Easy ways to speed through the cleaning

We all get busy sometimes and don't manage to stay on top of the little tasks that keep a home neat and hygienic. Before you know it, returning your home to its once-clean state seems like a huge undertaking.

No one wants to spend an entire day cleaning up, so to help you get the job done, here are eight steps to help you get your home looking spick and span, pronto.

1. Gather your equipment together

To avoid having to dash back to your cleaning cupboard over and over, grab a bucket to carry everything in: rubber gloves, cloths, multi-surface cleaner, window cleaning spray, kitchen towels, and bin bags.

2. Start with the high traffic areas

It's a good idea to clean the areas that need it most at the beginning of your allotted cleaning session in case you run out of time or energy later. These are likely to be the kitchen, bathrooms, toilets and hallway.

A quick tidy and vacuum can work wonders in a hallway and if any guests coming to visit will only be using a downstairs bathroom, start here before tackling upstairs bathrooms.

3. If you get easily distracted...

Can't stop checking your phone or staring at the TV when you're supposed to be cleaning? Set a timer for half an hour of uninterrupted cleaning. If you really need something to entertain you as you work, try putting on some music or a podcast — you'll be amazed at how this can make cleaning time go faster.

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4. Prevent dirt from building up

It may sound obvious, but the easiest way to keep your home clean is to prevent mess from building up in the first place. You can do this by:

Getting everyone to take shoes off at the door
Use doormats for all external doors (including conservatory sliding doors)
Buy sink and plug covers to minimise the risk of blockages
Wipe as you go so dirt doesn’t have the chance to build-up.

5. Keep a black sack or cupboard box

For things that you don't use anymore, like books you've already read or clothes you no longer wear, keep a black bag or cardboard box in the cupboard under the stairs so they're ready to go for your next trip to the charity shop.

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6. Delegate

There’s absolutely no reason to assume you have to do everything yourself (even if you know you’ll do the best job!). Give yourself a break and share tasks around the family – think of it as passing on a life skill. And remember, they might not do it to your standards, but sometimes it's good to let go and give others the chance to help out.

7. Use all the tools at your disposal!

Use a dash of rinse aid in a bucket of water to clean windows.
To clean slatted blinds more easily, rinse an old, clean sock in hot soapy water, put your hand in with your thumb in the heel, then pinch and glide down the length of the slat.
Wear rubber gloves, dampen them, and run your hands on upholstered furniture to remove pet hair. Then plunge your rubber-gloved hands into hot water and watch the pet hair float off.