans itself. However, the reality is a little different, and your dishwasher needs care and attention just as you would clean a fridge or the sink.

Build-ups of grease and limescale in your dishwasher can not only result in unpleasant odours, but they can also potentially damage your machine in the long run. Regular cleaning will not only ensure your dishwasher is thoroughly clean but will also help to ensure the machine lasts longer.

Not only that, but dirt and build-up can also limit your dishwasher's effectiveness, meaning those dirty dishes could actually be far from polished when they emerge. So here's how to clean a dishwasher effectively, including the tools and ingredients to avoid, and the easy (and natural) trick for tackling bad smells. 

How to clean a dishwasher in four simple steps

Done regularly, cleaning your dishwasher shouldn’t take you longer than around 15 minutes when following the steps below—just be sure you have the right tools to hand, including kitchen paper, dishwasher salt, vinegar and baking soda.

1. Clear any food debris

It may sound like an obvious ask, but be sure to remove any food debris that may be lingering before properly cleaning your dishwasher. Skipping this step can mean that you're simply cleaning around bits of food that haven't been sent down the drain, which will only result in a lingering odour and a machine that isn't cleaning at its best.

First, remove any clean items that are left in the dishwasher. Then, all you need to do is run a piece of kitchen paper around each part of your dishwasher, including the base, the spray arms, the trays themselves and the sides, picking up any bits of food. Don't worry about any stuck-on food particles; these will be addressed later on in the process of how to clean a dishwasher.

2. Use dishwasher salt in the funnel

Dishwasher salt is something we should all be using regularly to clean our machines—it'll help to break down any limescale, and also ensure that your dishwasher actually cleans your dishes and cutlery more efficiently, too. 

Dishwasher salt has a dedicated compartment in the machine, which you simply keep topped up. It is available to buy in your local grocery store or online. And it probably goes without saying, but you need to buy the specialised stuff—sea salt used for cooking is absolutely not the same in this instance!

3. Clean the drain trap of the dishwasher

The drain trap and filter area of your machine are likely to unwillingly play host to food waste, so they must get cleaned during this process. And luckily, removing blockages if they do exist is relatively straightforward. 

Remove the bottom rack and unscrew the drain filter, and use a clean cloth to remove any food remnants that may be causing a sort of clog or blockage.

4. Use baking powder to clean the inside of your machine

Finally, sprinkle a mug of baking powder along the base of your dishwasher. Then, set it to run on a hot cycle. The baking powder’s alkaline properties mean it can not only shift residue but can also eliminate odours and generally fight against any lingering bacteria. 

Baking soda is very versatile and also a failsafe kitchen staple if you want to know how to clean a stovetop, or how to clean copper, too. 

Once you’ve finished cleaning your dishwasher, leave the door ajar to give it a chance to air. In fact, this is a good tip to follow after every washing cycle—leaving the door open for at least an hour will help to expel any lingering moisture, which can, over time, cause a build-up of mould. 

How do I do a deep clean on my dishwasher? And can I use vinegar to clean my dishwasher?

The above method should be sufficient when planning how to clean a dishwasher, but if you want to really get into all of the nooks and crannies and have a bit more time to spare, there are a few extra tricks you can employ for a deep clean.

Cleaning expert Muffetta Krueger, founder of Muffetta's Domestic Assistants, explains that all you need for an extra thorough clean is white vinegar, using a method that is surprisingly easy and effective.

"To perform a deep clean on your dishwasher, start by emptying the dishwasher. Then, place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. This helps remove grease, odours, and mineral deposits." 

The hot vinegar should help loosen any grime accumulated within the dishwasher, with its acidic attributes making it a breeze for you to wipe a sponge around the inside of the machine and shift the unwanted debris.  The only downside is the lingering smell. If you want to mask the acidic scent, feel free to add in a few drops of essential oil such as orange or lemon.

After this, you can still sprinkle baking soda into your machine and run another hot water cycle—and doing both will ensure that your dishwasher is squeaky clean. 

If you prefer, store-bought cleaners created for dishwashers are also a great option for a deep clean. Cleaning expert Laura Mountford, of Lauracleanaholic, said, "Deep clean your dishwasher monthly using a dishwasher cleaner. Simply add the cleaner to a hot empty cycle, as you would with vinegar."

What is the best way to clean and deodorize a dishwasher?

Odours can be a particularly pesky problem when it comes to our dishwashers, so cleaning with a focus on eliminating that problem is important. To deodorise your dishwasher as best you can, you'll need to direct your attentions to the areas that are likely to harbour the most food debris and bacteria. 

"The key areas that require special attention when cleaning a dishwasher are the filter, spray arms, and the door gasket," Muffetta said. "If your dishwasher has an unpleasant smell, you can tackle it by first checking and cleaning these areas."

"The filter collects food particles and debris, so it should be removed and rinsed under running water regularly. The spray arms can also get clogged, so it's important to clean the nozzles and ensure proper water flow. The door gasket should be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any residue that can cause leaks or odours," she explained.

If you can't see an issue with these areas specifically, using vinegar on the dishwasher as a whole regularly, as suggested above, can also help to tackle smells.

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

Generally speaking, you should clean your dishwasher as and when you clean other items in your home, like your washing machine or blinds—every one to three months is sufficient to ensure it remains in good condition. But if it is producing bad odours or simply looks dirty, you’ll probably want to act sooner. 

Other tell-tale signs that your dishwasher is in desperate need of attention include items coming out with stains or traces of food still on them, a noticeable odour, as well as a build-up of residue on the inside of the door.

Though a thorough clean should be done every month, or every few months, Laura advised that there are a few quick habits you can do daily and weekly that should keep your machine in good shape on an ongoing basis—and to assist with a deep clean. 

"Get into the habit of removing food debris from the bottom of your dishwasher daily," she suggested. "And every week, try and clean the filter (by removing it and scrubbing it in a bowl of warm soapy water), the seal and wipe down the edges of the door. 

"Wipe down the seal and edges of the door using an antibacterial spray—and don’t forget to top up the dishwasher salt and rinse aid regularly too."

Key areas to focus on when washing your dishwasher

When cleaning your dishwasher, it’s important to focus on the key areas most likely to attract grease, limescale, and food, as mentioned. Though you're likely to tackle the areas below when cleaning your machine generally, you'll want to really make sure these spots are on your checklist and don't get missed:

• The rubber seals: Detritus can easily gather in the delicate seals around the door of your dishwasher. Be careful when cleaning them; use a soft sponge or an old toothbrush to give them a gentle yet thorough clean.
• The filter: This is where food and gunk are most likely to congregate, so regular cleaning is essential to ensure the well-running of your machine as well as limiting the risk of bad smells. Most dishwasher filters are detachable, meaning you can remove the filter from the machine for fuss-free cleaning. As suggested, warm soapy water should do the trick.
• The spray arms: These can all too easily become obstructed by pieces of food, so paying attention to them is important. If you can easily detach them, take them out and soak them in white vinegar to remove any grease or limescale build-up.
• The exterior of the machine: Don’t forget to include the front, top, and sides of your machine in your cleaning routine, too. This can be cleaned with either an anti-bacterial spray, or a mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle.

Products to avoid cleaning your dishwasher with

You'll want to be careful when it comes to bleach products, which is one of the most common dishwasher mistakes you'll want to avoid. While they might feel like an obvious choice for helping to limit the growth of bacteria and keep your dishwasher clean, bleach can have a damaging impact on machines with stainless steel interiors. This is the same for other kitchen appliances, too, such as your best blender or your best food processor. 

Laura also advised staying away from more abrasive cleaning products and agents, such as scourers, "as these can damage and scratch the inside of the machine." She also suggests staying away from highly fragranced products, as this can penetrate your dishes, pans and cutlery, which isn't ideal.

Learning how to clean a cast iron skillet properly is important if you want to keep this essential piece of cookware at its best. It requires a little more love and care than you have to give to other pans since the material is easily damaged, but once you know how to do it, you'll find yourself using your best cast iron skillet on a weekly, or even daily basis.

This trusty piece of cookware is sturdy, lasts almost forever, and you don't have to worry about scratches ruining its value. Even better, taking care of a cast iron pan isn't as hard as you'd think!  

Cleaning a cast iron skillet is similar to knowing how to cleaning a washing machine, how to descale a kettle, or how to clean an oven—once you do know how, it really is simple to do. But finding out the correct way to clean yours thoroughly, and without causing the pan any damage, is the key. 

How to clean a cast iron skillet or pan in three simple steps

Cleaning your cast iron pan/skillet just takes a bit of know-how, similar to learning how to clean a burnt pan. As our steps below show, the key to effortless cleaning is to wash it as soon as possible after use. We've provided specific tips to remove burnt-on food, and on how to restore your cast iron to its former glory if it's looking a little worse for wear.

Much like cleaning a kitchen, following this step-by-step process will mean you can get the job done in a flash, and without too much sweating over the sink...

1. Clean your cast iron immediately after cooking

After a long, hard day, it can be hard to resist letting your pan soak while you eat dinner. Sometimes the temptation can lead to soaking your pan all night (something we often do with our best food processor, or our best blenders), but don't give in! If there is only one thing you need to know about cleaning a cast iron pan, it's to clean it as soon as possible after use, and not to let it soak for too long. Your cast iron pan is not rust-proof, so if you let it soak, it will certainly rust.

What’s more, if you have it soaking in dish soap, the porous cast iron will absorb all the scents, and nobody wants to cook on a pan that smells like perfumed dish soap.

With that being said, when you get the urge to procrastinate washing your cast iron (like most of us do), push through it and get the job done.

Ready? Here's what you need to do as soon as you've finished cooking. 

2. Remove burnt food and rinse

The first thing you'll want to do when cleaning a cast iron skillet is to remove burnt food. There are a few methods to do this, but here are our recommended (and crucially, non-abrasive) techniques.:

• Use Kosher salt and paper towels - Chances are, you've been faced with an ugly, pan-seared blend of food stuck to the bottom of your pan, and not the kind that's easy to scrape off. We're talking about the kind that makes you want to throw your whole pan out. But never fear: it's something that happens to all pans—even our best induction pans, which are meant to be easier to clean. Thankfully though, there is a fairly easy solution to the problem. The easiest way to do this is to simply bunch up a piece or two of paper towel, and use Kosher salt or coarse sea salt to scrub off any remains. Add approximately one cup of kosher salt to the skillet and use the paper towels to gently scour the surface—the burnt food should start to come off fairly easily, with a little bit of force. Afterward, rinse off the salt with warm water. 
•  Use a wooden spoon and hot water - If you don't have salt or paper towels at hand, this method will do the trick. Before jumping into this great cleaning method, you need to know that hot water and a hot iron pan will make steam. Therefore, you need to be very alert and careful when combining the two. Additionally, don’t try to cut corners and use cold water to clean a hot cast iron pan. The difference in temperature will damage and crack the pan. You don't want to ruin your precious cast iron before you had the chance to enjoy its lifelong benefits! To get started, make sure the pan is hot itself, and gently place it under hot running water. Scrub at it (gently), with a wooden spoon—or a rubber spatula if you don't have a wooden spoon. The food and any excess dirt on your pan should rub right off. Once you've lifted them off, rinse the pan. If you let your iron cool off after cooking, don't worry. You can easily put the pan back on the stove burner to heat it back up while you're warming up your running water.
• Cook away the burnt bits - It seems counterintuitive to put a burnt pan back on the stovetop, but this is a quick way to loosen the burnt food on your skillet. To try this method, add water to your pan to about halfway then put it on medium heat. The burnt pieces will start to break away from the bottom, meaning you can easily remove them. Use a wooden spatula to gently budge them. Do not use metal utensils on the pan as this will scratch it.

3. Dry your cast iron skillet immediately

All of the above steps should clean your cast iron effectively using plain water. However, if you find that some small marks persist, feel free to use a little warm water and mild dish soap if needed and scrub it gently with a soft and non-abrasive sponge. In most situations, however, this shouldn't be necessary.

It's important you dry your cast iron pan straight after cleaning it. Use a paper towel, clean rag, or old dishcloth. It will likely stain, so avoid using a clean, new kitchen towel. Resist the temptation to leave it on the drying rack, as moisture will cause it to rust.

And voila! That's it. The key thing to remember is that you need to clean it fast, using non-abrasive techniques, and dry it quickly too. 

How to remove rust from your cast iron skillet or pan

If you're anything like the majority of cast iron cooks (especially new ones), then you may have already made a mistake or two, and now your frying pan is seemingly rusty beyond repair. The good news is that it isn't! Cast iron may rust easily, but it can also be restored easily. 

Much like when you clean your stainless steel sink, your cast iron pan just needs a bit of love and attention to help it look its best again. 

• The solution to restoring your cast iron is to soak it in an even mixture of water and distilled vinegar for about an hour. Keep a close eye on it and rinse it out sooner if the rust has lifted. 
• Then sprinkle your pan with baking soda and scrub it down with steel wool or a metal scouring pad.
• Don’t use the scented ones from the grocery store that come with detergents already in them. Just use plain steel wool.
• Keep rinsing until all the rust is off and immediately dry with a paper towel until the grime stops coming off.
• Then, bake your pan in your oven, set at 350, for about 10 minutes, to cure it. 

As you may be starting to realize by now, cleaning your cast iron cookware isn't nearly as bad as you may have imagined. When you actually know how to clean a cast iron skillet/pan oven, the process can be fairly quick and easy. And when cleaned correctly, your cast iron pan can last a lifetime.

It took a while for me to be won over by robot vacuums, but alas, I am now a proper convert. Far more than a gadget for cleaning geeks, the best robot vacuums take care of the daily grind with confidence, coercing dust out of tricky corners, reaching under radiators and sofas, and even mopping floors until they sparkle. Not every model is made equally, however, and after extensive testing there are only six I believe truly deserve the title of “best robot vacuum” and I’ll explain exactly why below.

Robot vacuums have long promised effort-free upkeep, though I once dismissed them as a passing fad. Today’s designs are another story entirely. With lasers, AI navigation, and advanced mopping technology, they’ve become polished rivals to the best vacuums on the market. Think of them as the easy way to get rid of dust: diligently patrolling your floors, tackling targeted areas, and keeping your home consistently guest-ready without demanding your attention.

I’ve tested far more robot vacuums than appear in this guide (as you’ll know if you’ve read what i wish i knew before buying a robot vacuum), but only six convinced me I could finally stop keeping my cordless waiting in the wings for the weekly clean. And, not one to gatekeep, I’m sharing the standout trio with you, so you can invest with confidence. Happy hands-off cleaning.

The six best robot vacuums - as reviewed by our experts

Best robot vacuum overall

It won't surprise you to see Shark crowned at the top of this list. Famous for their value, quality, and performance, I have to commend them on the impressive feat that is the Shark ThermaCharged PowerDetect Wet & Dry Robot Vacuum. This is the model that finally convinced me that robot vacuums were essential gadgets and not just gimmicks.

Price wise, it sits between the Eufy and Dyson: it's not as expensive as the Dyson, but still looks like the sort of money you'd need to carefully consider before spending. Having lived with this for weeks, I can attest to the solid build quality, excellent cleaning capacity, and useful mop function. It covers your daily cleans with competence - and then some.

The app lets you set schedules, control the Shark ThermaCharged PowerDetect Wet & Dry Robot Vacuum's movements, and choose where you want different mopping and cleaning to take place. You can also enable voice commands via Alexa or Google Home, so that the Shark really becomes more than your home assistant.

When finished, the Shark empties itself into a bagged base station, so you only need to think about it once a month. That makes it perfect for busy families and professionals as well as those who suffer from allergies. Most other robot vacuums collect the dust, but they don't seal it like the Shark does. Team that with the fragrance canister that you insert and you'll never have to suffer a bin or vacuum cleaner smell again. If you can't already tell, I'm smitten with Shark.

You can find out more in my full Shark ThermaCharged Wet & Dry Robot Vacuum Cleaner review.

Best premium robot vacuum

A brand-new launch from Dyson, the Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner has rethought the way that all other robot vacuums work. The main point of difference is the sensors that it uses. Not only do these let it map with impressive speed and precision; navigate through the tightest spaces; and hop over difficult thresholds, the laser sensors also help it to identify dirt. In practice, this means that it can target specific areas that have debris and stains in your home to get it looking and feeling clean much quicker than any other model. If there's a stain on the floor that needs the mop, it will keep cleaning the spot until its clever sensors decide that the jam, soy sauce, or other sticky mess has been lifted. If it hasn't, it's highly likely you have a stain on your hands.

Whilst this is one of the most expensive models on the market, it warrants the price tag. The Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner looks sleek, feels robust, and cleans with a different level of thoroughness. A good example is the mop: unlike other models which use a damp pad that smears dirt, this has a roller which self-cleans using hot water, meaning you're always getting a fresh mop on the floor. It whizzed through even my toughest mopping tests.

On a techy note, I found the app easy to connect to and even easier to use. This is often a stumbling point for these clever gadgets: they get too clever for their own good. However, Dyson keeps things simple. Where other vacuums have pages and tabs and special controls, the Dyson gives you details, but in a simple format. It mapped and displayed my awkwardly sized room in 12 minutes (keep in mind the Shark took over 2 hours to map the same space) and it quickly flashed up areas that needed special attention). It was nothing if not thorough and fast.

The Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner was almost silent as it buzzed around my house and we came to love it like another member of the family, especially because it did such an impressive job cleaning (nobody else in the family compares). Even on tough tests, such as picking up hair from carpets and getting dust out of the cracks in hardwood floors were tackled with effortlessness. The only reason you wouldn't buy this is because of the high price tag. It's a lot to spend.

You can find out more in my full Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner review.

Best budget robot vacuum

Proving that an affordable robot vacuum needn’t be basic, the eufy X8 Pro Robot Vacuum is the best of both worlds: it’s as high-tech or low-tech as you need it to be. For example, it can be controlled using its app or Alexa and Google Assistant, with a weekly schedule for cleaning, or you can simply set it going using its remote control.

A slimline design means it can clean below furniture, while an impressively long runtime allows it to handle a large house without needing to return to its base to recharge. In terms of functionality, it has both vacuuming and mopping functions, which are set on the app, so you can make sure there are areas that get both sides of a wet and dry clean and then areas which just get a vacuum. Of the six vacuums on this list, I found the app to be the most fiddly to set up, but not enough that it would put me off from maximising on the extra features that you get with the eufy X8 Pro Robot Vacuum.

Its general performance was good: it could pick up dust and debris on hard floors and clean laminate floors efficiently. Even on tougher tests with medium-pile carpets, the eufy managed to lift both fine flour particles (designed to emulate dust) as well as museli, granola clusters, and hair. In many cases, the eufy X8 Pro Robot Vacuum needed a few passes to pick up all the flour and debris that I scattered, which means that you need to give it a little longer to do a thorough deep clean of the carpet in comparison to the Dyson and Shark, but if you save money with this model, it's worth it. The dust box is a reasonable capacity for the size of the machine, it slides out easily but can be a bit messy to shake out.

I always recommend the eufy X8 Pro Robot Vacuum to anyone who isn't sure how much they'll use their robot vacuum and they want to dip a tow into the water. Just make sure that you buy it on a saving: it's always discounted somewhere.

You can find out more in my full eufy X8 Pro Robot Vacuum review.

Best robot vacuum for mopping

There's something simultaneously impressive and repulsive about having a UV light to show up all the dirt and dried spills that the naked eye can't see. Shark claims that this is the first robot vacuum to reveal such an impressive level of detail and I won't argue against it. This certainly feels like the most thorough robot vacuum we've tested.

As with all Shark vacuums, the UV Reveal is easy to set up and use. The app is intuitive and my favourite for anyone who doesn't consider themselves to be all that techy. It's quiet enough to have running in the background of work phone calls and yet still thoroughly makes its way across all floor types.

I found it could jump a little bit on carpets and occasionally needed correcting, but 99% of the time, this was better at cleaning than I could have ever hoped to be. And certainly better than most other models I've tested.

Of course, it does come with the price tag of a premium vacuum and won't wash and refresh the mop like the similarly priced Dyson, but it's still a seriously impressive piece of kit.

You can find out more in my full review of the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal Robot Vacuum.

Best robot vacuum for small homes

Pretty, petite, and chic are all words that we never thought would apply to a robot vacuum and yet, here we are. Roomba is famous for making some of the most impressive robot vacuums on the market, so their launch of a compact model is seriously exciting.

The iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop comes in black, white, pink, and green, which is more choice than almost any other brand on the market. And, whilst the colours might draw you in, it's the performance that will keep you sold on this impressive model. It does a brilliant job of quick cleans and mops. Our expert found the app easy to use and loved that the small footprint made it more nimble for navigating difficult spaces, including under the bed and around kitchen cabinets.

The only downside of opting for a smaller model is that you need to recharge more. We also found that the little battery delivers less power, making it a better cleaning companion, rather than a new rival to your traditional corded vacuum. In short, it's a brilliant treat that saves you hassle, but it's no rival for your Dyson just yet.

You can find out more in our full review.

Best robot vacuum for busy homes

The MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete is one of the most capable robot vacuum-mops we've tested for busy family homes. While it won't entirely replace a full-powered vacuum cleaner, it dramatically cuts down on the daily cleaning load once it's set up and running on a schedule.

The standout feature is its mopping performance: the self-cleaning roller leaves hard floors looking genuinely spotless with very little effort required from you. It can't reach every corner and multi-storey homes will still need some manual intervention, but as a hands-off cleaner for households with children, pets, and constant foot traffic, it excels. At £1,249, it's undoubtedly an investment, but the combination of strong vacuuming, excellent mopping, self-maintenance features, and a reassuring three-year warranty makes a compelling case for time-poor families who want cleaner floors with less work.

Our review is finished and due to be live in the next week, so watch this space.

How to choose the best robot vacuum for you

• Size and weight: while weight is less of an issue with robot vacuum cleaners – it’s more relevant if you’re carrying one upstairs or downstairs to clean another floor – most are relatively lightweight. The robot’s dimensions are often more pertinent, with slimline models able to scoot under furniture where chunky machines struggle to go. Charging stations can be more of a floor space hog – with many needing clearance either side, and to be set against a wall with a power supply nearby. Those with a self-emptying feature can be quite sizable, with, for example, the iRobot Roomba S9+’s charging station measuring 48cm tall and 31cm wide.
• Extra parts: many robot vacuums with come with a few spare parts so you can change them to keep it running efficiently. These include the side brushes, which may become easily bent, spare filters and for vacuums that also mop, disposable and reusable cloths. You may also find a tool for keeping the brush bar free from hair clumps.
• Emptying: robot vacuum dust boxes tend to be on the small side, with some holding less than 400ml of dirt. It’s advisable to empty them after every cleaning cycle to prevent poor pick-up performance. Those with self-emptying charging stations can accommodate much more, so may only need emptying once a month.
• Running time: one of the big pluses of robot vacuums is that most have a generous runtime on the lowest power settings. Should that not be sufficient, they’ll return to their charging station to power up with some continuing the job afterwards. However, if you have a large house or lots of carpet (which usually involves more power), look out for those with longer runtimes.
• Budget: robot vacuums can vary greatly in price, so think about which features are the most important to you. This will help determine how much you might need to spend. More affordable models start at less than £200 but will have limited functionality. For app control, budget at least £250, with high-tech models ranging from £400+.

How we tested the best robot vacuums

To help you find the best robot vacuum, our selection covers models at a range of price points, from a sub-£200 budget model to the more expensive high-tech vacuums. If you’re buying at this end of the market, it’s a good idea to look for vacuum cleaner deals before you buy.

Each robot vacuum has been assessed on its size/dimensions, weight and design, how easy it was to set up from the box and schedule, ease of maintenance and overall value for money. The more advanced robot vacuums require more attention initially for mapping so you can set exclusion zones but should be as fuss-free as possible afterwards, so we’ve factored this in too.

We’ve spent several hours testing the suction and brush power for each model: using both fine dust and larger debris on both hard and soft floors, cleaning in its standard mode or the lowest power level (where available) unless otherwise noted. While most robot vacuum cleaners are designed to tackle both hard floors and carpet, some have dedicated modes for soft flooring, which we’ve made use of where available.

You can find out more about how we test vacuums on our dedicated page.

FAQs

Are robot vacuums worth it?

Though most don’t provide the equivalent cleaning performance of a traditional vacuum cleaner, for little and often cleaning, robot vacs can be brilliant. As they can clean every day (and be programmed to run when you’re out and about), they’ll help to cut down the amount of time you spend vacuuming and the frequency. Some won’t reach the edges or tight corners of a room, so you may still need to whizz round with a crevice tool every so often, but most owners find that a robot vacuum will lighten the load considerably.

How long do robot vacuums last?

Just like any other vacuum cleaner, robot vacs need to be maintained, which means emptying them regularly, cleaning filters, making sure there’s no hair wrapped around side brushes and roller bars and replacing worn parts (eg brushes and filters). You may need to replace the battery every two to three years or if it’s not holding a charge long enough, and keep the base station clean and dust-free. Properly cared for, they should last anywhere up to five or six years. As with many products, the better the build quality, the longer it should last.

How often should you run a robot vacuum?

A robot vacuum’s cleaning schedule is mostly down to personal preference. Opting for a daily clean is a good way to keep on top of everyday dirt, especially if you’re a pet owner, with a more thorough clean manually when required. However, for pet-free homes, three or four times a week should suffice. Remember that their dust boxes tend to fill up quickly and only some will alert you when they’re full, so it’s a good idea to empty on a regular basis or you may notice a drop in cleaning performance.

Far from being gimmicks, these six models are the best robot vacuums money can buy. They each have something to offer and all promise to keep your home clean without you having to lift a finger. Even I, a robot vacuum sceptic, have been convinced by the likes of Dyson, Shark, and Eufy.

The best cordless vacuums take the hassle and some of the hard work out of cleaning your home. Ditching the cable means that you can vacuum without the hassle of a trailing cord and finding a plug socket nearby, making the whole process easier and more efficient. 

While the convenience of a stick vacuum often used to come at the expense of suction power and a limited battery life, the latest cordless models are now much more powerful and run for longer than ever before. Plus, they are far easier to carry and manoeuvre than a corded vacuum, and frequently loaded with all the tools you’d expect from a larger vacuum cleaner. Models cater to every kind of cleaning issue too, such as pet hair, kitchen cleaning, and vacuuming your car as well as the basic performance of getting rid of dust in your home. 

Home appliance tester Rachel Ogden has 13 years experience in interiors and finding the very best appliances and tech for the home. She has selected and tested the best cordless vacuum cleaners for every budget below. Each one has been put through its paces in terms of power, weight, functionality, emptying, maintenance and how easy it is to use. 

Included in our selection is Shark’s IZ300UKT Stick Vacuum Cleaner, which topped our tests to be chosen as the best cordless vacuum overall. A close runner-up was the VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Dual Pet & Car cordless vacuum, which is a great buy if you’re looking for a good balance of price and performance. And if you’re keen to choose from a wider selection of vacuums, look at our best vacuum guide which includes both corded and cordless models.

The best cordless vacuum as reviewed by our experts

Shark’s IZ300UKT might be a cordless stick vacuum but it does everything possible to measure up to the best Shark vacuum corded counterparts, with features that help it give a thorough clean, regardless of the surface. The most noticeable are its PowerFins, which are firm but flexible flaps on the rear brush (it has two) that agitate soft flooring to drive out the dust, and sweep hard floors. In our testing, the IZ300UKT efficiently picked up fine dust in one pass on both hard and soft flooring, although we noticed that the fins could also flick larger debris out of the way, meaning a second pass was necessary to suck up missed bits. Even though it’s a stick model, it has a good capacity dust cup for a whole house clean and was simple to empty. 

What we also liked about this vacuum is its ability to switch between hard floors and carpet and three power levels. There’s eco for light cleaning, a deep cleaning mode when you need more and a boost for stubborn jobs. Its display shows how much charge the battery has left, which we found useful as it means you can make sure there’s enough before you begin a job, plus its battery can be removed, giving you more flexibility over where you charge it up. The IZ300UKT includes a bag for accessories (crevice tool, multi-surface tool and pet tool) so you can keep them together, headlights to spot dust in dark corners, and the ability to bend to go under furniture and for storage. It even converts to a handheld, making it a great all-rounder cordless.

Proving that cordless doesn’t necessarily mean costly, Beldray’s Airgility vacuum cleaner packs a fair amount in for the price. It’ll convert to a handheld, comes with a 2-in-1 crevice and brush tool and is fairly lightweight to push around. And while there’s no on-board storage or wall mounting like other cheap Dyson alternatives, the handheld part clips onto the front of the machine when you’re finished cleaning so it doesn’t take up a lot of vertical space. The battery detaches for charging too, so you won’t be stuck finding a place for it next to a plug socket. There are even LED headlights so you can spot dirt more easily. However, it does come with quirks. One is that you can swap the brush bars from soft to hard bristles – the latter of which is intended for deep pile carpets. While it’s easy enough to do so, we found it a chore to swap brushes when going from thick carpet back to hard floors. The controls aren’t that intuitive—there’s a trigger to turn it on and off, but this doesn’t have to be held down, unlike most trigger controls. There’s another button to toggle it between minimum and maximum power.

The Airgility performed well on hard floors on minimum, picking up debris with one pass, though it needed a couple for dust. However, it fared less well on carpet. The maximum power with the hard bristle brush didn’t shift some remaining dust, while a couple of passes on maximum were required for debris. We also tried out the crevice and upholstery tool in the handheld mode – these worked well but are much smaller than some, meaning that if you’re vacuuming a whole sofa, it would be a time-consuming job. Emptying was problematic—while a good size for the machine, the bin doesn’t detach and dust clumped around the filter, making it a messy job.

Big rooms demand a big cleaning solution and few come with coverage as large as the Dyson Outsize Absolute. Its extra-wide head measures 12 inches (25% bigger than most), meaning that you can whizz through vacuuming faster. There’s an array of other tools too, including a crevice tool, combination tool and an anti-tangle hair screw tool. There's also a soft dusting brush and a second cleaner head that uses a laser light to illuminate dust particles that can be easy to miss - both tools that come in useful when using a vacuum to clean a mattress and other soft furnishings. It’d be handy to have storage for all these but sadly, there’s only a wand clip for two tools on-board. Fortunately, there’s a wall-mounted dock for the actual vacuum cleaner plus the battery can be removed and charged separately—there are two in the box so one can be on charge while you’re cleaning.

Besides the laser dust detection, which we found really handy on hard floors, there’s a fair amount of tech built-in too, including an LCD menu that shows you how much running time there is left and power level (there are three, ranging from eco to boost). In testing, we found that the eco setting wasn’t quite enough to pick up dust and debris on the hard floor, meaning we had to switch it to standard power, but it performed excellently on carpet in the eco mode, with a single pass for dust and two passes for debris. We also loved that the dust bin could be emptied in one smooth motion, with no dust thrown around. However, what we found more challenging was having to hold down the trigger to keep it on, which for a whole house clean was taxing. It’s also big and bulky in general, so not one to choose if your home is compact.

Whether you’re living in a small space or need a versatile lightweight vacuum for little and often cleaning, the Hoover H-Free 500 should be a perfect fit. That’s because it’s as compact as they come, yet manages to pack in the sort of suction power you’d expect from a larger vacuum. Even better, you can pop the handheld section off and clip it to the front of the wand for storage, making it just 69cm tall and able to tuck into a small cupboard. There’s no compromise on features—a twin dusting and upholstery tool stores on the wand before sliding into place when it’s in its handheld format, plus there’s a crevice tool, and four power modes; standard, hard floors, auto for when tools are attached and turbo. There’s even a dust bin cleaning tool, which we used when some dust became stuck around the filter.

What we liked most about the H-Free 500 was how easy it was to vacuum, especially in tight spaces. It can recline down by up to 90 degrees while staying flush with the floor, making it easy to clean under furniture, while its slimline design was great for corners. Plus, you can see the battery status and power level at a glance from lights on the top. In testing, it picked up brilliantly on hard floors in one pass, and while both dust and debris needed a second pass to deep clean the carpet, we were still impressed with the performance. There are a couple of downsides, however. When tools are attached, the power adjusts to a lower level, which we found frustrating when trying to pick up pet hair, plus, as it’s small, the dust bin can become full quickly, especially if you’re vacuuming more than one room at a time.

Roidmi RS60, also known as the X30 in the US, should tick boxes for those who like their vacuum to be as functional as possible. Even though it’s a compact stick, it comes with a lot of kit; a crevice tool with detachable brush, dusting brush and mattress brush. It also comes with a pet brush with a flexible hose that we found ingenious to use thanks to its ability to retract its teeth, so clumps of hair can be removed. However, the RS60 has more than just vacuuming accessories—it’ll also mop the floor with its clip-on mopping head and washable microfibre pads. Ideal for cleaning laminate floors and tiles. There’s even a magnetic charging dock, and, should you wish to, you can link it to an app so it’ll send you an alert when you need to empty its bin—which all goes towards justifying its high price tag.

But it’s not all bells and whistles. It functions well as a vacuum cleaner too, happily sucking up dust and debris from our hard floor in one pass on its lowest setting, eco. We had to power up to standard for carpet with the top setting, turbo, for the last few bits but it still performed well. There are a few niggles, however. Not being able to remove the battery for charging means you’re dependent on a single charge, which if you’re on eco can be up to 70 minutes but turbo will blitz through it in 10 minutes and make the motor in the handle grow warm. We also found it was quite weighty to hold for more than a single room clean, so it may be better for little and often cleaning rather than a whole house in one go.

While most areas of your home get a regular vacuum, chances are that you put off cleaning awkward spaces, such as your car, because it’s tricky. However, the ONEPWR Blade 4 Dual Pet & Car seeks to change that mindset. It comes with a flexible powered hose that works with all its tools, allowing you to reach under seats, into footwells and the boot. Combined with the motorized pet tool, it’s a dream for whisking away dog hair especially because the brush bar has an antimicrobial treatment to protect the bristles from bacteria and fungi growth, and there are handy headlights. Another plus is the removable battery which charges quickly—plus you can upgrade to the twin battery model for £70 more to double the runtime.

It’s equally effective as a stick vacuum. There’s a crevice tool and dusting brush for above-floor cleaning, a boost mode for when you need more power and a button for turning on the brushes for carpet cleaning. We found it easy to maneuver around and under furniture, and the pick-up was excellent. A single pass on standard was sufficient for dust and debris on hard floors, while dust on carpet was easily blitzed on standard power, with boost only used for picking up the last few fragments of debris. Emptying was easy too. The dust bin can be removed with a squeeze and the contents released with a quick flick of a clip. Our only gripe was replacing the bin—it can be awkward at first to make sure it’s clipped back in properly.

While some cordless vacuum cleaners are for all areas of your home, the Gtech AirRam concentrates solely on the floor. For those who already have a multitasking handheld vacuum, this could be the perfect complement. The AirRam is fairly light, with a handle that retracts so it’s more compact for storage, yet doesn’t lack power. Its battery and good-sized dust bin are located in the floor head, so it’s easy to steer and not too taxing for longer cleaning sessions, plus you can insert scented cartridges that freshen up as you clean. The filter is easier to access than some—it can be pulled out of the dust bin without having to unclip sections or empty it first, so this is a good one to choose if you like minimal maintenance.

There’s only one power level but it works well for both hard and soft floor cleaning, and means you won’t have to think about what floor type you’re cleaning. We found it actually performed better on carpet than hard floors, with dust and debris picked up in two passes on the soft floor and a couple more required for removing all the dust and debris from our vinyl floor. The dust bin was easy to remove and replace, plus there’s a slider that pushes the contents without the need to bang it on the side of the bin. However, we noticed that it still dropped a little dust when we were finished emptying. Other features we liked were that the battery detaches for charging, there’s a carrying handle for moving it from room to room, plus there’s a cleaning tool for the brush bar so you won’t have to resort to scissors.

Style can be lacking in cordless vacuums, with function placed ahead of form. However, Lupe’s compact Pure Cordless is a beautiful mix of both. Not only does it boast a versatile design, it looks sleek, so you could park it in the corner of a room (as it’s self-standing) without it looking incongruous. It has on-board storage for accessories—a crevice tool and an upholstery tool—and can be used as an upright or a ‘carry’ mode with the hose and wand to give extra reach with the tools (although sadly not as a handheld). It also has a brush bar that can be switched off when required. Meanwhile, three power levels, eco, normal and max, give a good choice of suction. The battery can also be removed for charging or if you want to extend its runtime with another.

The control buttons aren’t as well-designed. They’re on the front of the machine, meaning you’ll have to tip it before turning it on. Illuminated plus and minus buttons correspond to the power levels, so it’s not always easy to know which one you’re on until you get used to the machine. The final button is for the brush bar. It’s on by default, which is frustrating if you’re only cleaning hard floors. We found it worked incredibly well on hard floors and cleaning tiled floors without the brushes in eco mode, picking up both dust and debris with ease. Soft floors were different; we needed the boost mode and brushes to pick up debris, but this wasn’t enough for dust—we could still see residue in the carpet. We also felt that the upholstery brush could use improvement as it didn’t pick up pet hair well. Emptying was straightforward—the bin clipped off and back on easily, and discharged the contents without mess or clumping.

How we tested the best cordless vacuums

To help you find the best cordless vacuum for you, our selection includes stick vacuums at a range of price points, from good-value models suitable for those shopping to a budget to investment machines that’ll leave your hard floors and carpets scrupulously clean. We've covered plenty of options so you’ll find the most popular brands as well as a few you might be less familiar with.

Each model has been rated on a variety of different factors, including its size, weight and design, how well its tools worked, ease of maintenance and value for money. Ease of use for each cordless vacuum was an important factor, so we also assessed it for how simple it was to assemble, how intuitive the controls are and what it was like to use over an extended period of time.

We’ve spent several hours testing the cleaning power for each model too: using both fine dust and larger debris on both hard and soft floors, cleaning in its standard mode unless otherwise noted. The included tools have been tested as well—how easy each one is to fit and detach, and whether they come with storage or if you’ll have to find a place for them to live while the vacuum is in use. Some models are geared towards hard floors while others will switch between carpet and hard flooring automatically, or have a button that ramps up cleaning performance on soft flooring.

How to choose the best cordless vacuum for you

• Size and weight—most cordless vacuum cleaners tend to be light to lift compared to uprights or cylinders, however, they can still vary in weight, with some being much lighter than others. If you plan to carry it around the house, rather than having a second vacuum for upstairs, for example, look for one that’s compact, has separate tool storage, or is lighter than most.
• Tools—just like a full-sized corded vacuum cleaner, many cordless models come with a range of tools for vacuuming upholstery, radiators, dusting, and cleaning crevices and corners. You’ll also find motorized attachments on certain models. Some tools will be stored on the vacuum cleaner itself, while others come with a storage bag or can be housed on the charging station. Think about which ones you’ll use the most before buying.
• Emptying—many cordless vacuums are bagless, with a clip-on canister that can be easily emptied into the bin. However, there are a few bagged models available, so if you prefer this method, there are still some good choices on the market.
• Running time—while the battery life of cordless vacuums has improved greatly, most maximum run times are still only 40-60 minutes, with recharging taking several hours. If you have a large house or often use the boost mode that drains the battery faster, look for a model that comes with a spare battery you can keep charged so you’re ready to carry on cleaning straight away.
• Budget—cordless vacuums can vary greatly in price, so think about how much you want to spend before you buy – or get hunting for those Dyson vacuum deals. On average, prices for a basic model start at around £100 (ideal if you’re on a budget, need a second vacuum for an upper floor or are buying for a first home or a student) but they can easily reach £600 and over for a high-powered, fully tooled up model with heaps of extra tech.

Are cordless vacuums as powerful as corded vacuums?

While there are some cordless vacuum cleaners that lack cleaning power, some of the best cordless vacuums will clean as well as one that’s plugged in. It’ll definitely be less of an issue if you have mostly hard floors, but if you have carpet, be aware that cordless vacuum cleaners don’t fare quite as well as those that are corded. Which tested dust pick-up on carpet for robot, cordless and corded vacuum cleaners and found that the best corded picked up 86%, cordless 83% and robots 50%*. On average, cordless vacuums sucked up just 41% of dust from carpet, compared to 70% for corded vacuums.

We asked cleaning and tile professionals how to clean grout and then we put their top tips to the test to find out which was the best and easiest method to get the job done. 

Most people know how to clean a bathroom and get the kitchen clean quickly and easily on a day-to-day basis, but it's jobs that are done less frequently, like cleaning the grout between the tiles, that tend to leave people looking for professional help.

Grout fills in the voids left between tiles. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it prevents moisture and contaminant build-up while supporting the tiles, keeping them in place. It should be cleaned often to keep it in good condition.

Having dirty grout not only looks bad, but it can also be a potential health hazard too - harbouring bacteria and allowing mould to grow. The longer you leave grout between cleans the harder it will be to get it back to that fresh, white or new colour and so knowing how to clean grout quickly and easily is essential for keeping it in the best condition possible. 

What is the best thing to use to clean grout?

It's important to bear in mind before you start cleaning your grout that some products are too harsh for grout and the tile it surrounds, and they can cause it to crumble over time.

There are a lot of ways to clean grout using basic household products, like baking soda and white vinegar, and it's best to start with the mildest of cleaning products and then work up to stronger ones.

"It is important to make sure that you are cleaning your surfaces with the right kinds of products," a spokesperson from CTD Tiles reiterated to woman&home. 

"You should avoid using harsh cleaners such as dedicated kitchen cleaning sprays as they can be detrimental to the appearance of your tiles, causing the grout to crumble from the joints and making it harder to clean the grout down the line as well."

We tested all of the products to clean grout suggested by tile and cleaning experts and we found that a simple combination of baking soda and white vinegar worked best to clean grout, followed by a non-toxic surface cleaner to wash away the residue and leave the tiles sparkling. 

Whatever method you use to clean grout you will need a good stiff brush — there are plenty of specific grout brushes you can buy online, but you can use any brush as long as it has some stiff bristles. Scrubbing with a toothbrush or grout brush can help you get out some of the most stubborn stains.

How to clean grout according to professionals 

Before you start cleaning your grout, remember to completely rinse off any prior attempts at cleaning. Accidentally combining cleaning products could result in the creation of toxic gas. 

When we tested the professional's recommended ways to clean grout, we found the most effective method was to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar mixed together and then a small grout brush to scrub the natural mixture into the grout to get the dirt out.

The chemical reaction from the vinegar and baking soda does most of the work for you, but don't be afraid to put a little muscle into your cleaning efforts for sparkling results! 

When you're satisfied the grout is clean, be sure to wipe the surfaces over with a clean damp cloth to remove all traces of the vinegar solution. We actually finished our clean by wiping some Method multi-surface concentrated cleaner, neat, over our tiles and grout. This not only ensured that the grout and tiles were well cleaned but it also left the bathroom smelling great afterwards, eliminating the sour smell left by the vinegar. So we'd really recommend getting a non-toxic surface cleaner for when you've finished cleaning your grout (we like the refreshing Lotus Flower and Sage fragrance from Method best). 

How to clean grout in 4 simple steps:

1. First, spray warm water along the grout lines. Then - just like brushing your teeth - use your brush to scrub the grout in a circular motion. This will dislodge any lingering, top-level dirt or mould.
2. Next add equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda to a small tub or bowl. When first mixed this will create a fizzing foam. Give it a few minutes and once it is done foaming, use your brush to scrub the mixture onto the tiles. 
3. When you've finished scrubbing and are satisified with the level of cleanliness achieved, rinse the grout and tiles with plain water.
4. To finish, use a non-toxic surface cleaner and either spray or wipe the product over your tiles and grout and then rinse. This should help get rid of any leftover baking soda or vinegar and also leaving your room smelling nice, washing away any smell left from the vinegar. 

What to do if it still isn't clean

If you've left your grout uncleaned for some time, or the grout itself is very old, getting it clean and back to its fresh, white origins might take a little bit more work. 

If the combination of baking soda, white vinegar and a non-toxic surface cleaner don't do the trick, then CTD tiles recommend investing in a dedicated grout cleaner like lithofin grout clean:

"Using a dedicated grout cleaner such as lithofin grout clean will be a life changer, as it is specifically designed to remove stains, without harming the compound of the grout."

If a dedicated grout cleaner doesn't work, as a last resort you could try an oxygen bleach product. There are many brands of oxygen bleach, the best-known is probably OxiClean. Follow the directions on the box and make sure the area you are using it in is well vented to reduce the fumes. Rinse the product off your tiles thoroughly after using it and wipe down walls or surfaces using a gentle sponge or dishcloth.

Cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch, Sophie Hinchliffe, has just released her fourth book and its already broken records.

The Instagram star found fame sharing cleaning tips and tricks and now has nearly four million loyal followers.

But fame hasn't come easy and there has been to making millions that she could have never anticipated. She gets trolled on forums about her looks, parenting, family and much more. This led her to a battle with anxiety. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said, "I know I should ignore them, but when you get told the same thing over and over again – 'Your voice is horrendous', 'Your face is wonky', 'Your hands are disgusting' – there’s only so many times you can ignore it without wondering if it’s true."

Her previous books have all been practical, largely about cleaning. But this one is an honest account of how her life changed as she rose to fame, "This book isn’t about dust-busting, it’s myth-busting", she says. she laughs. With help from a ghostwriter, she says it was like therapy having to recount her feelings.

Many people must be able to relate to her as the book has already become the biggest single-week seller of any title this year to date.

On Instagram, she wrote: "My followers deserve a bit of what you're asking for, which is me as Sophie and the life behind Mrs Hinch, so I've been working on my very own memoir to be able to put everything: the amazing highs but also the lows that have come with becoming Mrs Hinch.I don't address much on my stories purely because I don't want to burden you with it, but it seems like now is the best time. My very own memoir! Thank you Penguin for allowing me the opportunity to put everything into one place: the good, the bad, the amazingness and some of the dark lows which have come with this journey. But most of all I hope it answers everything that you have been asking me for… This is me!"