It really is a never-ending battle\u00a0keeping on top of the everyday mess in the home. Whether\u00a0it’s kids\u2019 toys and games, the burgeoning washing pile, the leaning tower of pizza plates and just the general detritus of family life, there’s always something to be cleaned or cleared\u2026 However, before you throw in the towel while howling \u2018what\u2019s the point? It only gets dirty again\u2019 a few simple tricks and shortcuts will make it easier to tidy \u2013 and easier to keep the house looking clean in-between, which is exceptionally handy if visitors drop by unexpectedly.<\/p>\n
Yes, it\u2019s obvious; yes, it\u2019s common-sense \u2013 but that\u2019s because it really works. Keep a cordless vacuum cleaner – so vacuuming is absolutely effortless and doesn\u2019t involve plugs and wires \u2013 and a portable \u2018cleaning kit\u2019 with sprays, polishes, dusters, cloths and wipes. Don\u2019t leave anything out once it\u2019s finished with. As you walk out of a room, or up the stairs, take stuff with you. Nipping to the bathroom or having a quick coffee? Wipe a surface. Put used crockery straight into the dishwasher. Train the family to do so too \u2013 no one should be allowed dinner\/internet\/to play until they\u2019ve tidied up. It\u2019ll soon become habit and nobody will even notice.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re pushed for time, just clean the kitchen and bathroom. In those rooms, hygiene is a must, so prioritise. If your wall and floor tiles are clean and gleaming it\u2019s easy to overlook the odd bit of clutter elsewhere. Let\u2019s face it, your house is lived in! A quick polish everywhere else should suffice \u2013 the scent of polish gives the illusion of a clean house anyway.<\/p>\n
Everywhere. When everything has a place there\u2019s no need for mess. Many stores specialise in storage solutions which you can customise or build up to fit your space and requirements but you could also choose to create your own to perfectly suit your rooms. Any odd spaces or alcoves are crying out for made-to-fit cupboards, shelves or other storage systems, but everyday furniture can offer storage space, too \u2013 cabinets with hooks and rails attached underneath; fireplaces with pigeonholes, tables with drawers\u2026 the list is almost endless.<\/p>\n
Are you a stacker? You know, someone who seems to collect stacks of\u2026 stuff. All sorts of stuff, all over everywhere. Catalogues, books, magazines, recipes and the like? Make a feature of them, again with useful storage. There are some really attractive and stylish office or kitchen storage systems which could actually make a lovely feature. Again, customise them or even make your own \u2013 fabric covered boxes and files, or prettily-lined baskets will keep the house neat-and-tidy as well as attractive.<\/p>\n
Keep surfaces clear and the house will look cleaner (plus you won\u2019t need to lift things in order to dust). Plants on windowsills and mantelpieces look fresh and clean and will prevent you from adding yet more clutter.<\/p>\n
Now, treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers \u2013 really, they\u2019ll help the house look clean and smell good, too!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"