Hoovering, dusting, scrubbing the loo... some chores are just part of day-to-day life, while a few times a year we'll pull on the rubber gloves to tackle a bigger job like cleaning the oven.
However, there are some cleaning tasks that are easy to overlook. When was the last time you cleaned the microwave - properly cleaned the microwave? Have you ever actually washed your curtains?
It's easy to let dirt and dust accumulate in these unexpected corners, so make sure you don't miss them next time you're embarking on a deep clean.
Here's a checklist of those cleaning jobs that are easy to forget - but that it pays to remember!
DIY carpet clean
If you want to scrub up your home, then it’s best to begin with the floor. Most of us just use a vacuum on the carpet to remove dust and dirt, but there’s an unusual tool which you may not have thought of that even Mrs Hinch claims does a more thorough job: the squeegee.
Once you’ve blitzed your space with a vacuum, use a squeegee over the carpet to remove any embedded hair and dust. You don’t have to do this every time you clean, but giving it a go once in a while will keep your carpets looking spotless.
Dust off those window dressings
Blinds and curtains build up dust and dirt over time, which can be easy to overlook. A quick, easy and cost-effective way to clean off your blinds is by using an old, damp sock over your hand, then running it over each slat. Once you’re done, simply pop it into the washing machine ready to be used again and again.
For curtains that aren’t too heavy, soak them in cold water, then wash in the machine on a delicate setting, according to the fabric type, for a short spin. If you need to iron them, then it’s best to do so when they’re still damp, while simultaneously stretching the fabric to stop the seams from puckering. Hang them up while they’re slightly damp too, so that they drop back down to the correct length.
Clean the microwave
If we’re cooking a microwavable meal, then it usually means we’re in a hurry. And, once the door shuts on the grime inside, we tend to forget about it until we can’t ignore the mess any longer. But rather than spending time scrubbing away, try our simple trick which will have your appliance looking spotless in no time.
Simply combine lemon, vinegar and water in a bowl, leave it on the highest setting for three minutes in the microwave, then with the door still closed, allow the steam to work its magic for another 10 minutes before wiping the inside down with a wet cloth or sponge.
Get your taps shiny
Limescale can be a real pain when it comes to your kitchen and bathroom taps, but rather than wasting time and energy by scrubbing them, we’ve got a smart solution for you. All you need to do is fill plastic bags with white vinegar, then secure these to the grime with a hairband. Just make sure that the spot which needs attention is completely covered in the vinegar and you leave it for at least two to three hours, or overnight for a really thorough job. Et voilà – the limescale should wipe off easily!
Clean marks off your walls
All homes tend to show a bit of wear and tear now and again, but don’t bother getting the paint out to cover up those marks; just use fabric conditioner instead. A product used for this purpose by the Queen of Clean herself, Mrs Hinch, fabric conditioner has been proven to remove the most stubborn stains on walls and skirting boards, plus it won’t strip off the paintwork.
Buff your windows
Ensuring window glass remains sparkling and streak-free is less about the elbow grease and more about using the right tools for the task. Vinegar shouldn’t be reserved for your salad; it should be part of your cleaning cupboard too! If you live in a hard water area, mix white vinegar with distilled water to prevent any streaks. When it comes to the soap, be sparing with it – you don’t need much to get rid of those grimy fingerprints.
Now all you need to do is dry the windows; your morning read is actually brilliant for cleaning glass, so banish paper towels in favour of black and white newspaper. If there’s still a streak or two left behind, buff them with a microfibre cloth.