Ever wonder how professional cleaners make homes sparkle in half the time it takes you to clean one room? They’ve got secrets—brilliant little tricks that turn tedious scrubbing into effortless magic.
These aren’t complicated methods requiring fancy equipment. Most involve items that you already have sitting in your kitchen cupboard. The difference is knowing exactly how to use them, and that’s where the pros shine.
So, if you’re ready to clean smarter, here are ten tricks straight from the experts who do this for a living.
Always Start from the Top
Professional cleaners never clean randomly, and there’s a reason for that. Dust and debris fall downwards, so starting with high surfaces means you won’t have to re-clean lower ones.
Begin with ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of wardrobes. Work your way down to shelves, furniture, and finally the floors. This simple top-to-bottom approach will save you loads of time and frustration.
Many homeowners overlook this sequence and end up cleaning the same spots twice. So, follow the pros’ lead, and you’ll notice how much more efficient your routine becomes.
Use Microfibre Cloths for Everything
Forget paper towels and old rags—microfibre cloths are the cleaning world’s best-kept secret. They trap dirt and bacteria rather than just pushing it around, and they work brilliantly with or without cleaning products.
For windows and mirrors, a damp microfibre cloth will leave a streak-free shine without any sprays. For dusting, a dry one picks up particles like magic, clinging to every speck.
They’re washable, reusable, and surprisingly affordable. Stock up on several colours so you can dedicate some of them to kitchens, bathrooms, or general dusting. It’s a small change that’ll make a massive difference.
Tackle the Bathroom with White Vinegar
White vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to bathroom cleaning, and professional cleaners across the UK swear by it. It cuts through limescale, soap scum, and water stains, eliminating the need for any harsh chemicals.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray it on taps, shower screens, and tiles. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth. For stubborn limescale, soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the tap overnight.
The smell might be strong at first, but it fades quickly and leaves your bathroom gleaming. Plus, it’s gentle on surfaces and kind to the environment.
Refresh Your Mattress with Baking Soda
Your mattress collects dust, sweat, and odours over time, but you can’t exactly toss it in the washing machine. That’s where baking soda comes in—it’s a natural deodoriser that lifts away staleness.
Strip the bedding, then sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress. Let it sit for at least an hour or longer to absorb odours and moisture. Vacuum it up thoroughly, and you’ll be amazed at how fresh everything smells.
For an extra boost, add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling.
Clean Your Oven with a Paste
Oven cleaning is one of those tasks most people dread, but professional cleaners have a simple trick that makes it far less painful. A homemade baking soda paste does wonders without ever producing toxic fumes.
Mix baking soda with a bit of water until it forms a thick paste, then spread it all over the inside of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Leave it overnight to break down the grime, then wipe it away with a damp cloth in the morning.
For any stubborn spots, spray a little white vinegar on top of the paste—it’ll fizz up and loosen everything. This method works brilliantly and costs next to nothing.
Speed Up Dusting with a Pillowcase
Ceiling fan blades are dust magnets, but cleaning them usually means showering yourself in dirt and dust bunnies. Professional cleaners use an old pillowcase to solve this problem.
Slip the pillowcase over each blade, then gently pull it back towards you. The dust collects inside the pillowcase instead of falling on your head or furniture. It’s quick, tidy, and oddly satisfying.
This trick works for any high, dusty surface that’s awkward to reach. Just remember to shake the pillowcase outside afterwards.
Bring Wooden Furniture Back to Life
Wooden furniture can look dull and tired over time, but you don’t need expensive polishes to restore its shine. A simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice does the job in no time.
Combine one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil, then apply it with a soft cloth in circular motions. The lemon cuts through grime while the olive oil nourishes the wood and brings back its natural lustre.
This method is particularly popular in homes with antique or heirloom furniture. It’s gentle, effective, and leaves a lovely, subtle scent behind.
Get Your Kitchen Sink Gleaming
Your kitchen sink takes more daily wear than almost any other surface in your home, so it deserves some attention. Professional cleaners know how to make stainless steel shine like new.
Sprinkle baking soda all over the sink, then scrub with a damp sponge in the direction of the grain. Rinse thoroughly, then spray white vinegar over the surface and wipe it dry with a microfibre cloth.
For an extra sparkle, rub a tiny bit of olive oil over the sink with a cloth. It’ll leave a clean finish and help repel water spots for days.
Remove Carpet Stains with Club Soda
Fresh carpet spills are easiest to treat straight away. That’s why professional cleaners often use club soda first to lift the stain from the fibres.
Blot the spill immediately with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, pour a small amount of club soda onto the stain and blot again, working from the outside in. The carbonation helps lift the stain from the fibres.
For tougher stains, you might need to repeat the process a few times. If you’re dealing with a spot that’s particularly stubborn, it might be worth it to hire a cleaner who has access to professional-grade equipment and stain removers.
Freshen Your Bin with Newspaper
Your kitchen bin can smell awful even when you change the bag regularly, and most people don’t realise the simplest fix. Professional cleaners across the UK use newspapers to keep bins fresh and dry.
After you’ve cleaned the bin thoroughly, line the bottom with a few sheets of newspaper before putting in a fresh bag. The paper absorbs any leaks or spills and soaks up moisture that causes unpleasant odours.
Replace the newspaper each time you change the bin bag, and you’ll notice the smell improving to a great extent. For extra freshness, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the newspaper before adding the bag.
Conclusion
Who knew that a bottle of vinegar and a few microfibre cloths could hold such power? You’ve now got the same tricks professional cleaners use right at your fingertips.
The best part? You don’t need to set aside an entire weekend to see results. Just pick one or two tips, give them a go, and watch your home transform bit by bit.
Congratulations on making it this far—you’re well on your way to becoming your own cleaning wizard. Now go forth and make those surfaces shine.
