labour saving devices for a failing domesticated goddess

[Memoo]

How I long to be the Anthea Turner of the North but alas I find myself locked in a desperate battle to keep on top of the house work! And at present I am losing th ebattle

So fess up and share your No 1 couldn't-do-without housework aid so that i can pinch all your ideas and be the number one housewife in the north

1)roomba & scooba
2)steam generator iron
3)housekeeper

have the mother of all clear outs - be ruthless, anything not used/worn/loved for past 6months-1yr bin it/freecycle/carboot/ebay/charity shop it

Always swore I wouldn't give into this one, but recently pushed my environmental concerns under a rug and bought a tumble dryer. Wow it's brilliant!!! (Sorry - not a very innovative response )

funkypea as long as its not used on scorching days and always with a full load am sure you can forgive yourself

have also myself recently given in to tumble dryer and dishwasher lure

Put things away after you use them and clear up as soon as you've finished something. That way the house doesn't ever get really really messy.

I find little and often is easier to do that massive sort outs, tidy ups and cleans once a week/month or whatever.

Also, trian your DCs to clean and tidy up, use a hoover, dust, sort laundry, fold laundry, sort clean underwear and put away, and then all you have to do is oversee it all and delegate

I'd second roomba. Like the look of the Scooba too - may get dh one for his birthday .I bought white and black Ikea laundry bins so everyone including 4yo puts laundry in the right place. I only buy fresh food for 2 days at a time - saves lots of waste for me and things don't get to lurk in the fridge. Scrub free and shower clean from Lakeland are fantastic. Robomop for kids' floors - great for doing under the beds. Those microfibre gloves from Lakeland are great for small mirrors and light fittings..... aargh, just realised I'm morphing into Anthea. Off to plump up my cushions and bake some biscuits!

definately want one of those housekeeper thingies

But what a 'roomba & scooba' am i missing out on something dead good?