Inspired by this topic and intrigued by a number of threads, I have been on a bit of a blitz armed with How Clean is your House?. I am horrified to find places that I genuinely had no idea needed cleaning and I am disgusted by the state of some parts of my house. The extractor fan above the hob is a particularly shameful example.
I have never been particularly house proud but did think that the mess was a conscious act of laziness. Now I realise that there are parts of my house that are filthy simply because I had no idea that anything was expected.
Examples are:
Dusting picture rails/door frames;
Washing (as opposed to dusting) skirting boards;
washing paint work other than obvious finger prints;
cleaning the washing machine (the soap dispenser was upsetting);
Lampshades;
Curtains;
tiles;
cupboard doors.
I thought I knew the basics - kitchen surfaces, hob, oven, microwave, fridge, bathroom - everywhere (except tiles - didn't know about that), floors - sweep, mop, hoover etc, light switches, dusting everywhere visible (which is why picture rails never occurred to me). I'm now paranoid that I'm missing some very obvious things and visitors are going to be justifiably appalled.
Can anyone recommend a book? Needs to be basic - ie store flour in glass jars not in a bag rolled down - etc. Alternatively, can anyone suggest areas I may have missed? Be as obvious as you like. I won't feel patronised - just grateful.
I am embarrassed to admit to all of this but decided it was better to come clean (excuse the pun) and ask for help rather than fester!
Thanks!
Steala