Why You Might Want Fewer Detergents In Your Cupboard

Cutting back on store-bought detergents doesn’t mean letting dirt pile up or your home smelling like last week’s leftovers. It just means thinking a bit differently. I started noticing how many bottles I had under my kitchen sink—different ones for windows, worktops, ovens, loos, limescale, laundry, and then some. And still, somehow, I’d run out. It was draining the bank account, cluttering the cupboards, and honestly, it made cleaning feel more complicated than it needed to be.

The truth is, you don’t need a different product for every surface. You also don’t need to sacrifice cleanliness, freshness or hygiene to use less. There are clever ways to clean that cost less, work just as well, and don’t coat your home in chemicals. Whether you’re trying to save money, cut down on waste, avoid harsh ingredients, or just simplify your life a bit, reducing your use of store-bought detergents is a step in the right direction. Let’s look at what’s in it for you—and how to make it work.

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The Real Perks Of Using Fewer Detergents

Less strain on the family budget

If you’ve ever added up how much you spend on cleaning products in a year, the number might make you wince. I did a rough count once and nearly dropped my mop. Laundry liquids, toilet cleaners, floor sprays, disinfectants… the list goes on. And it all adds up.

Cutting back doesn’t mean letting go of hygiene. It just means being smarter about what you use. A single bottle of white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda can replace several of those pricey branded bottles. You can save hundreds of pounds over time just by switching up your habits.

Healthier homes, fewer sneezes

Ever cleaned your shower with one of those powerful sprays and had to leave the room because the fumes made your eyes water? Yep, me too. Many store-bought detergents are full of ingredients you probably wouldn’t want to breathe in—or let your kids or pets near.

By reducing your use of chemical-heavy cleaners, you can help cut down on indoor air pollution and skin irritants. People with allergies or asthma often notice a real difference. You’re also less likely to get that dry, itchy feeling after scrubbing down the bathroom.

Kinder to the planet

Most detergents come in plastic bottles, often non-recyclable or made with lots of energy and water in the production process. Then there’s the run-off—those synthetic chemicals end up in waterways after you rinse them down the sink.

Using fewer of these products means creating less waste and releasing fewer toxins into the environment. And if you’re switching to natural alternatives, even better. You can clean your home without leaving a chemical trail behind.

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One Cleaner To Rule Them All? It’s Not A Myth

The multi-purpose cleaner: your new best friend

Some clever marketing convinced us we need something different for every bit of the house. Kitchen spray with lemon for surfaces. Bathroom bleach for the loo. Glass spray for mirrors. Limescale remover for taps. But most of these products are doing nearly the same job—just with different packaging and perfumes.

Truth is, a good multi-purpose cleaner can cover 90% of your daily cleaning jobs. Whether you buy one or make your own, it’s your best weapon in the fight against grime. I’ve used the same homemade mix for my kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles, even the inside of the fridge. It cuts through grease, lifts dirt, and leaves things sparkling.

Don’t let labels fool you

That lavender-scented toilet cleaner? It’s basically a strong bleach. That floral floor cleaner? Just a scented detergent. Once you look past the labels, you’ll see how often you’re buying the same stuff in different bottles.

Start testing your all-purpose cleaner in different areas. You might find you don’t need that long shopping list of different bottles after all. Fewer products means fewer decisions—and fewer things to run out of.

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Getting Creative With DIY Home Cleaners

Pantry staples to the rescue

I never thought vinegar would become one of my most used cleaning products, but here we are. It’s brilliant for breaking down grease, tackling limescale, and making glass shine. Mixed with water in a spray bottle, it works wonders in the kitchen and bathroom. Add a few drops of lemon juice and it even smells fresh.

Then there’s bicarbonate of soda. It’s a mild abrasive and a natural deodoriser. I use it to scrub the sink, freshen the fridge, clean the oven, and even lift stains from mugs. Pair it with vinegar and you’ve got a fizzy combo that makes grout look new again.

Lemons aren’t just for G&Ts, either. Rub half a lemon on a chopping board and watch it brighten up and smell amazing. Use the juice to clean limescale off taps or freshen up the microwave with a steam clean.

Add a bit of fragrance with essential oils

If you miss the ‘cleaning product’ smell, essential oils are your friend. A few drops of tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or orange oil in your DIY cleaners can add that familiar, fresh scent. They also have antibacterial properties, depending on the oil.

Just be mindful if you’ve got pets—some essential oils aren’t safe for dogs or cats. Always check before using them.

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Still Using Commercial Detergents? Just Use Less

Don’t chuck the whole bottle at the problem

You don’t need half a cap of laundry detergent for one load. You might not need any fabric softener at all, depending on the clothes. Most of us use way more than the instructions say—usually because we think more product means better cleaning.

Try using half the usual amount and see if there’s a difference. In most cases, there won’t be. I halved my laundry detergent usage and everything still comes out clean. The machine even smells fresher without that buildup.

Stretch out your stash

You can make shop-bought detergents last longer by diluting them for light jobs. That thick washing-up liquid? Add a bit of water. Bathroom spray running low? Refill the bottle with water and give it a shake. You’ll still get plenty of cleaning power without using up the whole thing in one go.

Also, try alternating between homemade and shop-bought cleaners. Use the stronger stuff only when you really need it—like a deep-clean day or a greasy oven.

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Handy DIY Cleaner Recipes To Get You Started

All-purpose cleaner spray

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part water
• A few drops of lemon juice or essential oil

Perfect for: worktops, fridges, tiles, light grease, mirrors (avoid marble or granite).

Bathroom scrub

• 3 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tbsp liquid soap (any will do)
• A few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil

Great for: tiles, sinks, tubs, and limescale around taps.

Glass and mirror spray

• 1 part vinegar
• 1 part water
• Microfibre cloth

Spray and wipe for streak-free shine.

Fabric freshener

• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
• 10 drops of lavender or peppermint oil

Spritz on curtains, sofas, or dog beds to keep things smelling fresh.

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The Clean Takeaway

You don’t need ten different bottles to have a clean home. Just a few smart switches, some cupboard basics, and a bit of trust in your own creativity can go a long way. I didn’t go detergent-free overnight, but I started cutting down where I could. That one bottle of vinegar became three bottles I didn’t have to buy. My skin stopped getting itchy. My wallet breathed a little easier.

Once you see how well it works, you’ll wonder why you ever bought into all that over-packaged, over-priced fluff. Cleaning should be simple, safe, and satisfying. And now it is.

Are you getting ready for post-renovation cleaning in your home? Whether you’re gathering supplies or making a game plan, we’ve got tips and tricks to make the process easy.

In this guide, we will discuss the top methods for removing dust from surfaces, cleaning floors and carpets, scrubbing walls and windows, improving air quality, and keeping your home free of dust. Watch for pro tips on achieving a spotless and healthy living space.

Preparation for Post-Renovation Cleaning

Preparing for post-renovation cleaning is crucial for ensuring your home transforms into a dust-free, organised oasis once the renovations wrap up. You want to set yourself up for success by planning, stocking up on the necessary supplies, and learning the best cleaning techniques to handle all the debris and dust that renovation work leaves behind.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

When you’re gearing up for the post-renovation cleanup, you’ll first need to gather all your supplies.

• Get yourself a trusty vacuum cleaner to suck up all that dust and debris,
• some gentle microfiber cloths for wiping things down without leaving scratches and
• a mop that’s right for your type of flooring.

Remember to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a mask to keep allergens and nasty particles at bay.

When it comes to cleaning products, go for the green stuff, like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap. That way, you’ll clean up in a safe and non-toxic environment.

Creating a Cleaning Plan

When tackling the post-renovation mess, you need a solid plan in place. Create a cleaning checklist and schedule that help you take on the chaos step by step.

First things first, take a good look around and figure out which areas need the most TLC. Focus on the dirtiest and most cluttered spots that need immediate attention. Organise your cleaning tasks based on how messy and necessary each space is.

As you map out your cleaning schedule, set aside specific blocks of time for each task. Give yourself enough time to get into the nitty-gritty. Use smart cleaning strategies like starting from the top and working your way down or moving from left to right to ensure you cover every inch.

It’s all about using the right tools and techniques. Grab some microfibre cloths for dusting and pick the best cleaning products for different surfaces to get the best results. These little tricks will help you clean up the mess with ease.

Removing Dust from Surfaces

Make sure you remove dust from surfaces after a renovation to keep your home environment healthy and clean.

Tools and Techniques for Dusting

Regarding post-renovation cleaning, using the right tools and techniques for dusting can up your game. One trusty dusting buddy is a microfibre cloth—gentle on surfaces but tough on dust. If you’re reaching for a duster, go for one with an extendable handle to make those high spots a breeze.

Grab your hoover with a brush attachment when it’s time to tackle carpets and upholstery. For delicate items, a soft-bristled brush is your go-to. And don’t forget to give surfaces a final wipe with a damp cloth to pick up any lingering dust bunnies.

Mixing up your tools and tricks ensures your surfaces get top-notch clean and free of dust and grime.

Cleaning Floors and Carpets

When cleaning floors and carpets after a renovation, you must thoroughly remove all the debris and leave the surfaces looking spotless.

Best Practices for Removing Debris and Dirt

Regarding keeping your floors and carpets spotless, adopting the proper cleaning habits is vital to maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. You’ve got to stay on top of things by regularly vacuuming to prevent dirt and dust from piling up on your carpets and hard surfaces.

Opt for a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to catch even the tiniest particles, ensuring a thorough clean. Don’t stop at vacuuming – consider adding deep cleaning methods like steam or dry carpet cleaning to your routine. These techniques can tackle tough stains and embedded debris, leaving your floors looking and feeling fresh.

Making these cleaning practices a regular part of your routine will keep allergens and bacteria at bay, creating a healthier space for you and your family to enjoy.

Wiping Down Walls and Windows

Remember to wipe down the walls and windows when cleaning after a renovation. Getting rid of all the dust, dirt, and leftover construction materials is essential for a fresh finish.

Effective Cleaning Solutions and Methods

When cleaning your walls and windows, choose the right cleaning solutions and methods to do the job safely and efficiently.

Try mixing equal parts water and distilled vinegar for squeaky-clean windows without toxic chemicals. Spray it on your windows and wipe them down with a microfibre cloth in a circular motion for a streak-free shine.

If your walls look worse for wear, a paste of bicarbonate soda and water can be a game-changer. Apply the paste with a soft cloth and gently scrub any stubborn dirt or grime.

These eco-friendly methods will give you a thorough cleaning and ensure a safe and healthy environment for you and your loved ones.

Addressing Air Quality

Addressing air quality as a top priority after a renovation will ensure you eliminate any pesky dust particles or pollutants lingering in your home environment.

Using Air Purifiers and Filters

Using air purifiers and filters can significantly improve the air quality in your home by removing dust and other pollutants. These devices work by pulling in air, trapping particles through filters, and circulating cleaner air back into the room. By capturing dust, allergens, smoke particles, and pet dander, air purifiers help reduce respiratory issues and allergies.

The benefits of using air purifiers extend to maintaining a healthier indoor environment, especially for those with asthma or allergies. When choosing an air purifier, consider the size of the room, type of filter, CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), noise level, and energy efficiency to ensure the most effective dust control and overall air quality improvement in your home.

Maintaining a Dust-Free Home

To keep your home dust-free, you must follow a regular maintenance routine that involves dusting often and taking preventative measures.

Tips for Preventing Dust Build-Up

Preventing dust build-up is essential to keeping your living space clean and healthy. One tip to help you reduce dust accumulation is to regularly clean and change the air filters in your home’s heating and cooling systems. Dirty filters can spread dust particles around.

Another way to tackle dust is to use doormats in your entryways. They can help stop outdoor dust and dirt from entering your home. Start cleaning at the top of the room with ceiling fans and light fittings, then work your way down. This helps prevent kicking up settled dust. Try using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to get rid of dust more effectively. It’ll trap those pesky dust particles better. And when you’re dusting surfaces, go for a microfibre cloth. It’s excellent for capturing dust rather than just spreading it around.

In our hectic daily lives, tidying up and cleaning the house seems impossible, and we often say, “Stay for tomorrow,” or “I’ll do the weekend.” When it comes time to take on the tasks, we usually have to spend long and exhausting hours dealing with the accumulated housework. If this sounds familiar and you don’t know how to escape this vicious circle, try these four simple tactics to keep your home clean and tidy. 

Get rid of the packaging 

Almost all the goods we buy are packed in boxes, envelopes, foil, paper and whatnot. Not to mention that in many cases, the packaging is much larger than the product it contains. Transfer the products to plastic or glass storage containers to save more space and avoid spilling food and accumulating half-empty bags and boxes in kitchen cabinets and refrigerators. This way, the cleaning and tidying of the kitchen will become faster, and finding the desired product will be easier. 

Arrange in the evening 

Waking up in a cluttered house can be pretty demotivating for anyone. Not to mention that when you can’t find anything you need in a mess, getting ready for work and dressing the kids is a complex and time-consuming task. Unfortunately, you often repeat this scenario if you postpone the order for a specific day. You will improve the situation significantly if you take some time in the evening to put your house in order instead of waiting for your weekend. 

If you spend 15-20 minutes undressing after coming home from work, you can enjoy a pleasant and cosy atmosphere throughout the week. You will be surprised how many things you can do in this short time, and you will significantly facilitate cleaning the house and your daily life. 

Do not miss the spring and autumn house cleaning

Even if you tidy the house and clean it regularly, some dust and dirt seep into the curtains, upholstery and carpets. Basic cleaning once, or better yet, twice a year, is the best way to prevent fabric wear and tear and maintain the well-being of your home. Spring cleaning is also an excellent occasion to revise your wardrobe and throw away unnecessary clothes and accessories that only take up space and interfere when tidying up. 

Clean the bathroom after taking a bath 

Although there is no furniture or carpets in the bathroom to collect dust, it is one of the places that pollutes quickly. An easy way to keep this room hygienic is to take 5 minutes to clean after each bath. Leave the most necessary products and cleaning supplies in the bathroom to be at hand. Apply the detergents on the tiles, taps, and other places where mould most often appears or limescale accumulates and leaves for a minute or two. 

During this time, spray the mirror with glass cleaner and polish it. Then rinse the detergents you have left to work. You will remove the accumulated dirt much more quickly and without endless rubbing, as the room remains damp after showering. To finish cleaning the bathroom, dry the wet surfaces. That will prevent the appearance of unpleasant stains that remain from moisture and splashes. 

How to disinfect at home? 

Personal hygiene and social distancing undoubtedly help to control viral epidemics. That is not our only trump card against germs – good hygiene and regular disinfection at home guarantee its inhabitants’ health and support the health of the whole society. 

Cleaning and disinfection at home – an effective weapon against viruses 

That is why we have tried to gather in one place the best tips and tactics for basic home cleaning and effective disinfection to stop the spread of viruses, germs and other bacteria. 

Cleaning and disinfection of the house 

Many people need to distinguish between cleaning and disinfection. Cleaning removes germs or dirt from the surface, but this does not kill pathogens. It more often just wipes them but still reduces the spread of infection. Disinfection, on the other hand, is the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Here’s a look at what the differences are: 

Cleaning: Cleaning the carpets with a vacuum cleaner, washing the floors, wiping the counter tops and tables, dusting, etc. 

Disinfection: Using disinfectants on surfaces with frequent direct contact, such as door handles, windows, cabinets, light switches, remotes, toilets, desks, chairs, sinks and counter tops, etc. 

What can you use for disinfection at home? 

Unfortunately, when we talk about destroying pathogens of dangerous viruses, such as Covid 19, environmental products are not as effective as “household chemicals“. The most effective natural way to disinfect is to clean with a steam cleaner, but only some have one. However, you can use the following products: 

• Detergents that contain bleach 
• Preparations containing ethanol alcohol 
• A solution of hot water and lots of soap also works if you don’t have anything else 

Other ways to keep germs away from home 

Take a look at the tips below – they, along with the use of disinfectants and good personal hygiene, are your best antiviral tactics. 

•  Leave “dirty” things by the door. Minimise the entry of pathogens into your home. Taking off your shoes and keeping them in the hallway or the garage is not suitable. Although the transmission of the virus through shoes is not common, we can carry other nasty bacteria, germs and dirt in the home. Remember that purses, bags, backpacks, or other items we use outside may have been in contact with a contaminated area or touched with dirty hands. Therefore, it is good that they remain in the hallway – do not place them on kitchen counter tops, dining tables, or near recreation areas – coffee tables, sofas, or beds. 
• Disinfection of small objects that we often hold in our hands. Here we remind you that we need more than washing the door handle and hands if we use a mobile phone. It also was outside with us. Clean the device with an alcohol-based detergent. Even pure alcohol works. Keys and locks must also be disinfected daily. 
• Change your clothes. If you’ve been outside, no matter what you’ve been doing, be sure to change into clean home clothes. Put the clothes you go out to wash, or at least take them out on the terrace or in the yard in direct sunlight for a few hours. You may not always wash outerwear every day, but ultraviolet rays will deal with germs. 
• Leave hand sanitiser near the door. In addition to frequently cleaning the front door handle, it is good not to touch it with dirty hands. Leaving a bottle of disinfectant and using it every time you enter will significantly reduce the germs you miss in your home. However, it is essential to use a product that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
• Disinfection of the workplace. Even if you do not go to the office but work from home, we must remember that the keyboard and mouse are one of the most significant breeding grounds for germs, viruses and bacteria. Therefore, clean your workplace often. 
• Use antibacterial cycles on the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher. Many newer models have this option, which uses hotter than usual temperatures to reduce bacteria. 

We have been helping with household chores and cleaning for years. We have hundreds of clients who rely on us. Therefore, we are familiar with the most common problems in home maintenance and effective methods for solving them.

We will share simple but effective ideas and tricks that will make your work at home accessible and make cleaning your home more manageable, the results more satisfying, and you and your family happier and more cohesive.

Minimalism at home

Minimalism not only facilitates maintenance and cleaning but also creates the impression of comfort, tranquillity and harmony. In contrast, a crowded interior carries a sense of heaviness, multiple tasks that need to complete, distracts and increases stress. And “our home is our fortress,” isn’t it? We all prefer to be completely relaxed at home and not to “run” on tasks.

Suitable appliances and preparations

Proper devices and detergents for home cleaning will save you a lot of effort. Here are some practical tips:

• Suitable vacuum cleaner. Think about what is a priority for you before focusing on a model. If you do not have time and there is not much furniture in your home, choose a robot vacuum cleaner. If you suffer from low back pain, you may prefer an upright vacuum cleaner, and why not without a cord? There are also models with an option for washing, which are convenient for daily cleaning. Think about the filter, considering the home’s size and which will be more convenient for you when cleaning and changing.
• Steam cleaner. Good choice for cleaning the home without detergents. Hot steam kills up to 99% of bacteria and germs. Also, it quickly and qualitatively dissolves various types of dirt from almost all surfaces, which saves valuable time.
• Trust the manufacturers and choose the detergents according to the flooring in the interior.

Decorative foil or paper

If you cover the shelves and surfaces in your home with decorative foil or paper, you will make cleaning as easy as possible, and in case of more dirt, you can replace the foil. There are spectacular designs on the market suitable for any furniture.

Light and fresh air

Large windows bring in more natural light, which increases vitality and reduces stress levels. Even if your home does not have large windows, do not deprive yourself of sunlight – do not leave the curtains and blinds constantly lowered.

If, in addition, you grow flowers and houseplants, you will bring more comfort and fresher air into the home. Plants that significantly reduce the number of harmful substances in the air are Devil’s ivy (Scindapsus), Ficus, Chlorophytum, Chrysanthemum, Dracaena, Azalea, Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Aloe, Gerber, Sansevieria, Bamboo palm. Of course, you can grow other plants – the important thing is to feel comfortable and bring you a good mood.

Good organisation

Good organisation is exceptionally critical and can be achieved most effectively by developing a program to maintain cleanliness and clean the home. Here are a few examples:

• You should perform certain activities every day, others – once a week and even once a month. You will save time if you do not clean the places left for the basic weekly cleaning, daily and vice versa – if you do not postpone the everyday things for another time.
• Cleanliness in some places in the home is paramount, so take care of them with priority. Such are the bathroom and the kitchen, especially the counter tops and cabinets where you keep and process food.
• Do not forget to include time for rest, favourite hobbies and festive activities with the family.

Don’t procrastinate!

Procrastination is the enemy №1 of good organisation and is one of the most solid prerequisites for chaos and stress. That’s why it’s so important to be consistent. Here are a few key points that will prevent household chores from accumulating:

• Make the maxim “As you found it – so leave it” a habit. Whatever you do, even if you love creative chaos, always clean up after yourself. This way, you won’t accumulate work in addition to the weekly home cleaning.
• Do small things in principle and consistently. We all know how the temporary usually becomes permanent. Do not allow this with something that would cost you more time and energy.

And in addition – the less you procrastinate, the more opportunities you will have to procrastinate. It sounds paradoxical at first glance, but it means that if at some point you are busy than usual or if you do not feel well, or if the weather is just wonderful and you want to be in the air instead of cleaning, you will be able to allow it without worry.

Distribution of chores

• Each household member must take personal responsibility for home comfort – taking care of their belongings and not forgetting to clean up after themselves.
• Do not take on everything yourself. Everyone who lives in the home must have obligations and do them regularly. The best distribution is for everyone to do what they do most efficiently, with the least effort and pleasure.
• Delegate – leave it to someone else when you cannot complete some of your home maintenance responsibilities. Don’t take on more work than you can do without getting tired. If you need, hire a housekeeper or take advantage of a professional home cleaning service.

And a bonus tip: The little things that affect motivation

• Keep cleaners handy – you don’t want to spend half your cleaning time looking for detergents or walking from room to room to pick up something. Put things exactly where you use them most often.
• Start with the most complicated and most annoying. In the beginning, you are full of strength and energy, and in the end, you are more inclined to leave for later. Let the end of the cleaning be as easy as possible for you.
• Start with the most urgent and do not waste time on things that are not a priority – for example, do not do weekly cleaning activities every day.
• The right attitude. Smile, and don’t make cleaning an unpleasant task. It’s for you and your comfort.

Even if you are bored or tired, accept home maintenance as an investment in peace and contentment.
All this will save you time to spend with your loved ones or for your favourite hobbies, for a complete vacation or activities you always postpone due to lack of time. And one more thing – a good mood today will make you happier in the long run.

Have you got a big family, many children, a large property, a full-time job or just a big dream and brave plans?

If you want to study, develop professionally or focus on your hobbies, favourite people and outside activities, maintaining a home spotless might be a complex experience and enormous challenge. Sometimes to combine all that successfully and efficiently is even impossible.

If you desire to have free time every week without vacuuming, washing, scrubbing, and any other tedious and exhausting chores, professional cleaning support is vital for your plans and different lifestyle. Come back home; rediscover your healthy, bright and immaculate indoor environment. Rejoice at the fresh smell and shining surfaces.

Hire your cleaning company – with complete equipment, great background and excellent testimonials. Find the experts with state-of-the-art knowledge in the industry, certificated competence and sensation toward details. Everybody who has found a trustworthy domestic service knows that experts possess a genuine ability to solve problems and offer the best possible solution for your improved clean home and happier way of living.