We all want to live in a beautiful home, but not all of us put enough effort into making our wishes come true. It seems that no matter how much time we spend cleaning our homes, we are still surrounded by clutter. Whether you spend 2 hours or 15 minutes cleaning your home, the result is pretty much the same, but you can get the job done faster and more efficiently with a specific plan.


And remember that cleaning your home should be a pleasure, not a chore!


Here are some tips to help you get your home in order not only quickly, but also with quality. Of course, having the right tools will help you get the job done much faster, as all the tips are suitable for regular tidying. But if you need to prepare your home from scratch, it is better to hire a cleaner.


Don't waste time


While some people deal with music, dancing and trying on clothes, others do things quickly and systematically. Of course, if you don't want to take up your whole day cleaning your house, then try not to get distracted and keep your mind off extraneous activities.


The right tools and instruments


If you want to clean a room quickly, you need special tools to speed up the cleaning process. Hand over ineffective tools to your enemy, wear clothes that you are not afraid to get dirty and brave the dust. There is an extremely wide range of products available in the supermarket today. The more time you spend searching, the more suitable products you will find. The key is to have a wide range of products and a tool for different cleaning needs.


From top to bottom


Cleaners know that cleaning should be done from top to bottom. This is the only way to remove all the dust and, most importantly, to avoid having to clean the same areas several times. It's very interesting when you first clean the floor and then decide that you need to remove the cobwebs in the corners of the walls. In this case, you have to clean the floor again. So remember this rule.


Dry first, wet second


It seems that everyone should know, but I wonder if everyone does, that dust and dirt should be wiped off with a dry cloth first and then wet. Sweep the floor first, then clean it. It all seems very basic and clear. The work will be done quickly and effortlessly.


Try to outdo yourself


If you try to do the job faster each time, you will end up outdoing yourself. So, tidying up can be like a sport.


Teamwork is a great way to get things done faster


Finally, if you want to get things done much faster, we recommend forming a team at home. No woman is a housekeeper, and getting things done with the whole family will not only be quicker, but also more enjoyable. It may sound strange, but it can be an activity that brings everyone in the family together. You will always feel comfortable around your family and you will be successful in your work.


Each room requires a certain amount of attention. If you want to tidy up your house quickly, make an effort. If the house has been cleaned very thoroughly in the past, all you need to do now is a minimal amount of dusting and other dirt.


Kitchen

Disinfect food shelves. Remove all food before doing so.

Scrub the sink.

Clean the windowsills.

Clean all appliances.


Bedroom

Change the bed linen.

Organise both wardrobes and closets.

Dust the items in the room.

Finally, clean the floor.


Living room

Dust the sections and shelves. Remove all items beforehand.

Clean windowsills and radiators.

With a vacuum cleaner or other cleaning tools, try to vacuum or wipe down upholstered furniture. Shake out bedspreads.


Bathroom, toilet and hallway

You can clean everything easily if you buy special products.

The most important thing is to wipe all glass surfaces very well. Removing lime stains will make the whole room look much nicer.

The toilet must be disinfected with particular care.

Clean corridors with special wood or tile cleaners.


Quick home improvement plan


Getting your house in order quickly and correctly is easy if you know how to do it. Here's a very minimal plan to help you understand the process that will help you effectively remove surface dust in your home. One cleaning plan per room. Tidy up as you go through the rooms so that you don't have to go back to them.


TIDY UP (5 min): magazines, dusting, cobwebs, pets and children's toys, shaking pillows and other jobs that don't require cleaners or tools.


WASH (15 min): wash floors, walls, objects (bath, toilet, mirrors, etc.). We use special cleaners and wear gloves to avoid damaging our skin.


WE CLEAN DUST: from shelves, cupboards and other furniture on which unpleasant dust tends to accumulate particularly actively. It is important to clean them particularly often, as they can even cause allergies.


THROW THINGS AWAY AND PUT THEM AWAY. Every item has its place, so make sure you organise things in a way that makes your home look tidy. Also, put the rubbish that you think you no longer need and should go in the bin in one bag.



RECEPTION. If you are expecting guests soon, make sure you have enough towels, toilet paper, etc.


Effective housekeeping depends on concentration, having a plan and having the tools. Everyone can live a clean life, no matter how many people are in the house, and no matter how many people are in the room. The most important thing to remember is that the more often you clean your home, the easier your weekend tidying will be. This way you won't have to spend a lot of time on it, especially as it's always easy to wipe off superficial stains.


Stay safe, stay clean

with Cleaning Queen

New year cleans in September!
by Danielle Navarro 3 September 2025
New year cleans in September!
Should I prep for my cleaner
by Danielle Navarro 4 August 2025
Whether you're welcoming a cleaner for the first time or having a regular clean, knowing how to prepare your home for a cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and improve results. As an established cleaning company serving homes across East Anglia, we’ve compiled our top recommendations to help you get the most from every visit. We understand that not everyone is able to prep and you definitely don't have to, it's your own preference but it does save time, therefore money and your cleaner can complete more cleaning rather than tidying. Why Preparation Matters Hiring a professional cleaning service doesn’t mean you need to scrub before they arrive—but a few simple steps can help cleaners focus on the cleaning. Our customers often ask: Do I need to tidy up before a cleaner arrives? Should I leave out my own cleaning products? Will they clean around clutter or organise things? This blog answers those questions and more. 1. Tidy Up, Don’t Deep Clean You don’t need to clean before the cleaners—that’s our job! But light tidying is highly recommended. What to do: Pick up toys, clothes, paperwork, or other clutter from floors and countertops. Wash up any dishes and put away. Remove personal items from bathroom counters. Why? Tidying frees up surfaces and floors so cleaners c an vacuum, dust and polish eff iciently without needing to move lots of items. 2. Clear Kitchen & Bathroom Surfaces Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most time-intensive areas to clean—especially in UK homes where limescale and grime build up quickly. What helps: Remove dirty dishes and food items from counters. Take toothbrushes, razors, or cosmetics off the sink area. Keep on top of stray hairs. Pro tip: use a squeegee after showering to remove the water and reduce limescale building up. 3. Secure Pets & Provide Access At Cleaning Queen we love pets—but they can be distracting. On the day of cleaning: Let us know if pets will be home (especially if they’re reactive or nervous). Keep pets in a separate room or garden if possible. Ensure keys, alarm codes, or access instructions are communicated in advance if you won’t be in. Some clients also leave out pet-safe floor sprays—we're happy to use these when requested. 4. Make Special Requests in Advance Want us to focus on skirting boards, deep bathroom scrubbing, or skip a certain room? Just let us know. Best practice: Message or email requests or you can let your cleaner know on the day if you wish as long as it fits within the timescale booked. Label any areas that should be avoided (e.g. work-from-home offices) 5. Leave Out Products (If Required) While Cleaning Queen bring their own products, clients w ith allergies, eco concerns, or pets may prefer to supply their own. We use our clients vacuum and mop so please either advise us where these are kept or leave them out for your cleaner. Options: Leave out preferred products (e.g. Method, Ecover, Zoflora) and tools (like your own mop or vacuum). Speak to your cleaner or leave a note if certain products should or shouldn't be used in certain rooms. If you’d like us to use your own products just let us know—we’re happy to do this. 6. Prep Payment & Instructions (If You're Out) If you won’t be home during the clean: Provide us with detailed instructions on access and any specific requests in advance Leave payment (if paying by cash) in a clearly labelled envelope. Ensure doors, gates or alarm systems can be operated easily. 7. Don’t Worry About Perfection! Your cleaner isn’t judging your home. We’re here to make life easier, not harder. Life gets messy—especially with children, pets, or a busy schedule. That’s exactly why you asked us to help. We recommend: Keeping open communication. Letting us know what’s most important to you. Booking regular cleans (weekly or fortnightly) for consistently clean results. Preparing for your cleaner’s visit doesn’t need to take long—but a small effort can make a big difference. With a clear space to work and clear instructions, your cleaner can deliver the sparkling results you’re paying for. 
by Danielle Navarro 29 June 2025
The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks: What TikTok Won’t Tell You! In the age of social media, cleaning has gone from a chore to a trend. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of cleaning hacks, DIY solutions, and “CleanTok” time-lapses that promise miraculous results with minimal effort. But while some of these tips are genuinely helpful, others are risky, misleading, or even dangerous. As a professional domestic cleaning company, we’ve seen first hand the consequences of viral cleaning advice gone wrong. Here’s what you—and your home—need to be cautious about. 1. Mixing Chemicals = Hidden Danger One of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes seen in viral videos is mixing household cleaners without understanding the chemical reactions involved. Examples: Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas (toxic when inhaled) Bleach + toilet cleaner = fumes that can burn the lungs Baking soda + vinegar = dramatic fizz, but neutralizes both and does little actual cleaning Just because it foams or smells fresh doesn’t mean it’s effective—or safe! 2. TikTok = Entertainment, Not Expertise Many creators aren’t cleaning professionals. Their content is often designed for views and likes, not safe or effective results. Unvetted advice : Some “hacks” are based on myths or half-truths. One-size-fits-all tips : Using lemon on stone surfaces, for instance, can etch and damage natural materials like marble or granite. Overuse of products : Soaking fabric in disinfectants may lead to skin irritation or fabric damage. Your home deserves more than internet guesswork! 3. Damage to Surfaces & Appliances What looks satisfying in a 15-second video can cost you in repairs. Common Issues: Magic erasers scratch glossy or delicate surfaces if used too harshly. Toilet cleaning bombs (often with blue food dye) stain ceramic and plastic. Foil in the dishwasher trick (to make cutlery “shinier”) can void your warranty or harm filters. What seems like a “cheap trick” can become an expensive mistake! 4. Wasteful or Overcomplicated Routines Some viral hacks involve multiple steps or excessive use of products you don’t need: Using six products where one will do Cleaning routines that take 3–4 hours daily —unrealistic for most Highly fragranced items that trigger allergies or asthma in small homes with poor ventilation Minimalism often wins. Less product, more technique! Safer Alternatives: What We Recommend Instead of jumping on the latest trend, try: Microfibre cloths + warm soapy water for most surfaces Using eco-certified, fragrance-free products for kitchens and bathrooms Following manufacturer guidelines for ovens, floors, and furniture Consulting a professional (like us!) for deep cleans, limescale build up and maintenance cleans Final Thought TikTok hacks might look impressive—but they’re no substitute for real knowledge, experience, and care. At Cleaning Queen, we love innovation—but only when it’s safe, proven, and actually effective. Let’s leave the entertainment to influencers and the elbow grease to the experts!
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