Need to give the house a Really Good Clean- not sure where to start.

[notasize10yetbutoneday]

Hi All, just looking for some general cleaning advice really.

We've been so busy the past few months weeks that my cleaning has involved nothing more intensive than a quick flick round with a duster and hoover before guests arrive.

I'm now starting to notice a build up of grime eg around doors, skirting boards and in the grout between tiles, bath sealant etc.

I know that its going to takemore than a quick flick to shift it and I wanted some advice really on best method/products to use.

I have a horrible feeling the answer may be 'elbow grease' .

I start in one corner of a room, usually the far one, and literally clean every surface within arms reach.
All you need is a bowl of hot water with a bit of fairy liquid in, and a cloth.

The trick is to do it quickly, rather than laboriously, otherwise you'll get fed up and bored. And stick some brill music on or Adam and Joe to make you laugh...

If a room takes you longer than 15 mins, you're trying too hard.

(Oh, and bathroom - tiles and bath sealant, you might need something stronger than jif or fairy. Once every six months I spray bleach solution (there's a mould and mildew spray you can buy in a green bottle) on the tiles and leave it for half a day. Stinks, but it works. Make sure you wash it off thoroughly with the shower though, and keep a window open.)

Vinegar also works well at getting off limescale etc in the bathroom & down the loo. More green than bleach. Still stinks though. And why tell yourself that you have to do the whole house? Just start with one room - psychologically less trumatic.

Thats a really good tip about starting in one corner of a room and working around methodically. I get bored really easily and tend to stop and start and then later see I've missed bits. No excuses this time!

I do have some of that Mould and Mildew spray- managed to ruin my best towels using it last time as I sprayed it everywhere without clearing the area first- but it really does work doesnt it!|

I think thats it CowWatcher- I've subsconciously been putting it off as the thought of spending a whole day doing it (house not that big, I'm just slow ) is too depressing for words.

Defo just do a room. No-one should contemplate doing a whole house at a time.

I am incapable of doing a whole day of housework, ew.

I'm spring cleaning/clearing my clothes today, which is much more fun.

I start with the kitchen, then the bathrooms, then the other rooms, then hallways.

Usually takes me 3-4 days to do it really properly (do it a couple of times a year).

Hate the thought of it with a passion but it's not too bad once you get going, and once it's done you feel like a Proper Grown Up for about a week

Thats so true! What is it about giving the house a really good clean that makes you feel like a proper grown up?!

I always do the kitchen last that way I have already been round to collect stray cups and glasses. I also tackle a serious clean on one room a day while my son is having his nap. I think this is the lazy streak in me driving me to do a proper job so I don't have to do a major job later on. I also can't stand mess and clutter.

I tend to pick a room and dont stop till I have finished. I have visitors coming on Thurs/fri so needed to get it done.

DH and I repainted the skirting boards and doors at the weekend and it has made all the difference