There's no time like the present to seek out some fresh new tips on cleaning and give the home a deep clean. In fact, research has found 82%* of Brits have experienced ‘mess stress’ at one point or another and that mothers living in cluttered homes have more of the stress hormone cortisol present. So with all of this considered, having a clean and tidy home can really help to lift those January blues.
To help, we’ve put together the following cleaning tips to kick off the new year, including top cleaning habits and the must-do-now cleans to keep things on track for the rest of the year.
How to Plan a Deep Clean
We all dread the new year clean, but with the right approach to getting it done, you’ll feel so much more relaxed and ready for the year ahead. And, once the big, deep clean is out of the way, you can keep things ticking over quite easily with simple planning and a few quick wins.
One of the great things about the new year is that it gives us the chance to take stock at home; finally having the time and motivation to clear the clutter and also to find a new home for all the gifts and toys received over Christmas.
With things looking a little less chaotic, you can pick a date when you’ll devote the hours and go for it. This way, you can make sure you have everything you need to complete the clean.
Always start at the top of your home and work down, and within each room start with the ceilings and the light fixtures first before moving down to the windows, surfaces, skirting boards and finally hoovering the carpets or floors.
This way you ensure all the dust is collected and you minimise disturbing pockets of dust that can fall onto clean surfaces.
The bathroom is probably one of the rooms we avoid the most but it’s the one space in the home where we can really have some alone time to relax and unwind, so making it look and smell amazing will do wonders for your mood.
Pay attention to your bathroom taps and also your shower head as keeping these clean can also contribute to heat and water efficiency.
Wondering where to start? Check out our blog on How to Clean a Bathroom.
The key thing to remember is to take it slow and steady. Many of us feel overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning but the reward at the end is definitely worth pushing through and getting it done!
What about cleaning at the end of the year? Take a read of our: The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for Christmas
Want to know the secrets to a neat and tidy home? Our cleaning expert reveals 6 cleaning tips to save you time and effort.
Top 5 New Year Cleans
If you’re not sure where to start, here are our top new year cleans to give you the motivation to get going.
1. Corners High and Low
Find time to focus on the corners of your home both high and low as this is where you’ll find a collection of dust and debris, as well as lingering spiderwebs. Use the spout nozzle of your hoover or for harder to reach areas a broom will do the trick! Do this monthly to keep on top of it.
2. Taps
Spend some time to clean all the taps around your home, such as in the bathroom, kitchen and utility areas. Bathroom taps are one of the areas that can harbour the most germs, and can contain escherichia coli (e. coli) and other faecal types of bacteria. That’s because the damp and humid conditions of a bathroom are a perfect breeding ground for these types of bacteria - and the bathroom tap is often the first thing people touch after they go to the toilet.
Drying your tap with a microfibre cloth after use will prevent limescale, which is especially recommended if you have hard water. Clean regularly with hot water and a soft cloth to keep on top of stains and watermarks. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, especially if you have a special finish to your tap like brushed brass.
3. Carpets
You may hoover daily but having a deeper clean of your carpets can prevent the build-up of allergens and bacteria. It also protects the lifespan of your carpet, helping it to look fresh and new for longer.
A proper carpet clean can also help to eliminate odours making your room smell better. If you have stains that need attention, then there’s a cheap diy method that can really help. Simply mix one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and add a teaspoon of washing up liquid. Spray onto the stain and let it work its magic for 10 minutes, then use a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush to work the stain. Wash the solution off with a cold, damp microfiber cloth by dabbing the stain - don’t rub!
4. Shower head
Keeping your shower head clean is really important. If you've found that the flow of your shower is lower than it used to be or the water is no longer coming out straight, chances are your shower head is clogged up with dirt and mineral deposits.
To clean well, scrub off loose dirt or limescale with a scouring sponge or old toothbrush. Then, fill a plastic sandwich bag with white vinegar and submerge the shower head inside. Secure the bag with an elastic band so it stays in place and leave it to soak for around an hour. Remove the shower head from the bag and run the hot water to clean out any deposits which may be trapped around the nozzles. Finally, using your old toothbrush or scourer, scrub off any excess dirt or limescale that hasn’t been removed by the vinegar. You can then rinse the shower head with a separate tap to remove any last mineral deposits and that vinegar smell.
5. Fridge
The fridge is probably one of the most used appliances around the home, and even more so around the festive period. So, giving it a good clean at the start of the year is important. You want to do this quickly but efficiently to ensure no food is spoiled in the process. I like to do this just before my weekly big shop so that it’s nice and clean for all the fresh food. But if you don’t shop as regularly then giving your fridge a good clean once a month is still enough.
First, empty the fridge completely and remove salad trays. Fill the sink with warm (not hot) water and a little washing up liquid, soak a clean cloth and use it to wipe around all the shelves, including underneath. Hot water may raise the temperature of the fridge too much so it’s best to use the warm water or alternatively, cold water with a fridge safe sterile solution. Clean trays in the sink before returning to the fridge. Close the door and let it cool down before returning your food.
Loving these cleaning tips? Check out even more from Nancy and our other experts by browsing our blog. You’ll find more tips on cleaning as well as interior inspiration, how to guides and lots of helpful information in our buying guides.
*Research conducted in 2021 Research by Diana Spellman, The Realistic Home Organisation Expert
