10 Practical Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Fresh and Sparkling

Keeping your house clean can feel like a never-ending task—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart habits and a simple routine, you can maintain a home that looks and feels fresh every day. Whether you're doing a big weekend clean or just trying to stay on top of the daily mess, these easy cleaning tips will help you save time, energy, and stress.

Let’s dive into 10 practical cleaning tips that work in any home—big or small.

1. Start With a Quick Declutter

Before you grab the cleaning spray, take a few minutes to clear off surfaces. Put items back where they belong—books, shoes, mail, laundry, toys—you name it.

Quick hack: Use a laundry basket to gather anything that doesn’t belong in the room. Once you’re done cleaning, you can put everything away in one go.

2. Clean Top to Bottom

This rule is golden: Always clean from top to bottom. Start with ceiling fans and light fixtures, move down to shelves and furniture, and finish with the floors.

Why? Because dust and dirt fall downward. Cleaning in this order saves you from doing the same work twice.

3. Use a Good Multi-Surface Cleaner

A reliable all-purpose cleaner is your best friend. It saves time, space, and money. Use it on countertops, tables, sinks, and even some floors.

DIY tip: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water with a few drops of dish soap for an effective (and natural) homemade cleaner. Just avoid using it on granite or marble.

4. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Daily

Some spots around the house get touched dozens (if not hundreds) of times a day, so keep disinfectant handy.

Focus on:

• Light switches

• Door handles

• TV remotes

• Faucet handles

• Fridge and microwave doors

Bonus: Don’t forget your phone!

5. Freshen Up Fabrics Often

Soft surfaces can trap odors, dust, and allergens. Keep things feeling (and smelling) fresh by washing or vacuuming them regularly.

• Wash your bed sheets weekly

• Vacuum sofas and cushions

• Sprinkle baking soda on carpets or mattresses before vacuuming to absorb odors

6. Get Streak-Free Glass & Mirrors

Want a clear, polished shine on your windows and mirrors? Skip paper towels—they often leave lint.

Try this instead:

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water

• Wipe with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper

• Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent streaks

7. Keep the Bathroom in Check

The bathroom doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With a little regular maintenance, it’s easier than you think.

• Wipe down the sink and counters daily

• Use a squeegee in the shower to prevent soap scum

• Clean the toilet bowl 2–3 times a week

Pro tip: Use an old toothbrush and baking soda paste to scrub grout or hard-to-reach corners.

8. Tidy the Kitchen Daily

The kitchen is a high-traffic area—clean as you go to keep it manageable.

• Wipe countertops and stovetops after cooking

• Run the garbage disposal with lemon and ice once a week

• Take out trash and check the fridge for old food regularly

Monthly task: Move appliances and clean behind/under them.

9. Don’t Forget the “Forgotten” Spots

Some areas of the home don’t scream for attention—but they still need love!

• Baseboards

• Air vents and filters

• Behind the toilet

• Inside trash bins

• Tops of cabinets and door frames

Tackle one or two of these “forgotten” areas every week to stay ahead of grime.

10. Create a Simple Cleaning Routine

To avoid marathon cleaning sessions, break tasks into manageable chunks with a cleaning schedule.

Sample Routine:

• Daily: Make beds, do dishes, wipe counters, sweep high-traffic areas

• Weekly: Clean bathrooms, vacuum floors, dust surfaces, change bed sheets

• Monthly: Wash windows, clean baseboards, deep-clean appliances

Having a system reduces decision fatigue and makes cleaning part of your rhythm—not a chore you dread.

If you need any help then Miss Penny's specialise in domestic cleaning so give us a call today.