Keeping a home spotless all year round is achievable if you adopt the habits of professional cleaners, who consistently do five things to keep their spaces gleaming without becoming overwhelmed.
Divide up chores
Sandy Willis, a Molly Maid owner, told Southern Living that she divides the upkeep of her home across the week. She allocates time for more thorough cleaning and intersperses it with smaller, simpler chores like vacuuming and dusting.
For instance, once monthly, she designates a day for a complete deep clean, but during the rest of the month she tackles smaller chores so the deep clean does not seem so daunting.
Employ zones
Willis works through her property and divides it into zones or tasks. "This zoning strategy prevents burnout and ensures each area gets the attention it deserves," she said. "It typically takes me about two weeks to complete the whole process, dedicating a few hours every week to a specific zone or task."
Make priorities
When embarking on a deep clean, it can be useful to prioritise tasks. Willis concentrates on aspects of cleaning that directly affect her family's health, such as giving dusty carpets a proper clean or tackling high-contact areas like door handles and kitchen worktops.
"I believe many people might not consider the importance of cleaning these areas regularly, but they can harbour a significant amount of dust and allergens," she said.
Set yourself some goals
Deep cleans can be a grind, but having a clear target gives a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Setting the objective of completing a single room and treating yourself afterwards makes it feel more rewarding. Willis also noted that putting on music or a podcast while cleaning can transform it from a tiresome chore into something more enjoyable.
Draw on expert advice
Even if you are not a professional cleaner, you can take a leaf out of their book. Investing in professional-grade cleaning products and tools will make a considerable difference, and by adopting the same methods professionals rely upon, keeping your home spotless may become a much more straightforward affair.