To feel seriously overwhelmed by the task in front of me?

Do you have a garden kneeler knocking around? Well done on all your hard work 👏

But hands and appropriate for someone struggling with mh issues. Quite frankly, when you’re struggling, you do whatever you need to to achieve anything.

I've not managed very much at all today. But with a rest day and reading your thread I'm properly motivated for tomorrow. I rarely get free space like this so I'm on it 😁😁

That’s great! Well done!

It's mighty stuff @CaptainCabinetsTrappedInCabinets

@FloordrobeIsGoingToGetME

Why does ChatGPT always have to spit out such an incredibly overwhelmingly enormous list 😂Is it just me that feels more overwhelmed after reading something like that than before starting??

OP - my tip would be to go and watch some videos by Aurikateriina or similar on youtube. She cleans some seriously filthy houses and she has some excellent cleaning tips which aren't bizarre - she uses a small selection of products and suggests alternatives if you don't have them. I can't be bothered faffing around with toothpaste and hairspray and all the other things - just simple ordinary stuff that is probably already in my cleaning cupboard. (I don't mind buying a wonder product like the sugar soap sounds like!) Also, after you've watched a few videos you see the process is basically the same every time - remove debris/rubbish, soak with some kind of hot water and detergent combination. Sometimes leave to soak (love her cling film tip for this). Scrub and/or scrape. Wipe clean. It's very soothing and repetitive.

Personally, I wouldn't bother cleaning tops of cupboards, or underneath appliances. Nobody ever looks there. Focus on the bits you'll actually see, then it won't be so overwhelming.

Do you have a family member or friend who could help you?
My mum is my go to for help for this kind of thing. When left to my own devices I don’t get much done, my mum motivates me to keep going!

Yeah as any dust etc from ceilings, light-headed or high shelves will go to the floor. So you don't want to have cleaned that first only to have to do it again after

When you do the tops of the cupboards, line them with newspaper or something. Next time you clean up there you ony have to change the paper!

Get your boys to clean up after themselves. Every single time.

You need ‘goblin tools’.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

we live in the SE, so everything is expensive. But oven cleaning is still reasonably cheap & makes a huge difference to have it done properly.

@TeenLifeMum

yrs very wasteful and totally unnecessary.

Yes or you can get it in powder form and mix with water which I prefer

Start with the kitchen and do the most “visible” jobs first to motivate you. I’d go…

First, washing up - dry, put away and clean sink with something that smells nice.

Second - wipe counters, table etc.

Thirdly, empty bin

at this point it should look ok ish already so move on to…

Then, wipe down tops of cupboards.

Next, give counter tops another run over if needed.

Now, sweep and mop floor. I’ve seen people use a wet sweeping brush to give the floor a good scrub with hot water and cleaner of some sort before mopping as a soft mop is often not abrasive enough to really clean.

Listening to music should help and set a timer too. Work out a treat once you’ve done the kitchen.

Save the other jobs for another day and do one or two per day.

I decided I need to clean my whole house. I have a fatigue condition but also want it done...

And I'm still in bed cos I'm overwhelmed...

Preferable to cleaning it

Flash fluffy duster on a handle thing. Other brands are available! Gets between the slats perfectly.

You can also get reusable microfibre versions.

I asked ChatGPT to give instructions for throughly cleaning your kitchen, OP.

Here's what it said!

Tackling a kitchen that hasn't been cleaned in a while can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps will make the task much more achievable. Here's a professional step-by-step guide to help you thoroughly clean your kitchen.

Step 1: Preparation and Gathering Supplies

Before you start, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies:

• Trash bags
• Recycling bags/bins
• Dish soap
• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Degreaser
• Disinfectant spray
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Microfiber cloths/rags
• Sponges/scrub brushes
• A bucket
• Mop and floor cleaner
• Vacuum or broom and dustpan
• Rubber gloves

Step 2: Declutter the Counters and Surfaces

1. *Remove All Items:* Start by clearing off your countertops. Remove everything, including small appliances, dishes, and other items. Place them on a table or another counter.

1. *Sort Through Items:* As you remove items, sort them into three categories: Keep, Toss, Donate/Sell. This includes old or expired food, broken utensils, and things you no longer use.

1. *Dispose of Trash:* Immediately throw away any trash and recycling. If you have food waste, remove it from the kitchen to avoid any lingering odors.

1. *Put Away Non-Kitchen Items:* If you find items that don’t belong in the kitchen, put them in a box or basket to be relocated later.

Step 3: Clean the Sink and Dishes

1. *Wash All Dishes:* If there are dirty dishes, wash them now. If you have a dishwasher, load it and start the cycle. Hand wash any items that are too delicate or large.

1. *Clean the Sink:* Sprinkle baking soda in the sink and scrub with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly, then use a bit of dish soap to clean the faucet and handles. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth.

1. *Disinfect the Sink:* After cleaning, spray the sink with a disinfectant and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Step 4: Clean Cabinets, Drawers, and Shelves

1. *Empty Cabinets and Drawers:* Start with one section at a time. Empty out all items from your cabinets, drawers, and shelves.

1. *Wipe Down Interiors:* Use a damp cloth with an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the inside of each cabinet, drawer, and shelf. Pay extra attention to corners and any sticky spots.

1. *Organize and Replace Items:* As you return items to their places, consider reorganizing for better functionality. Discard anything expired or that you no longer need.

1. *Clean Exterior Surfaces:* Wipe down the exterior of cabinets and drawers, paying special attention to handles, where grime tends to build up.

Step 5: Clean Appliances

1. *Refrigerator:*

1. *Oven/Stove:*

1. *Microwave:*

1. *Small Appliances:* Wipe down the exteriors of your toaster, coffee maker, and other small appliances with a damp cloth. Clean the interior if needed, like removing crumbs from the toaster.

Step 6: Clean Countertops and Backsplash

1. *Wipe Down Countertops:* Use a suitable cleaner for your countertop material (granite, laminate, etc.). Pay special attention to corners and edges.

1. *Clean the Backsplash:* Use a mild cleaner or degreaser to wipe down the backsplash, especially if it’s tiled or near the stove, where grease may accumulate.

Step 7: Clean the Floors

1. *Sweep/Vacuum:* Start by sweeping or vacuuming the entire floor to remove crumbs and debris. Don’t forget to get under appliances and cabinets.

1. *Mop:* Fill a bucket with warm water and a suitable floor cleaner. Mop the floor, starting from the farthest corner and working your way out of the kitchen. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. *Wipe Down Light Fixtures and Switches:* Dust and wipe down any light fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets with a damp cloth.

1. *Clean Windows and Glass:* Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean any windows, glass doors, or mirrors in the kitchen.

1. *Take Out Trash:* Ensure all trash and recycling are removed from the kitchen.

1. *Replace Items:* Return small appliances and items to the countertops in an organized manner. Try to keep counters as clear as possible to maintain a tidy look.

Step 9: Step Back and Enjoy

Finally, take a moment to admire your hard work! Maintaining this cleanliness will be easier now that you’ve done the heavy lifting. Consider setting up a regular cleaning schedule to keep the kitchen in good shape.

Bonus Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness

• *Daily:* Wipe down counters, wash dishes, and clean the sink.
• *Weekly:* Clean appliances and mop the floor.
• *Monthly:* Deep clean cabinets, drawers, and the fridge.

By breaking the task into these steps, you'll be able to manage the process more easily and see progress as you go, making it less overwhelming and more rewarding.