All posts by Kate

Why We All Hate Certain Chores

I’m not proud to admit it, but I’ve pretended not to notice a dirty oven for weeks. I’ve closed the bathroom door on a suspicious pong and muttered, “Not today.” And the area behind my toilet? Let’s just say it hasn’t seen a cloth since the last full moon.

We all have those chores we can’t stand. You know the ones. They lurk in the back of your mind and pop up just when you’re trying to relax. One look at the greasy oven door or the dust bunnies camping out behind the loo, and your soul gently sighs.

Some people are born with the ‘I love cleaning’ gene. Not me. But I’ve learned something over the years: cleaning doesn’t have to involve harsh smells, industrial gloves, or silent weeping. You can actually tackle these jobs with homemade, natural solutions—and with a bit of cleverness, even turn them into something almost satisfying.

Almost.

So, here’s my full line-up of the most hated household chores, and how to beat them with simple, natural tricks. No nonsense. No bleach. Just weirdly effective solutions you can make with stuff lying around in your kitchen.

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The Dirty Truth — Chores We’d Rather Avoid

1. Oven Cleaning: The Greasy Nightmare

The oven is a traitor. It starts off so innocent, helping you bake banana bread and roast dinners. But before long, it’s a fiery pit of crusty cheese and blackened goo. And don’t even think about the grill tray. That’s where dreams go to die.

Chemical oven sprays are terrifying. One whiff and your eyes water like you’ve chopped fifty onions. So I stopped using them.

Instead, I make a thick paste with baking soda, a bit of salt, and just enough water to hold it together. Smear it over the greasy bits, leave it overnight, then spray it with white vinegar in the morning. It’ll fizz like mad, but the gunk loosens up beautifully. Scrub with an old cloth, and boom—suddenly you’ve got something that looks like an oven again.

2. Cleaning the Loo: The Unspeakable Zone

Cleaning the loo is bad enough. But the bit around it? That’s where the real horror lives. Stray hairs, mysterious stains, dribbles that somehow missed the bowl completely—it’s like the Bermuda Triangle of grime.

To sort this naturally, I make loo bombs. All you need is bicarb, citric acid, a bit of water, and a few drops of essential oil. Mix it into a damp, crumbly dough, press it into silicone moulds (ice cube trays work), and let them dry overnight.

Pop one in the bowl whenever things start getting pongy, or before guests come over. The fizz scrubs everything while making you look like you’ve got your life together.

3. Behind the Toilet: The Forgotten Filth Trap

This one makes my back ache just thinking about it. The space behind the loo is always dusty, always awkward, and always hiding something you don’t want to find.

Here’s my trick: get yourself a cheap spray bottle, mix white vinegar, water, and a few drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree is antibacterial and makes things smell less like public loos. Spray it generously behind the loo, leave it for ten minutes, then go in with a bendy brush or old toothbrush.

You’ll need to crouch, stretch, and mutter a few curses, but the vinegar lifts grime like magic. You might even feel proud when it’s done.

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Nature to the Rescue — DIY Hacks That Actually Work

Homemade Enzyme Cleaner for Ovens

If the baking soda trick doesn’t cut it, I’ve got a backup. It’s not instant, but it’s strong and smells brilliant. It’s a DIY enzyme cleaner, made from citrus peels, sugar, and water. Sounds weird? It is. But it works.

Chuck your lemon, orange or grapefruit peels into a jar, add a couple of tablespoons of sugar and enough water to cover it all. Leave the lid slightly loose, and wait three weeks. That’s it.

After it’s fermented, strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. This stuff cuts through grease and smells like a summer cocktail. Spray it on oven walls, extractor fans, greasy hob surfaces—whatever’s feeling foul. Leave it for ten minutes, wipe off, and do a little victory dance.

Fizzy Toilet Bombs You Can Make in Minutes

I mentioned these earlier, but they deserve their own little spotlight. Here’s the basic recipe:

• 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
• ½ cup citric acid
• A few drops of your favourite essential oil
• A tiny bit of water (use a spray bottle)

Mix the dry stuff in a bowl, then mist it with water until it holds together when squeezed. Press it into moulds and let them dry out. Done.

Drop one into the loo once a week—or more if your house is “well-used”—and let it fizz away. It cleans, freshens, and gives the illusion that you are a domestic wizard.

Vinegar Spray for the Back of the Loo

This one’s not glamorous, but it’s gold. Fill a spray bottle with:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part water
• 5–10 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil

Spray generously around the back of the loo, let it sit, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Use an old sock over your hand for the really hard-to-reach bits. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

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Surprising Tools That Make a Big Difference

Use a Steamer on More Than Clothes

Turns out, my little clothes steamer is good for more than just straightening shirts. It’s brilliant for loosening gunk in tricky places. Try using it on tiled walls, oven doors, or even bathroom taps covered in limescale.

The steam blasts the dirt without needing chemicals. You just wipe after. No elbow grease required.

Repurpose Old Socks and Toothbrushes

Old socks make great dusting mitts. Slip one on your hand, dampen it slightly, and run it over blinds, baseboards, or any awkward surface.

Toothbrushes are my go-to for grout, tap bases, and behind the loo seat hinges. Give them a new life before you chuck them out. They’re the perfect size for all the little jobs you hate.

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Smarter, Not Harder — Trick Your Brain Into Cleaning

Clean in 10-Minute Bursts

I swear by this. Set a timer, pick one annoying job, and just do it for ten minutes. You’ll be surprised how much you can blitz through when you know there’s an end in sight.

Even if you don’t finish, you’ll have made a dent—and sometimes that’s all you need to get going again tomorrow.

Gamify the Gross Stuff

Make it stupid. Make it fun. Time yourself and try to beat your best. Pretend you’re on a game show. Invent points. Reward yourself with a biscuit after each chore. Cleaning is less soul-destroying when it feels like a game you can win.

I once made up a song while cleaning behind the toilet. It was deeply tragic, but it got me through it.

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When to Call in Reinforcements

Some dirt just doesn’t want to go. If your oven smokes every time you use it, or if the loo smells like a festival site no matter what you do, it might be time to bring in a pro.

You can book someone just for the worst bits. They’ll have the proper gear and be in and out before you know it. You won’t need to explain the horror behind the toilet—they’ve seen it all before.

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Final Thoughts: Cleaning Doesn’t Have to Be a Punishment

We all have that one chore that makes us consider faking an injury. But with a few clever tricks and a bit of natural know-how, you can face even the filthiest jobs without losing your will to live.

The best part? You’re not filling your house with stinky chemicals or choking on bleach fumes. You’re scrubbing with things your nan probably used—and they still work today.

So next time you’re glaring at the loo brush or side-eyeing the oven door, try one of these hacks. You might even feel a little smug when it’s done.

Just don’t tell anyone you enjoyed it.

If you’re ready to switch up your cleaning routine, you could not have chosen a better place to start! We’ll show you the perks of using natural ingredients, share some DIY recipes and hacks for creating your cleaners, and introduce you to alternative tools and methods for handling everyday cleaning chores.

Discover innovative methods for dealing with stubborn stains and some unexpected ways to use vinegar and baking soda. Get ready to freshen up your living space in eco-friendly and unconventional ways. Let’s jump in and explore the exciting new ways to keep your place shining bright!

Why Try Something New?

Ready to freshen up your living space? Why not try unconventional cleaning methods and incorporate natural ingredients to give your home a new lease of life?

Picture this: stepping into a home filled with the soothing scents of lavender and lemongrass, all achieved without harsh chemicals. By embracing eco-friendly cleaning techniques, you benefit your health and support a sustainable lifestyle. Using everyday items like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can easily tackle tough dirt and grime while reducing your carbon footprint. These refreshing methods not only improve the vibe of your living space but also play a part in creating a healthier planet for future generations.

Using Natural Ingredients for Cleaning

When tackling cleaning tasks, choosing natural ingredients like vinegar and essential oils can level up your game. Whip up some DIY cleaning solutions with these goodies, and not only will you get things sparkling clean, but you’ll also be creating a healthier atmosphere.

Benefits of Natural Cleaners

Natural cleaners offer a range of benefits for your home, from creating an organic and non-toxic environment to promoting a healthy living space. Embrace clean living with the power of eco-friendly and natural cleaning solutions. These environmentally friendly products are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, reducing the risks of allergies and respiratory issues. By opting for natural cleaners, you protect your family from harmful toxins and contribute to a greener planet. Using plant-based ingredients in these cleaners ensures effective cleaning without compromising your health or the environment. Switch to natural cleaners today and experience a fresher, safer home environment.

DIY Recipes and Tips

Get ready to explore the world of DIY cleaning with homemade recipes infused with aromatherapy and refreshing scents. Transform your cleaning routine with these innovative solutions that cleanse and invigorate your space.

Discover the simple joy of creating your all-purpose cleaner by combining water, white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus oils provide a pleasant aroma and offer natural antibacterial properties. Spritz this refreshing blend onto countertops and surfaces for a sparkling, clean finish that leaves a lingering fragrance in the air. Embrace the calming effects of aromatherapy as you wipe away dirt and grime, turning household chores into a therapeutic experience.

Alternative Cleaning Tools and Techniques

If you’re thinking about shaking things up in your cleaning routine, why not check out some different cleaning tools and techniques that can help you keep your home fresh and clean more sustainably? Leave those old-school methods behind and give a more eco-friendly approach to cleaning a shot.

Unusual Tools for Common Cleaning Tasks

Are you tired of the same old cleaning routine? Are you ready to shake things up a bit? Try out some unusual tools that can add a bit of fun and creativity to your cleaning tasks. These unconventional methods can make your space look new while making your household chores more enjoyable.

Ever heard of magnetic window cleaners that can tackle those hard-to-reach spots effortlessly? Or how about those cool microfiber dusting slippers that turn cleaning into a fun little dance party? There’s a whole world of innovative gadgets out there that can change how you clean.

You’ll fall in love with the simplicity of using squeegees to get rid of pesky pet hair. Or you’ll go green with eco-friendly bamboo scrubbing brushes that are functional and sustainable. And let’s not forget about steam mops for squeaky-clean floors without the need for harsh chemicals or microfiber cloths that are pros at trapping dust.

With these creative tools, cleaning doesn’t have to be a dull chore. It becomes a journey towards a sparkling clean home that’s fun to achieve. So, why not dive into the world of unconventional cleaning tools and see how they can add a delightful twist to your cleaning routine?

Innovative Techniques for Tough Stains

Having trouble with those stubborn stains? You should check out some innovative techniques that can help you clean effectively without using any harsh chemicals. Upgrade your stain-removal game with methods that focus on cleanliness and sustainability.

You can bid farewell to annoying stains by using eco-friendly cleaning products and natural remedies. These approaches work wonders on tough marks and contribute to a healthier environment.

Whether you’re using vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for general stains or enzyme-based cleaners for specific spots, there are plenty of gentle yet effective options available.

By adopting sustainable cleaning practices, you’ll benefit your home and help create a greener, healthier planet.

Unconventional Uses for Common Cleaning Products

Have you ever considered the hidden talents of your regular cleaning products? There are actually some pretty cool ways to use items like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in unexpected ways. Shake things up and try these unconventional cleaning solutions to give your cleaning routine a fresh new twist.

Surprising Ways to Use Vinegar, Baking Soda, and More

With everyday items like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and other household essentials, you can do more than just clean! Dive into the world of upcycling these items to give your living space a fresh look and add a touch of greenery to your home. Get creative with these everyday products to create a sustainable and rejuvenating environment.

Instead of throwing out those empty jars, why not turn them into cute plant pots? Fill them with stones, soil, and a small herb or succulent for a charming touch. Give your old t-shirts a new purpose as cleaning cloths to reduce the use of disposable kitchen rolls and embrace a zero-waste lifestyle. Mix the bicarbonate of soda with essential oils to make natural air fresheners that eliminate the need for chemical sprays.

By adopting these upcycling techniques, you enhance your home decor and contribute to living greener and more sustainably.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Ready to step into the world of eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are a step above the usual? Purify your living space with scented sprays and turn your home into a sanctuary of freshness and sustainability. Take your cleaning game up with safe practices for the environment, and treat yourself to delightful aromas.

Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact

Make a difference by reducing waste and minimising environmental impact through eco-friendly cleaning.

Create a clean environment that thrives on sustainable practices, ensuring a healthier home and a greener future. Join the movement towards a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.

By choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices, you protect the planet and safeguard your family’s health. Sustainable cleaning methods help reduce harmful chemicals in your living spaces, promoting overall well-being and sustainability.

Embracing eco-friendly cleaning habits has a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and create a cleaner and more sustainable world. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment and pave the way for a brighter future.

Hey there, fellow cleanliness enthusiasts! It’s your friendly neighbourhood professional cleaner, Kate, here to commiserate with you about the oh-so-joyful world of home cleaning. Let’s be honest, folks. We all have those cleaning tasks that make us want to curl up into the fetal position and pretend the mess doesn’t exist. But fear not, for today I’m going to shine a spotlight on the top three most unpleasant home cleaning tasks that will have you speed-dialling your local professional cleaner faster than you can say “dust bunny”.

The Dreaded Toilet Cleaning

Ah, yes. The throne of shame. The porcelain palace. The one place in your home that everyone pretends isn’t there until it becomes absolutely unavoidable. Cleaning the toilet is like testing your limits of disgust, where one wrong move could result in a germ-filled catastrophe.

First, there’s the initial inspection. You cautiously lift the lid, half-expecting to find a family of raccoons living inside. Then comes the inevitable gag reflex as you confront the horrors within. Scrubbing away at those stubborn stains feels like trying to erase your teenage fashion choices from the internet – impossible and mildly embarrassing.

But wait, it gets better! Just when you think you’ve conquered Mount Flushmore, you remember the dreaded toilet brush. The mere thought of its bristles sends shivers down your spine. Armed with gloves and a hazmat suit, you gingerly attack the bowl, praying for forgiveness from the cleaning gods.

Let’s face it, folks. Cleaning the toilet is a dirty job, and someone’s gotta do it. Or, you know, you could always hire a professional cleaner and spare yourself the trauma. Just a thought.

The Perils of Pet Hair

Ah, pets. Our beloved companions bring us endless joy, unwavering loyalty, and an ungodly amount of shed hair. Whether you have a majestic Maine Coon or a petite Pomeranian, dealing with pet hair is like embarking on an epic quest with no end in sight.

It all begins innocently enough. You bring home your fluffy bundle of joy, envisioning snuggles on the couch and Instagram-worthy photo ops. But as you soon discover, along with their boundless affection, pets also come equipped with a superpower: the ability to shed hair faster than you can say “vacuum cleaner.”

At first, it’s just a few stray hairs here and there. You spot them on the couch, the carpet, and even your morning coffee (extra fibre, anyone?). But then, like an invasive species, the pet hair begins to spread, infiltrating every nook and cranny of your home.

You try everything to combat the fur-tastrophe. Lint rollers become your new best friend, strategically placed in every room like emergency supplies in a fallout shelter. Sticky tape becomes a staple in your cleaning arsenal, wielded with the precision of a ninja trying to catch a fly.

But no matter how diligent you are, pet hair always finds a way to assert dominance. It’s on the furniture and the curtains and somehow even manages to weave itself into the very fabric of your existence. Ever pulled a hairball out of your spaghetti sauce? Yeah, neither have I. It didn’t ruin dinner that one time. Nope, not at all.

And just when you think you’ve conquered the fur-mageddon, you find yourself face-to-face with the ultimate foe: the vacuum cleaner. Armed with its noisy motor and unwieldy attachments, it’s like trying to tame a wild beast hell-bent on devouring everything in its path. You wrestle with it like a gladiator in the arena, battling furballs and dust bunnies equally.

But fear not, weary pet owners, for hope is on the horizon. Professional cleaners, with their arsenal of pet hair-banishing tools and years of experience, are the knights in shining armour you’ve been waiting for. They’ll swoop in, vanquish the fur demons, and leave your home looking and smelling like a daisy. They probably won’t judge you for accidentally wearing a cat hair sweater to work. Probably.

So, my fellow pet parents, know you are not alone in the never-ending battle against pet hair. Embrace the convenience of hiring a professional cleaner and reclaim your home from the furry invaders. Your sanity (and your wardrobe) will thank you.

The Kitchen – Your Ever Losing Cause

It is the heart of the home, the place where culinary masterpieces are born and dirty dishes go to die. Cleaning the kitchen is like a never-ending quest to maintain order in chaos. Spoiler alert: the chaos usually wins.

It all starts innocently enough. You whip up a delicious meal, leaving a trail of destruction in your wake. But as the food coma sets in, the last thing you want to do is tackle the mountain of dishes in the sink. So you promise to deal with it later and promptly forget it until the next morning.

And don’t even get me started on the fridge. One minute, you’re innocently looking for a snack; the next, you’re face-to-face with a science experiment gone wrong. Is that cheese supposed to be green? Who knows!

But the crowning glory of kitchen cleaning is the oven. You know it’s bad when even the smoke detector starts judging you. Scrubbing away at burnt-on grease and mystery gunk is enough to make you question every life choice that led you to this moment.

So, unless you fancy living in a kitchen straight out of a horror movie, it might be time to enlist the help of a professional cleaner. They’ll have your kitchen sparkling like new in no time, leaving you free to focus on more important things, like deciding what to order for takeout.

In conclusion, my fellow cleanliness warriors, there’s no shame in admitting defeat when it comes to the most unpleasant home cleaning tasks. Sometimes, it’s better to leave it to the professionals and save yourself the stress (and the gag reflex). So embrace the convenience of hiring a professional cleaner and reclaim your sanity, one dust bunny at a time. Your toilet brush will thank you.

Green type of clean-up, for me, is an inspiration and life magic. In striving to protect my home and family against dust, allergens and grime, I am trying to be more responsible for the planet as a whole and the environment around me because the invasion of chemicals is a harmful daily routine.

Using natural ingredients, eco-friendly substances, herbs and essential oils, I manage to keep indoor space free of strong scents and bleach-based commercial products.

Now I want to share a straightforward recipe for effective property maintenance. Experts and DIY experimenters called that mixture Citrus cleaner, an enzyme-based powerful, healthy substance for many household purposes. It is useful for removing oil and other residues but not because of enzymes in the citruses but mainly because of terpenes which science has found in the peels. They are frequent solvents in commercial degreasing brands.

Such type of eco-friendly, all-purpose home products can digest a variety of organic grime. It is useful in removing stubborn stains and eliminates grease and biological material. The so-called enzyme cleaner works successfully on different surfaces and neutralises odours as well.

Besides the quantity of necessary water /one litre/ you also need the following ingredients:

• a cup of minced peels from lemons and oranges
• a half cup of brown sugar
• a tablespoon of active dry yeast
• a little bit of white vinegar

That homemade multifunctional washing solution can disinfect surfaces, smells fascinating and clean efficiently.

Consider where to keep the solution to ferment. The optimum temperature is around 95 F or 35 C. Shake every day. It is necessary to vent the formed gasses regularly. After two weeks, the process is complete, remove the peels using a strainer. Add the white vinegar mentioned above. Shake the again very well the solution and store it in the cupboard with washing products and tools. Choose an airtight container because exposing the enzymes to oxygen will reduce the cleaning power of the liquid.

You may decide to leave the solution for another two-four weeks because the cleaner would be much more robust. Before applying, dilute one part of the eco-friendly solution with ten amounts of water. For delicate cleaning tasks, use one part of the mixture with even twenty parts water.

A spray bottle is comfortable for different chores, so before washing around, transfer the enzyme liquid to such one. Use regular maintenance, frequent refreshing or disinfection for ordinary cleaning tasks – floors, furniture, carpets, upholstery, and bathrooms.

When it comes to challenging jobs, there is no risk of applying the cleaner directly on a particular surface or material. Let it sit for a while, and remove it with a damp cloth or microfibre. Its cleaning property is suitable for cutting all greasy traces in the kitchen and even in the entire home.

I was delighted when have discovered that fermented citrus fruits can remove scale and lime. It is a great pleasure to notice how the stubborn stain becomes lightened, and the colouration disappears at the end. My favourite homemade enzyme magic can remove spots from coffee, wine, tea, chocolate, juice, salad dressing, etc. I even use it when there is a necessity to fight mud and dust. It is a quick and practical recipe for fabrics care – regular cleaning, refreshing and spot treating.

Some easy steps to tackle stains, mould and odours:

• Eliminate grime as much as it is possible. A spatula or a spoon can help you to be more effective;
• Soak with warm water;
• Blot with a clean cloth without applying any pressure through rubbing or scrubbing;
• Spray with your enzyme cleaner. Let it sit for twenty minutes to work on the colouration;
• Rinse with wet clean microfiber. Press gently into the stain and use back-forth motion several times until the grime and excess water disappear. Repeat if it is necessary.

I am very thankful for modern science, which makes our life rich with solutions, possibilities, and smart home-keeping ideas. The usual everyday struggle with grime and residues would be stressful and hard-working without state-of-the-art cleaning innovations. Vigorously brushing the stained material is not a proper way to maintain possessions and take care of their longevity and beauty shine.

Which are the profits of the professional house cleaning service?

The regular domestic cleaning by our own spent a lot of time in hard-working but the results wouldn‘t be so satisfying.

The surfaces of the furniture can seem to be clean, but the bacterias and the bad microbes are highly protected, easily adapting to the environment around. The deeper dirt, allergens and pathogens remain in the fibres of the carpet, for example. The struggles with them is a really difficult task if you haven’t got appropriate cleaning products, tools, methods of working.

The domestic cleaning is a responsible job because of the influence it may have on us, our health and way of living. Especially if you have children and their freedom at home is important for you.

If you decide to trust a professional cleaning service for your home, the benefits would be:

deep professional cleaning

more spare time

pleasant emotions in comfort and clean environment

fresh air in the dwellings

Simple life-less efforts-more happiness and healthy living…