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Finding it hard to summon the enthusiasm – or time – for a marathon clean? A better approach is to pace yourself and break up the job into achievable tasks you can tick off regularly, enjoying the results as you go. To help kickstart the process, we've compiled jobs you can tackle daily, weekly, monthly and annually, with expert tips to save time while still achieving a restorative deep clean.
The first step to a clean, organised home is to curb clutter with good storage and routines, says Satya Bourgeot, owner of Pristine Professional Cleaning. “When surfaces are clutter-free they're easier to clean, so ensure everyday items can be effortlessly put back where they belong, instead of accumulating on the dining table or kitchen bench,” she says.
The secret to a tidy home is as simple as storage. Tweaking your storage – and adding a few clever solutions – can take your home from chaos to calm. Check out our handy guide to decluttering common problem areas at home; we also have a wide range of storage products to choose from.
In a high-use area like the kitchen, don't let the dishes pile up. “Food spills and scraps can attract flies and ants, so wash and put away dishes, empty the bin and give the benchtops and stovetop a wipe daily,” suggests Toby Schulz, CEO of Maid2Match.
To stay on top of mountainous washing piles, follow every load through to the end and return clean clothes to cupboards.
There is a proven benefit to making the bed every morning. Not only do you start the day with an achievement, making your bed can also become a keystone habit that influences other positive and productive choices throughout the day. Take a few minutes each morning to make the bed and fold throws – the reward outweighs the effort
Giving high-use areas – the bathroom, kitchen and laundry – a weekly clean means that dirt and grime won’t have time to accumulate, making cleaning easier in the long run.
In the bathroom, disinfect the toilet and surrounds, mop the floor and address any particularly grubby grout lines. “After cleaning the bathroom vanity and shower, use a dry microfibre glass cloth to polish off any streaks or fingerprints on chrome fixtures,” suggests Satya. “It's a professional touch that creates long-lasting shine and helps prevent corrosion.”
Tackle mould in grout and hard water build-up on shower screens quickly, as the damage can be irreversible if left too long. “Regular maintenance will extend the life of your bathroom by many years,” says Satya.
Devote time each week to a deeper kitchen clean. “Wipe out the microwave and use an antibacterial spray on kitchen counters, appliances, stovetop and element dials,” suggests Satya.
For stainless-steel appliances Toby recommends using a soft microfibre cloth with a specialised stainless-steel cleaning product. “To avoid leaving streaks, wipe in the direction of the metal grain,” he says.
Tip: To extend the life of your cleaning sponge, soak it in water and microwave it for two minutes to kill off bacteria.
Ensure laundry areas are well-ventilated and clean surfaces regularly to help keep mould and dryer fluff at bay. Dust windowsills and shelves and wipe down the utility sink, washing machine and dryer.
Tip: Always leave the door to your washing machine open – it gives it a chance to air out, reducing the risk of mould.
A regular sweep and vacuum, followed by mopping, cleans surfaces and reduces allergens around the home, says Toby. Try a microfibre mop with machine washable pads and invest in a set of refills so you're never without a clean pad when you need it. If using a string or strip mop, rinse it regularly.
Tip: Check out these eight ways to clean your carpet or rug.
Every month, give your floors a proper deep clean, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping under and around furniture and appliances. (You can hire a carpet cleaner from your local Bunnings store).
Choose a sunny day to take floor rugs outside for a shake and a good airing, and pop living room cushion covers and throws in the wash.
In each room, work from the top down, using a slightly damp cloth to gently clean ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, shutters, door handles and light switches. Then use a track brush to loosen debris in window and door tracks and follow with a vacuum.
To dust along skirting boards, shelves and surfaces, Terry Stevens, owner of Sparkle and Shine, recommends arming yourself with an ostrich feather duster. “Ostrich feathers are naturally electrostatically charged, which means they attract dust, and the barbed fibres and natural oils trap the dust rather than simply pushing it around.”
A monthly window clean is less of a chore with an excellent squeegee, says Satya. “Using a squeegee properly can take a bit of practice but once you get the hang of it, it's more efficient than any other method, and your windows will stay dust-free longer.”
Run a cleaning cycle on the washing machine and dishwasher and remove the kitchen rangehood vents for a thorough soak and scrub in hot soapy water. Now is also a good time to wash and sanitize your bins.
If you’re coming out of a wet season or a damp winter, make sure you’re on the lookout for mould. To remove mould and mildew, simply spray any affected areas with mould remover and give it a strong scrub.
It’s also a good idea to try and prevent mould from taking hold in your home – check out these tips on how to control mould.
No matter the season, there are always things you can tend to in the garden. Our Garden Corner is a growing community where you can learn how to care for plants, filled with advice tailored to your area and climate. (Make sure you select your nearest store so that we can give you the best growing advice!)
Pests change with the seasons. When the weather changes, review your pest control and stock up on pest control products. Prevention is the best method of protection.
Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of fire in your home and help protect the lives of the whole household. Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly by testing each one seasonally and replacing their batteries at least once a year.
If you used a heater or air-conditioner during the season (fireplaces, chimneys, electric heaters, fans or air-conditioners), now is the time to give it a thorough clean so that it’s ready for when you next need it.
Dig deep into the fridge and freezer to discard forgotten food, wipe shelves and wash out crisper drawers. Give the pantry a once over, as well, tidying the shelves and making a note of essentials that need restocking.
If there's an unpleasant smell or smoke coming from your oven when you turn it on, it's a sign it's overdue for a thorough clean, says Toby. “For a heavy-duty option, use a product like Selleys ‘Oven Clean', or make your own all-natural solution with a combination of baking soda, water and vinegar you can spray on to help lift off grease and grime with a good scrub.”
Take a look at your medicine cabinet and note what medications have expired and what needs restocking. (Make sure you dispose of any expired medications properly. Most can be returned to your local pharmacy for free, safe disposal).
It’s always a good idea to rotate your mattress and wash your pillows a few times a year, so the change of seasons is a handy reminder. Now is also the time to pack up and store any seasonal bedding and clothing.
Print our handy cleaning checklist and tick off items daily, weekly, monthly and seasonally to stay on top of cleaning and clutter.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
