Home cleaning advice from a professional cleaner

With nearly 40 years in the cleaning industry, I’ve seen my fair share of homes in need of a little (or sometimes a lot of) TLC. At Cleaning Technique, we’ve grown to a team of over 100 trusted and experienced staff, and over the decades, we’ve refined our approach to home cleaning, ensuring that every surface sparkles and our clients feel proud of their space.

Whether you’re maintaining a busy family home or preparing for guests, keeping your house clean can be challenging. Here, I’ll share some home cleaning advice that can help you stay on top of your cleaning game, drawing from our years of experience and insights from our incredible team.

1. Start with a plan

Cleaning your home efficiently begins with having a solid plan. One of the most common mistakes is tackling chores without a clear strategy, leading to wasted time and effort. I always recommend starting from the top of a room and working your way down. Dust high surfaces like shelves and light fixtures first, then move on to furniture and finish by vacuuming or mopping the floors. This way, you’ll avoid having to clean twice, as gravity naturally pulls dust and debris downward.

When giving advice on house cleaning, planning also applies to time management. Break your cleaning routine into manageable chunks, focusing on one room or task at a time. This approach not only prevents overwhelm but ensures each area gets the attention it deserves.

2. Declutter first, clean second

A cluttered space is hard to clean and trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of chaotic homes! Before diving into the scrubbing and wiping, spend some time decluttering. This small step makes the actual cleaning process far more effective, as you’re not shifting things around constantly.

Consider using baskets or storage boxes to keep frequently used items organised, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or living room. As we always say at Cleaning Technique, “an organised home is a cleaner home.” This is one of the best house cleaning advice tips we can offer — decluttering first saves so much time and energy later!

3. Invest in quality cleaning products

The tools you use matter just as much as the technique. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that not all cleaning products are created equal. Harsh chemicals can damage surfaces and even pose health risks if used improperly. That’s why in our advice on house cleaning, we advocate for eco-friendly, non-toxic products that are not only safe for your family and pets but also gentle on the environment.

For example, white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can work wonders for everyday cleaning tasks, cutting through grease and leaving a fresh, natural scent. Microfibre cloths are another must-have, as they effectively capture dust without scratching surfaces. Trust me, investing in the right products will save you time and effort in the long run.

This home cleaning advice is especially useful when you want to maintain a healthy, eco-friendly living environment without sacrificing cleanliness.

4. Don’t forget the ‘forgotten’ areas

During my career, I’ve found that many people neglect certain areas of their home, often without realising it. These are the spots that accumulate grime slowly but surely, and by the time you notice, they need serious attention.

Take skirting boards, for example. They might not be in your direct line of sight, but they collect a surprising amount of dust. The same goes for door handles, light switches, and behind large furniture pieces. Regularly cleaning these overlooked areas can make a huge difference in maintaining the overall cleanliness of your home.

If you’re seeking the best house cleaning advice, one important tip is to make sure that these ‘forgotten’ areas are included in your cleaning routine. Consistency in tackling these spots helps prevent long-term grime build-up.

5. Bathrooms and kitchens: focus on hygiene

Bathrooms and kitchens are the two areas of the home where hygiene is absolutely critical. These rooms see the most traffic and, as a result, are prone to bacteria build-up. From my years of experience, I can’t stress enough the importance of regular, thorough cleaning here.

In the kitchen, pay special attention to your sink and countertops, as these can harbour harmful bacteria from food preparation. Wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant after each use, and don’t forget about your fridge and oven, which need cleaning more often than many realise. And change or wash those sponges and cloths regularly, they are breeding grounds for bacteria. If you can, these should be colour-coded as well, to avoid cross-contamination. 

For the bathroom, focus on high-touch surfaces like taps, handles, and the toilet flush. A deep cleaning of tiles and grout is also essential to prevent the build-up of mould and mildew. One of my favourite home cleaning advice tips is to leave the shower door open after each use to let air circulate and reduce moisture, which helps keep mould at bay.

6. Consistency is key

Finally, consistency is the secret to keeping a clean home. Instead of letting tasks pile up, try to incorporate small cleaning habits into your daily routine. Wipe down surfaces after use, vacuum high-traffic areas regularly, and always tackle spills or messes immediately to prevent stains or damage.

As a couple of our clients from Birmingham said: “We have been using Cleaning Technique Ltd for some time now and have always found them very professional and keep to a very high standard.” and “We have used them for over 14 years. Sean and the team are always very attentive and very efficient. If there is very rarely an issue they will sort it out. “ This type of feedback shows the importance of consistency, both from our clients and from our professional cleaners.

If you’re looking for advice on house cleaning, a consistent approach is one of the most reliable strategies for maintaining a clean and healthy home.

7. Go deep

Despite our best intentions, life sometimes gets in the way, and keeping up with cleaning can feel like a full-time job. Not to mention, there are just some areas that will deteriorate over time no matter how fastidious you are from week to week. One of our best house cleaning advice tips is getting some professional help for an annual deep clean can be money very well spent, particularly when it comes to carpets and upholstery. We know that this service is extremely valuable to our commercial clients too. If you have enough on your plate to clean your home, believe me, we understand. So let us take the stress out of worrying about keeping your business premises clean as well. For a free, no-obligation commercial cleaning quote, get in touch today. All our services are personalised and completely bespoke to the needs of your business. So let us shoulder the work at work (pardon the pun) and help to lighten your load.