We all like to live in a clean and tidy home, but sometimes it can be difficult to know which jobs to start with, and which are going to need extra help. Here are a few top tips on how to make sure your own home is as clean and organised as possible:
Daily Cleaning
Daily chores should be kept on top of before they mount to an unmanageable mess. Usual jobs like wiping down the worktops, making the beds and hoovering through can all be done yourself. But, if you live a busy lifestyle and struggle to keep on top of everything, there are house cleaning services that can help you. The level of service you require can be discussed. So whether you want someone to take care of everything, or just help once or twice a week, it’s worth a call.
Carpets and Upholstery
Hoovering carpets and mopping floors regularly will keep most of the dirt and dust at bay. But it can be a good idea to get professional cleaners in once every now and again, to give carpets a thorough shampoo and cleaning. Send any rugs to the dry cleaners to be washed, as they can be damaged if you try them at home. And hard flooring can be steamed or revarnished.
Laundry
In a busy family, dirty clothes can quickly pile up if unmanaged. Try to keep on top of it all with regular washes, and make sure they really are dirty before they go in the laundry basket. Services are available to iron if you want, or they can take care of all of the washing from start to finish.
Cooking
Meals are a lot simpler when you have pre-planned them. Write a meal plan at the beginning of the week and make sure you stick to the schedule. Writing a grocery list is much easier when you know what meals you have to buy for, and it’s easier to avoid the last minute takeaways when you already know what’s for dinner.
The People’s Garden at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington D.C., on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Volunteer executive master gardeners pitch in several times a week, at various times of the day (before or after work hours, or during lunchtime) to weed, mulch, plant, water and what ever it takes to grow a wide variety of produce. Although a few are ornamental, most are destined for charity kitchens. Located on the corner of Jefferson Dr. SW and 12th St. SW, people often stop to ask questions about the garden. Part of the volunteersÕ training is to be a spokes person for the People’s Garden Initiative, an effort by the USDA that challenges its employees to establish People’s Gardens at USDA facilities worldwide or help communities create gardens. People’s Gardens vary in size and type, but all have a common purpose – to help the community they’re within and the environment. USDA photo by Lance Cheung
Gardening
Weeding and dead-heading are vital for keeping your garden looking it’s best, especially in the summer when plants are most active. Keep your lawn looking lush with regular mowing, and keep hedges trimmed and neat. There are many gardeners and handymen available if you cannot keep up, so call around for help before you give up on your outdoor space.
Cars
Most people use their car nearly every day, and it becomes a lot dirtier than you might imagine. Try not to keep rubbish and belongings in there, and keep anti-bacterial wipes and tissues for any emergency spills. Washing and cleaning your car can be an unpleasant job, but there are many car washing facilities available if you choose to let someone else do it.
Windows
During the warmer months, windows can get dusty and dirty. While it’s relatively easy to clean the inside of windows, and the outside of ground floor, cleaning any higher windows can prove difficult. Trying to combine ladders with cleaning difficult areas can be quite dangerous, so if you’re not feeling confident enough call a local window cleaner to help out.
