WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Your time is precious! These are the secrets to using it wisely and still getting the best clean

WHOLE HOUSE DUST BEFORE YOU VACUUM

As you dust, particles fall to the floor, so do that first – otherwise you’ll undo all your hard work.

FOCUS ON THE HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS

Instead of vacuuming the whole living room every time, just do the most-trodden path – it’ll save you time.

STORE YOUR SUPPLIES WHERE YOU USE THEM

It’s called efficiency! Kitchen products should be kept under the kitchen sink, and it helps to put microfibre cloths in the bathroom. You can get small jobs done fast if you have the kit to hand rather than traipsing to the cleaning cupboard to find what you need. If you had to go to the cupboard every time, you’d forget all about the smudges of toothpaste on the bathroom sink (not that we’d blame you for that).

BATHROOM TOILET BOWL CLEANER CAN WORK WHILE YOU SLEEP

Bleach the bowl before you go to bed, and in the morning, just brush and flush.

KEEP A CLOTH TO HAND

Put it underneath your bathroom sink to buff mirrors and windows and lift water spots.

MAKE YOUR MICROWAVE CLEAN ITSELF…

…Unless you like the arm workout you get from scrubbing it. An easier way is to fill a mug with water and put it inside, cook on high for one minute and let the steam loosen the grime. You’ll be able to wipe it off much more easily afterwards. And you know that distinctive microwave smell? Fill a teacup with lemon juice and run the microwave for a minute to get rid of it. Freshness reigns again!

DENTURE CLEANER ISN’T ONLY FOR GRAN

Use the tablets to remove stains from enamel pots and pans, coffee mugs and teacups, as well as sludge from the bottom of vases – in fact, it’s brilliant for cleaning cut glass. You can also drop one tablet into a small glass of water and let your diamonds soak for 10-15 minutes (but don’t use it on silver or pearls because it can cause damage).

BEDROOM DON’T LET THE SMELLS TAKE OVER

Sprinkle baking soda in the laundry basket to make any laundry less whiffy. This way, you won’t be forced to do the wash until you’re good and ready.