Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, known as The Queen of Clean, has advised households to avoid five specific chores during the current heatwave. According to Crombie, these tasks can make homes hotter, more uncomfortable, and result in inferior cleaning outcomes.
1. Avoid the Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers produce a significant amount of heat, pumping warm air throughout the property. Crombie recommends hanging laundry outdoors instead, as garments often dry in a fraction of the normal time during a heatwave. She warns not to leave washing outside for excessive periods, as it can bleach out colour; an hour should suffice.
2. Avoid Cleaning the Oven
Deep-cleaning the oven is not recommended during a heatwave. Many oven cleaning products require time to work, and the oven often needs to be used afterward, making the kitchen even warmer. Crombie suggests leaving this chore for a milder day and avoiding using the oven altogether.
3. Don't Clean Windows in Direct Sunshine
The sun's heat causes window cleaning solution to evaporate too quickly, resulting in streaks, smears, and watermarks. For streak-free glass, Crombie advises waiting until windows are shaded or cleaning them early morning or late evening.
4. Avoid Vacuuming at the Hottest Parts of the Day
Vacuum cleaners generate heat while operating, especially when cleaning larger spaces. Crombie recommends vacuuming early morning before temperatures climb or postponing until evening. The warmest period is typically between 3pm and 7pm.
5. Don't Use Your Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners emit both heat and moisture, turning homes into saunas. Crombie advises saving this job for when temperatures return to normal.
Additional Tips
Crombie suggests focusing on quick maintenance tasks instead of thorough cleaning. She recommends opening windows early in the morning while the air is cool, then drawing curtains or blinds during the warmest part of the day. She also advises rolling up rugs and leaving floorboards bare to help rooms feel cooler.
