What non-obvious things make a house feel clean?

[Custardapples]

Obviously you can have a clean sink, loo, etc. but I think there are some non-obvious things that help make a house look and feel clean and I want to know what they are! My house never feels like this and some other people’s homes do. I feel like I’m missing crucial knowledge of how this works.

One thing I’ve just discovered is that the grout between our kitchen floor tiles hasn’t been sealed and that’s why it’s always so grubby. Things like that.

What else can I do to help my house feel clean, fresh and pleasant apart from the obvious?

Thank you!

No kids. Of any bloody age! (Ruefully looks at pile of shoes by front door, pile of board games on lounge floor, door closed on main bathroom that I refuse to go into until September. . .) Yes, the two delights Plus One are home from uni. . .

That was my assumption but people do it, so I thought I must be wrong. Thanks

A carpet clean. Clean cushions and sofa cushions. Clean walls.

Yeah, but people also step out in front of cars when jogging, as was the case on Tuesday with some woman I almost ran over. It doesn't mean it should be replicated by the wider public.

In her case I think I startled her with the over-use of my car horn...I expect she did a Paula Radcliffe en route.

When you see how much black grime comes off it certainly makes you wonder. Worse than cigarettes i think.

Light switches. Mine seem to pick up grubbiness, a quick wipe helps a lot.

If replacing any metal things - appliances, taps, handles, loo flush etc - always go brushed rather than shiny so they don’t show fingerprints and smears.

I’m on the fence about houseplants. Fresh healthy houseplants add a sense of cleanliness yes. But they can be temperamental and do seem to attract small flies or drop bits.

Give your washing machine and dishwasher a cleaning cycle in case of any smells from there. And keep on top of emptying the filter

Magic sponge is good for removing marks from the walls/skirtings

It’s brilliant . You get three bottles for the price and it lasts ages xx

My robo vacuum cleaner hoovers and also mops and its made an enormous difference. I have it set to go on every day.

I keep a jam jar of the paint for each room in the utility room and use it to touch up marks and scuffs. You can sometimes see where I have done it but only if you're really looking for it.

Wash dog and cat bedding every week

Run a dishwasher clean and a washing machine clean every two weeks.

Pull the gunk out from your sinks/bath/shower plug holes regularly. Its grim but it makes a difference.

Clean curtains/cushion covers since they trap smells

I put boiling water and a tiny drop of zoflora into the sink each night and leave it overnight. The kitchen feels fresher in the morning.

vacuum under the beds. Its astonishing how much dust gathers there and the room will feel instantly lighter and fresher.

make sure people don't wear shoes in the house.

Would you mind linking to the model you have please? I have a Eufy but how does the mop work? Do you fill it with detergent? How does it hold enough? How does it get into corners etc?

I can honestly say I have never washed the skirting boards in any house I have ever lived in. I hang my head in shame.

Trickle vents? They’re fab. We had them installed on our windows for free through the Great British Insulation scheme. (We had our loft insulation topped up too.)

I agree with most of what has been said already, expect putting away the toaster and kettle after every use. These are appliances that are used multiple times per day in most households, so it makes sense to keep them on the kitchen surfaces.

Besides, I don’t fancy clearing up a trail of crumbs every time I move the toaster!

Except* sorry!

Besides, I don’t fancy clearing up a trail of crumbs every time I move the toaster!

No, and for that very reason, for many years I had my toaster in a plastic storage box, which I used to take in & out the cupboard, and used the toaster in said box. It worked a treat, but for some reason in the last few years I've taken to keeping the toaster out on the worktop, on a tray.

Can you post a link to the magical window foam please? X

Here you go 🙂

Came to this thread to get some tips as I'm fighting a losing battle trying to tidy up here, your post made me laugh (not in a funny way, but in a wry ",I feel ya!" way as mine's exactly the same.
Definitely sympathise!

No outdoor shoes to be worn indoors! Husband doesnt agree ... in out in out all day

Definitely less clutter. Put most things away. In my bathroom everything g is in a drawer or cupboard. I hate seeing toothbrushes and bottles out. Same in kitchen. Keep surfaces clear for the things you want to see. Is there space for a base of flowers in the kitchen? Are the windows clean?

Get under bed storage and fold the t shirts so they are like cassettes in a drawer. That way he can see them all and you fit more in.

In our bathroom we each have a box that goes in the cupboard under the sink. Each of our boxes contains a person's individual products (shampoo, shower gel etc) including their toothbrush (in a holder that sticks on the side of the box), and things most families share like toothpaste, floss etc.

When you go in the bathroom you take out your box and when you leave you put it back.

Absolutely nothing left on the sides, window ledge, bath etc

Could you link the window mousse please, we're almost finished with a house renovation and the windows are filthy!

Sorry, I see you've already linked it.

I've done the cassettes thing I found on you tube. He trashed it deciding which one to wear

Tip from another thread today - get your OH to defecate elsewhere!

🤣🤣. I'm happy if he shuts the door and opens the window.