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No matter how long you spend cleaning your home, there are always those little nooks and crannies that you forget about and before you know it there are cobwebs on your ceiling and crumbs behind your sofa. Cleaning is the one thing we all tend to put off as it is, so adding to that list can make the job even more daunting.

Although it may sound a bit boring, the best way to keep on top of your home cleaning is by creating daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly checklists. This means that you can easily add on little bits here and there, rather than having to do a full deep clean of your house every few months. First off, you need to make sure you have all the right cleaning supplies in your cupboards. Otherwise, you really will keep putting it off!

Let’s dive into some of the top places you’re forgetting to clean in your home:

Door frames & walls

This applies to both internal and external doors. Have you had a look at your bathroom door lately and noticed the dirty fingerprints above the handle where you push the door open?! The handle itself may need a bit of cleaning too, they tend to smear easily with a bit of condensation from inside the bathroom.

Remember to clean your patio doors, and check for any dirt, leaves, or gravel that can build up inside the tracks. Any nonabrasive cleaning products are good for door frames & walls, just be careful not to scrub too hard or the paint may start peeling away.

Underneath appliances

Unfortunately, that does mean moving your washing machine out of its cubby hole once in a while! You will be surprised how many crumbs and other items may have been hiding underneath your kitchen appliances (particularly your fridge freezer). Just be careful when moving them out that you don’t tug on any wires too hard & pull your appliances out from their sockets.

Window tracks

You probably already clean the inside of your windows, and have a window cleaner to take care of the outside. However, you might notice in summer when you open your windows that there are lots of bugs and insects in the track where the window meets the frame. A quick brush with a dustpan brush should flick all of this out nicely, and for anything that has got a bit engrained, use a damp sponge.

Kitchen extractor fans

The hood above your extractor fan is probably something that you never think about cleaning (or just give it a once over with a duster when you remember). It is crucial to keep this clean though, to allow the free flow of air within the filters. A build-up of dust and grease can very quickly become a fire hazard, so a deep clean every once in a while will prevent this. Make sure you degrease the ventilation hood, microwave filters and vents, and any other appliances that you use for cooking food.

Bed frames & under beds

Other than cleaning your sheets regularly, you probably don’t think about any dust or dirt that has crept underneath your bed, but a quick flip of your mattress may leave you in shock! Dust can still get in between the slats under your bed, as well as sitting on the headboard too so a quick hoover around these areas will help spruce your bed up again. If you can fit storage boxes under your bed, pull those out and give them a little dust too.

Light fixtures

Ceiling light fittings are a complete dust trap. Take care and stand on a sturdy chair or ladder to dust your light fittings, and make sure you hoover up afterward as it will all fall to the floor!

Toothbrush holder

Now if you are grossed out easily, you may want to clean your toothbrush holder on a weekly (or even daily basis). You will be amazed at the grime that collects at the bottom, so make sure you give your toothbrush holder a regular scrub out with warm, soapy water.

Lawn mower

Cleaning your home applies to external items that may be hidden in your garage too! One of the best ways to prolong the life of your electrical appliances is to regularly clean them. Lawnmowers are the main culprit when it comes to grubby equipment as they collect grass and soil so easily within the blades. Of course please make sure your lawn mower isn’t plugged in while you are cleaning it, and then give it a good scrub with soapy water and a stiff brush. For those engrained clumps of grass, you may need a pressure wash too.

Shower curtain

To be honest, shower curtains are incredibly hard to keep clean due to the limescale that builds up on them. It is often easier to buy cheap shower curtains and replace them regularly, but if you do want to clean the stains off simply pop them in the washing machine. Add your normal detergent and a cup of baking soda and they will soon look sparkling clean again.

Sofa throws and blankets

Whether on your bed or couch, throws tend to attract quite a lot of dust, dirt, and food particles so therefore require washing regularly. Most of them you can pop into the washing machine, but give them a quick vacuum first to get rid of the worst of the dirt.

If you are looking at this list and thinking that you have bitten off more than you can chew, why not get in touch with your local Time For You cleaner? Our professional team will have your house looking shiny & clean in no time at all.

Organising your house can help save money by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and making it easier to find and use the things you already have. Here are some house organisation hacks that can help you save money. 

Declutter

Start by decluttering your home. Get rid of items you no longer use or need. You can sell them online or have a yard sale to make some extra cash. 

Meal planning and pantry organisation  

Plan your meals in advance and create a shopping list accordingly. Organise your pantry and food storage areas, so you know what you have and avoid buying duplicates or letting food go to waste. 

Use storage containers

Invest in clear, airtight storage containers for storing dry goods, leftovers, and pantry staples. Properly storing food can extend its shelf life and prevent wastage.

DIY cleaning products

Make your own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. This is often more cost-effective than buying commercial cleaners.

Repurpose and upcycle  

Instead of buying new furniture or décor, look for ways to repurpose and upcycle items you already have. For example, you can turn old crates into shelves or use mason jars as storage containers. 

Labelling  

Labelling is essential for organising your home efficiently. Clearly label containers, boxes, and shelves to easily find what you need, reducing the chances of buying unnecessary items 

Use vertical space

Maximise vertical space by installing shelves, hooks, and hanging organisers. Utilising vertical space can help you store more items without needing to buy additional furniture. 

DIY repairs and maintenance

Learn basic DIY skills to handle small repairs and maintenance tasks around the house. This can save you money on hiring professionals for simple jobs. 

Inventory system

Create an inventory system for your household items, such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable goods. Keep track of what you have and replenish only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary purchases. 

Utilise free storage options  

Take advantage of free storage options available, such as cloud storage for digital files or borrowing items from libraries or tool libraries instead of buying them. 

Energy efficiency

Organise your house in a way that promotes energy efficiency. Seal air leaks, use energy-saving light bulbs, unplug electronics when not in use, and make sure appliances are in good working condition. This can help reduce utility bills. 

Maintain and organise paperwork

Create a system for organising important documents like bills, receipts, and warranties. This will help you avoid late fees, missed payments, or the need to repurchase items due to misplaced paperwork 

Remember, organising your house is an ongoing process. Regularly reassess your organisation systems to ensure they are still effective and adjust them as needed.

Decluttering your wardrobe can be a great way to create more space, reduce decision fatigue, and streamline your personal style. Here are some signs that it may be time to declutter your wardrobe:

Lack Of Space  

If your closet is overflowing and you struggle to find items you want to wear, it’s a clear sign that you have too much stuff. Decluttering will help you regain control of your space.

Clothes You Haven't Worn In A year

If you haven't worn a particular item in your wardrobe within the past year, chances are you won't wear it in the future either. Letting go of these items can free up space and make it easier to find the things you truly love

Outdated Or Ill-Fitting Clothes

If you have clothes that no longer fit you properly or are outdated, it’s a good indication that it’s time to let them go. Keeping clothes that don’t make you feel confident can create unnecessary clutter. 

Multiple Similar Items

If you have multiple of the same item, such as several black t-shirts or pairs of jeans, consider decluttering and keeping only the ones you love and wear regularly. Reducing duplicates can help simplify your choices. 

Difficulty Finding What You Need

If you frequently struggle to find specific items in your wardrobe, it’s a sign that things are disorganised. Decluttering and organising your clothes can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Sentimental Attachments  

While sentimental items hold emotional value, it’s important to assess if you’re keeping them for the right reasons. If you have clothes with sentimental attachments that you never wear, consider storing them separately or repurposing them in a way that honours their meaning.

Lifestyle Changes  

If your lifestyle has changed significantly. Such as transitioning from a formal office job to working remotely, you may no longer need certain professional or formal attire. Decluttering can help align your wardrobe with your current lifestyle.

How To Approach Your Wardrobe Declutter

Make Things Visible  

Before you get started, empty your wardrobe so you can see everything you own. Whilst this will look like you are making the situation worse as it will look like a mess, it is just temporary. Being able to organise everything and see things will mean you can see if there are duplicates, easily identify the items you don’t wear as they are scrunched up at the back of the wardrobe, and can significantly quicken the process.

Organise By Season  

There will always be some items in your wardrobe that you don’t need on display all year round. They are just wasting space in your wardrobe. For example in spring and summer you don’t need your thickest coats and scarves so make sure they are taken out at the end of Winter and stored away. Keeping your seasonal clothes together will help make the seasonal swap a breeze.

Separate Occasion Wear  

Similar to seasonal clothing you will inevitably have some outfits that are only for special occasions such as a wedding or formal ball. These items will only be worn once a year if that, so it doesn’t make sense to have them take up valuable wardrobe space. Pack special occasion items away carefully in a box using acid-free tissue paper to help keep them in great condition. You can then store these under the bed or on top of the wardrobe.

Remember, decluttering is a personal process, and you should only let go of items that you feel comfortable parting with. Consider donating or selling the items that are in good condition to give them a second life.

Inspired by their great works of fiction, there is nothing like being able to visit where they lived and be surrounded by the scenery and location that inspired their writing. There are several famous writer’s homes that you can visit in the United Kingdom. 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace (Stratford Upon Avon)  

This is the house where William Shakespeare was born and spent his early years. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Located in the market town of Stratford Upon Avon, you will find never-ending references to the most famous playwright in the world. In the centre of town on Henley Street you will find a large timber-clad house which is where Shakespeare was born and where he spent his childhood. Actors and guides in costume will take you through the house which is now filled with artifacts and the rooms are dressed to resemble what they would have been like during Shakespeare’s lifetime. 

If you are a fan of The Bard, or even if you do not know much about his plays, this is a great place to visit and soak up a key part of British history.

Jane Austen’s House Museum (Chawton, Hampshire)

This charming cottage was the former residence of author Jane Austen from 1809 until 1817, where she wrote and revised some of her most famous novels: “Pride and Prejudice”, “Sense and Sensibility”, “Mansfield Park” and “Emma”. Now the house is the Jane Austen’s House museum and has been restored to reflect the house Austen would have inhabited.

Charles Dickens Museum (London)

Located in the house where Charles Dickens once lived, this museum provides insights into the life and works of the renowned Victorian author. It houses a collection of his personal items, manuscripts, and memorabilia. Located at 48 Doughty Street in Bloomsbury, London, you can explore the place where Dickens wrote “Nicholas Nickleby”, “Pickwick Papers” and “Oliver Twist”. The house has been set up to resemble how it would have looked like whilst Dickens lived there, so be ready to be transported to Victorian England.

Bronte Parsonage Museum (Haworth, West Yorkshire)

The Bronte Parsonage was the childhood home of the Bronte sisters- Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. It is now a museum showcasing their lives and literary achievements, including the famous novels “Jane Eyre”, “Wuthering Heights” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall”. The parsonage can now be explored where you can see exactly where the sisters wrote, and see the world’s largest collection of Bronte furniture, clothes, personal belongings, and even original manuscripts.  Located in the stunning village of Haworth, visiting the Parsonage is just one of the great things to see. Every fan of the Bronte’s will enjoy the breathtaking views of the dramatic moorland that played such a pivotal role in “Wuthering Heights”

Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top (Near Sawrey, Cumbria)

Hill Top is a farmhouse that once belonged to Beatrix Potter, the beloved children’s author, and illustrator known for her characters like Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. The house and gardens showcase her life and inspirations and the 17^th Century farmhouse is quintessentially English. Explore the house and her beautiful garden as well as the Cumbrian landscape that inspired many of her most famous tales and illustrations. The house has been lovingly preserved by the National Trust with all the rooms decorated and feel like you are going back in time.

Thomas Hardy’s Cottage (Wessex)

This beautiful and traditional thatch and cob cottage is where you can step into the world of Thomas Hardy and see exactly where Hardy’s writing career began and where he penned some of his most famous works including “Under the Greenwood Tree” and “Far From The Madding Crowd”. Surrounding the cottage, you can explore the cottage garden which is full of colourful wildflowers and helped inspire the beautiful descriptions of the natural world in his works.

Agatha Christie’s Greenway (Devon)

A stunning white Georgian House, located in the Devon hills, Greenway was described by Agatha Christie as “the loveliest place in the world” and couldn’t resist buying it and it was her dream house since she was a child. For those who love grand countryside houses or love the works of Agatha Christie will love exploring this house.  The Christie family were avid collectors so the house is full of fascinating objects along with scrapbooks and of course Agatha Christie novels.

These are just a few examples of the many writer’s homes you can visit in the UK. Each offers a unique opportunity to explore the lives and creative spaces of some of the country’s most renowned literary figures and make a fantastic day out.

Love watching movies and TV and would love to experience the stunning locations in real life? Well, you can! The United Kingdom is known for its numerous filming locations that have been featured in various movies and TV Shows. Here are some famous filming locations you can visit in the UK.

Hogwarts Castle (Alnwick Castle, Northumberland)

This stunning castle served as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Several of the exterior scenes as well as the famous scene where Harry and his fellow first-year students learn how to fly for the first time are all filmed on the grounds of this beautiful castle.

Platform 9 ¾ (King’s Cross Station, London)

Harry Potter fans can visit the iconic Platform 9 ¾, where the Hogwarts Express departs from. You can take a photo pushing a trolley through the magical wall.

Highclere Castle (Hampshire)

This grand estate was used as the main filming location for the popular TV series “Downtown Abbey”. Visitors can explore the beautiful interiors and gardens. The house is a fascinating place with a fascinating history. The house was designed by Charles Barry and the park by the famous Capability Brown. It is an accessory home to the Earl of Carnarvon since the late 17th Century and in the 1920s was home to a collection of Egyptian artifacts by the 5^th Earl who accompanied Howard Carter on his excavations to the Valley of the Kings. 

Nowadays the house is most famous for being Downton Abbey and was used for the famous exterior shots as well as several bedrooms and the great hall being used for filming as well. The property regularly opens its doors to the public throughout the year and makes a great day out.

Castle Ward (County Down, Northern Ireland)

Known as Winterfell in the TV series Game of Thrones, this castle and its surrounding grounds offer guided tours and immersive experiences for fans of the show. Now part of the National Trust in Northern Ireland, guests can explore the 18^th-century mansion, explore one of several trails, and explore the famous clock tower and farmyard used for filming.

Glenfinnan Viaduct (Scottish Highlands)

This iconic railway viaduct was showcased in the Harry Potter movies as the route taken by the Hogwarts Express. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the viaduct and surrounding scenery. The viaduct was used multiple times throughout the film series and is spectacular to see in person. Whilst you can choose to explore this area on a train, the best views of the viaduct will be on foot. For the best picture opportunities, talk about a lovely wall in the hills that surround the viaduct. Whichever method of transport you use, it is a great place to explore.

Haworth, Yorkshire

Haworth is often visited by tourists to explore the home of the Bronte sisters. Their family home at the parsonage and the surrounding landscape have been used to film programmes about the Bronte’s but Haworth is always where the classic 1970 film “The Railway Children” was said. The village is extremely picturesque and is a great day out. If you are a fan of film, head to Oakworth station a couple of miles from Haworth where the emotional station scenes were filmed.

Shere, Surrey  

You may not have heard of the village called Shere in Surrey before but you may have seen it on the big screen. Scenes in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, The Wedding Date, and The Holiday have been filmed in this beautiful village. Not only may you recognise the church from Bridget Jones and village scenes in The Holiday, but you can also explore the quaint village by visiting the lovely shops, going on one of the many walks around the village and surrounding countryside, and ending the day with a trip to one of the village’s charming pubs. For a quintessentially English day out, head here.

Lacock, Wiltshire

The village of Lacock in Wiltshire is owned almost entirely by the National Trust and is a great place to visit as the quintessential English village has barely changed in 200 years which is why it makes the perfect filming location. From Cranford and Pride and Prejudice to Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, this village is a beautiful place to explore when you are visiting the Cotswolds.  The streets are lined with timber-framed houses and visitors will feel like they have stepped back in time as they explore the beautiful independent shops.

Chatsworth, Derbyshire

Made famous on the screen in the 2005 film “Pride and Prejudice” starring Keira Knightley, Chatsworth is the home of Mr Darcy. Located in Derbyshire, it is one of the grandest houses in England and is the home to The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. There is so much for visitors to explore beyond seeing the locations that were used on film. There are beautiful art installations, fantastic places to dine, and stunning walks to explore the beauty of the Peak District.

Castle Howard, North Yorkshire  

Castle Howard has been frequently used as a filming location but it is most famous for being used as the house in “Brideshead Revisited” in the 1981 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited starring Jeremy Irons. Castle Howard was so synonymous with the film that it was used again in the 2008 version too!

Botallack Mine, St Just, Cornwall  

The stunning Cornish scenery was showcased in the BBC drama “Poldark” with the Botallack Mine being a key filming location. The abandoned buildings here are now owned by the National Trust and act as a monument to the local region’s rich mining history dating back to the 19^th Century.

No matter where you are in the UK, you will never be too far away from a fantastic filming location. Being able to see for yourself where these famous movies and TV shows were filmed makes you appreciate them even more and often makes a great day out and a brilliant way to explore the country.

People are becoming increasingly conscious about their impact on the environment, but it can be difficult to know how to begin living more sustainably and reduce your environmental footprint.

Making eco-friendly changes in your life can seem daunting but there are so many ways you can reduce your plastic consumption. Help protect our planet by switching out everyday plastic products for eco-friendly alternatives.

Eco-friendly products are better for the environment. As they are often made from sustainable materials, they are less likely to end up going to landfill. Plus, they can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Here are 10 easy everyday swaps you can make to live more sustainably and reduce your environmental impact.

1. Instead of buying plastic bags every time you go shopping, start using reusable shopping bags. You can get some that fold into a pouch which is great for keeping in your handbag or car, especially if you tend to forget to pick a bag up before you leave the house.
2. Take your own water bottle or travel mug out with you. Many coffee shops will fill up your bottle or mug instead of using a disposable cup - some places will even give you a discount or reward for doing this.
3. Switch out your cleaning products for more eco-friendly alternatives. Cleaning products with natural ingredients are typically kinder on your skin and home, as well as the environment. You could even try your hand at making your own cleaning solutions using everyday items such as vinegar and baking soda.
4. Replace plastic and disposable items with more sustainable items. Swap plastic toothbrushes and straws for bamboo alternatives to help reduce plastic pollution in the oceans. Switch out fabric oven mitts for silicone ones, and disposable razors for a safety razor, which will last longer.
5. When the time comes for buying new appliances, choose more energy-efficient ones. This will not only help the planet but also help to keep energy bills down.
6. If you often get around by car, consider travelling by foot, push bike, or public transport instead, whenever possible, to help reduce your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment.
7. Consider getting a smart or programmable thermostat if you do not already own one. They are relatively easy to install and can save you money on energy and heating costs.
8. Buy in bulk whenever possible to reduce packaging waste and carbon emissions. This can also save you money in the long run, and also save you time as you will not have to shop as much.
9. Grow your own produce at home instead of buying it all in. You cannot get fresher herbs, fruit, and vegetables than those you grow at home or on a local allotment. You will then be able to just pick what you need when you need it, and it will last longer, resulting in less food waste. The lack of packaging will also mean there will be reduced plastic waste.

These are just some of the ways you can have a more positive impact on our planet. There are so many eco-friendly changes you can make to help the environment, lead a more sustainable lifestyle, save money, and improve your health.

Cleaning a home can take up a lot of time, energy, and money that you probably feel could be better spent elsewhere.

Luckily, there are many simple swaps you can make to reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning, and even save you some money, so that you can do more of the things you enjoy.

Before you go and stock up on your cleaning supplies, look in your cupboards for household items that can do the job just as well, or even better.

Banish the rust

Is rust flaking off onto your driveway? Use vinegar to remove rust from the cement. Pour it on the rust and wait 10 to 20 minutes before scrubbing the cement with a hard bristle brush, then rinse it clean.

A great way to remove and repel dust is with dryer sheets. They help to reduce static and prevent dust from clinging. Wipe over skirting boards, window sills, fans, screens, and any other areas or items that tend to attract dust.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to neutralise odours. Sprinkle baking soda into your shoes between wears to dissipate smells.

Make your glasses shine

Have you noticed cloudy stains on your drinking glasses? Make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and let them soak in the solution for 30 minutes, then remove one glass and rinse it. If it has done the trick, rinse the rest, otherwise leave the glasses in the solution for another 30 minutes.

Keeping your toilets clean

Clean your toilets with vinegar and baking soda. Drop one cup of baking soda in the toilet, followed by a cup of vinegar, then close the lid and let it soak for 30 minutes before flushing. Repeat weekly to keep your toilet clean.

Don't forget the showerhead

Vinegar and baking soda can also be used to clean your shower head. Make an equal parts solution and put it into a plastic bag and put your shower head in it and secure it with a rubber band. Leave to soak for at least two hours before removing from the solution, then rinse.

Make ornaments look good as new

Some items, particularly small ornaments, can be tricky to dust. Put on some soft gloves or cotton gardening gloves and use your fingers to get in the crevices for a thorough dusting.

A quick tip for the tub

Clean your bathtub using grapefruit and salt. Cut a grapefruit in half and sprinkle coarse salt on it, then use it to scrub the bath. Not only will it leave it sparkling, but also smelling great.

Ensure your white clothes stay white

Brighten your whites with lemons. Dab lemon juice on your white shirts and leave them out to dry in the sunshine to freshen them up.

Save more time for doing the things you love by letting a professional cleaner take care of the housework for you.

Time For You specialises in providing properly screened and vetted domestic cleaners to private households to provide you, our client, with more time for you. Find a cleaner near you by simply entering your postcode, and let us take care of the cleaning, so you do not have to.

Time For You is the premier international house cleaning service company with hundreds of local business owners who clean tens of thousands of homes around the world every week.

Time For You are the premier international house cleaning service company with hundreds of local business owners across the UK, Australia, and Canada. Time For You are currently cleaning tens of thousands of homes across the world on a weekly basis.

If your shed is crowded and disorganised, finding what you need will be a difficult and time-consuming task.

It may seem like a big job, but dedicating some time to getting your shed organised will save you time and effort in the long run, as you will be able to find and grab what you need more easily, and will help you to make the best use of your shed.

Sheds can easily become an oversized junk drawer, filled with sports equipment, games, appliances, tools, mowers, wheelbarrows, pots, compost, and more. Get your shed in order with these storage solutions and organisation tips for both small and large sheds.

Make an inventory

As is with most cleaning projects, it tends to get worse before it gets better. The first thing you need to do when organising your shed is take a look at everything that is in there. To do this, you will need to get everything out so that you can see and sort it all.

Cut out clutter

Now that everything is out of the shed, take the time to go through it and cut out the clutter. This is a step that should take considerable time if you are truly going to address the mess.

Get rid of old paint cans and other rubbish that has accumulated. Donate anything you no longer need or any duplicate items that are still functional and in a decent condition.

Consider whether items are better suited to being in the house or garage rather than the shed. Take into consideration whether items are sensitive to temperature, moisture, or pests. Documents, clothing, and soft furnishings may be damaged in the shed.

Sort into groups

Once you have reduced the number of items going back into the shed, sort through everything and arrange your belongings into groups.

Group items into categories, such as gardening tools, seasonal decor, and sporting equipment. This will help when it comes to storing and finding items in your shed.

Improve your storage

Before you start to fill your shed back up, consider whether your previously used storage systems are adequate and functional.

If you have been using cardboard boxes to store items in, or if any containers or shelves are damaged, throw these out and replace them with good-quality storage boxes or bins, or shelving.

If you are putting items in containers, you may want to add labels to help you locate items quickly and easily.

Think about utilising the wall space in your shed. You could hang your gardening tools such as forks and spades on hooks, and install a magnetic strip to store other DIY tools such as wrenches and hammers.

Keep it tidy

Once you have got your shed organised, take care to keep it tidy and clutter-free. Avoid falling back into bad habits - ensure you put items away in their proper place after using them.

Before you put anything new in the shed, consider whether that is the best place for it and, if so, where it will be stored.

For help getting organised and keeping your home clean and tidy, you may want to consider hiring someone to take care of the cleaning and ironing for you.

Time For You specialises in providing properly screened and vetted domestic cleaners to private households to provide you, our client, with more time for you. Find a cleaner near you by simply entering your postcode, and let us take care of the cleaning, so you do not have to.

Time For You is the premier international house cleaning service company with hundreds of local business owners who clean tens of thousands of homes around the world every week.

Dust and dirt may be out of sight but it should not be out of mind - just because you cannot see it does not mean it is not there. Chances are the tops of your cabinets, under your bed, and the back of your oven are far from spotless.

Periodically cleaning the hard-to-reach places in your home will help to reduce the number of bacteria that can make you ill and reduce the risk of dust-triggering allergies and asthma.

Prepare to clean your home from top to bottom with this guide to cleaning some of the hardest-to-reach places in your home.

Ceiling corners

It is a good idea to go from top to bottom when cleaning, as you are likely to get dust and dirt on the floors and surfaces whilst cleaning.

Look up and scan your eyes around the edges of your ceilings and you will likely see dust and spider webs. Use a long-handled or extendable duster, or the end of a mop or broom, to get rid of these.

Light fixtures

Typically suspended high up in the centre of a room, ceiling lights tend to be difficult to reach and clean effectively.

We recommend using a duster with a long or extendable handle to dust your high-up light fixtures. If you do not have one, try securing a clean microfibre cloth to a mop or broom handle and use that instead.

If you still struggle to reach and must use a ladder, make sure someone is there to stabilise the ladder and help you should you fall.

Cabinets and tall furniture

If you do not already have one, be sure to get a duster with a pivoting head. This will allow you to adjust the angle so that you can reach the tops of cabinets, wardrobes, and other tall furniture you cannot see.

If these surfaces have not been cleaned for a while, or a lot of dust, dirt, and grime has accumulated, it might be a good idea to get up on a stool or step ladder and give them a good clean with a cloth and cleaning solution, then rinse and dry.

Window and door tracks

Window, sliding door, and shower door tracks easily accumulate dust and dirt but can be difficult to clean. To give them a thorough cleaning, you may need to remove screens. Use a crevice tool or cleaner and your vacuum to remove as much dirt as possible.

Then use a scrubbing brush and cleaning solution to scrub out the tracks before rinsing. If you have a pressure washer, try using this on your outside windows and door tracks.

Behind the toilet

Possibly one of the most unpleasant and trickiest tasks is tackling the area behind the toilet. It can be difficult to clean the floor and wall behind the toilet but it should not be overlooked.

For this job, you should get some knee pads or something to cushion your knees from the floor and some rubber gloves.

Use a stiff brush, a crevice tool, and your vacuum to remove loose dust, hair, and dirt. Wipe down the area with a soft brush or sponge, dampened with disinfectant cleaner, then rinse and dry.

If you do not have the time to keep on top of your cleaning, or would simply prefer to leave it to the professionals and spend your time relaxing or doing other activities, you may want to consider hiring someone to take care of the cleaning and ironing for you.

Time For You specialises in providing properly screened and vetted domestic cleaners to private households to provide you, our client, with more time for you. Find a cleaner near you by simply entering your postcode, and let us take care of the cleaning, so you do not have to.

Time For You is the premier international house cleaning service company with hundreds of local business owners who clean tens of thousands of homes around the world every week.

With spring comes warmer weather and lighter evenings, making for a great time to get started on getting our gardens tidied up after the winter.

Here are some simple gardening jobs that you can do in spring to prepare for the coming warmer months so that you can enjoy a lovely garden in summer.

Tidy your garden

You should start off by tidying your garden. Clear away any debris, and remove weeds and dead plants. Ensure that weeds and their roots are removed entirely from the soil to help prevent them from re-developing.

Tend to your plants

Before planting any new bulbs or seeds, first, focus on the plants that you already have in your garden. Ensure they are getting as much or as little sunlight and water as they need.

If you have any trees or shrubs, early spring is typically the ideal time to prune back old wood and trim any broken or dead branches to help keep them healthy.

Revive your lawn

After winter, your lawn probably looks to be in poor condition. Mow your lawn and put grass seed down in any damaged areas. Sow your grass seed when the temperature is between 13oC and 18oC for the best results.

Start composting

Make composting a priority for your garden. If this is not something you already do, then be sure to start this year to reap the benefits. Composting can make the soil more fertile and efficient.

Keep compost in a bin, rather than having an open heap, to better retain warmth and moisture and to make a better compost faster.

Grow your own vegetables

There are a few vegetables that thrive when planted early in the year. Give plants such as tomatoes and potatoes a head start by planting them in pots and keeping them indoors, placed on a warm windowsill, until mid-spring when it is warmer outside.

Sow hardier plants such as onions and garlic outside straight away in free-draining soil, in an area that is warm, sunny, and sheltered from strong winds.

Edge your borders

Grass often spreads into borders during winter. Remove the overgrowth and edge your borders in early spring, before the grass creeps further into your flower beds and it becomes difficult to tell where grass should or should not be.

Plant summer-flowering plants

Spring is an ideal time for planting many summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias, gladioli, peonies, and lilies, which provide beautiful blooms.

You can plant them in borders or containers, and they will add colour and beauty to your garden in just a few months. They also make wonderful cut flowers that you can put in vases so you can also admire them in your home.

These tips will help prepare your garden for summer so that you can enjoy time outdoors in the warmer months.

Spring is not only a great time for tidying up outside but also inside the house too. Check out our ultimate spring cleaning checklist to help you get your home looking its best.