When it comes to cleaning, you'll sometimes need a little push (or shove) to start building good habits. Whether you love cleaning or despise the mere thought of it, there's no denying that a spotless home can have a positive impact on your mood and well-being. When your home environment is clean and organised, you'll feel less stressed, become more productive, and fall sick less frequently. If you're looking for fun and effective ways to clean your home, you're in luck. We've done the research for you! Turn on your favourite podcast, slip on some rubber gloves and get ready to clean like a pro.

1. Skip the traditional mop

When it comes to cleaning, efficiency is the name of the game. We all know the drill, sweep or vacuum your floors before going in with a mop. However, did you know that when stored wet, mops foster so much bacterial growth that they can’t be cleaned even through chemical disinfection? Good mop maintenance is a key part of cleaning efficiently. Consider ditching your traditional mop in favour of a spin mop, which are designed for ease of use and take the toll out of squeezing them dry manually. In addition, be sure to store your mop off the floor and in a well-ventilated area to keep it in tip-top condition.

Another great tip when picking out a new mop is to choose a design that is machine washable and comes with replaceable mop heads. When your mop starts to look particularly grim, replacing just the mop head saves you money while ensuring you’re cleaning productively. Finally, pair your new mop with a floor cleaner that fits your type of flooring and has a fresh scent for more effective cleaning. Get ready to watch your floors sparkle.

2. Rethink the vacuum cleaner

Dry paper wipes are handy to have for cleaning dust and grime quickly off of any surface. However, for a deep and thorough clean, nothing beats the vacuum cleaner. If you think a vacuum cleaner is bulky, you’ll be pleased to know that the modern vacuum is sleek, designed to fit in every nook and cranny, and runs on batteries. When choosing a vacuum cleaner, select one that is flexible (for easy access under low furniture) and has good battery life. For cleaning rugs and carpet, start off with mixing baking soda with a few drops of essential oil and sprinkling the mixture over the rugs and carpets. This will eliminate bad odours. After about an hour, simply vacuum! There’s a reason why the vacuum cleaner is a star product for any pro cleaner.

It is also worth bearing in mind that vacuum cleaners are not just for floors, and can be repurposed for other uses! A few simple hacks can help you see your vacuum cleaner in a new light. Cookie crumbs on your keyboard? No problem. Attach an old squeeze bottle or a paper towel tube at the end of your vacuum can help you get into tight crevices. Lost jewellery or loose change behind furniture? Pull some tights or thin socks over your vacuum to pick up small lost pieces. Genius. Dusty blinds and lamps? A hand vacuum with a brush attachment will leave them looking brand new.

3. Have the right tools to deep-clean your bathroom

Out of all the rooms in a home, bathrooms require the most maintenance because they harbour the most germs. To do the job right, it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools. For the toilet, a sturdy toilet brush and a high strength cleaner will ensure that the area stays sanitary. Bonus points if the toilet brush also looks good on display! To remove grout stains from shower walls and keep showerheads free from mildew and soap scum, a multi-purpose bathroom cleaner will get the job done quickly. Also don’t throw away your old toothbrush. They come in handy for scrubbing small spaces around faucets and showerheads.

As a finishing touch to your sparkling clean bathroom, add an air-freshener to keep it smelling great. While nobody likes cleaning the bathroom, remember that keeping up with it makes the job less painful! Don’t forget to store all your bathroom cleaning tools and supplies together in a caddy under the sink for easy access because you don’t just want to be thorough, you want to be fast.

4. Maximise the potential of dishwashing liquid

When it comes to cleaning like a pro, do not underestimate the humble dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquids work well for cleaning beyond the usual crockery. If you’re having trouble cleaning the nooks and crannies within your blender, simply combine dishwashing liquid and water and whiz together to clean it out. The soapy liquid will be able to reach every area, leaving your blender spotless.

If you find yourself having to deal with a burnt pot or a scorched pan, and the usual soap and sponge won’t cut it, try adding a few pumps of dishwashing liquid with water and bring to a boil. The water, soap and heat will break down all stubborn food particles. When combined with a heavy-duty sponge, you’ll save significant scrubbing time.

5. Utilise everyday ingredients like lemons, vinegar and baking soda

If you’re interested in making your own chemical-free cleaning supplies, you might be surprised to know that the key ingredients you need might just be hiding in your pantry. To make your own all-purpose cleaner, combine:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Lemon rind or rosemary sprigs

Pour your new all-purpose cleaner into a labelled spray bottle and allow to infuse for a week before using. If you want to reduce the waiting time, replace lemon and rosemary with a few drops of your favourite essential oil and you’re good to go.

Baking soda is also an effective deodoriser and can be used to shine sinks and stainless steel appliances. Combine baking soda with water and use a trusty sponge to clean cutting boards or a handy microfibre cloth to wipe down any surface.

A clean home provides a sense of satisfaction, and is an essential part of healthy living. However, nobody wants to spend the majority of their free time scrubbing and polishing their homes when there are Netflix shows to binge watch. With a simple and consistent routine, coupled with the right cleaning tools and supplies, your home will be spick and span in no time!

For sprucing up your home this Deepavali, Giant has on offer a host of great deals to help you get ready for the festive season!