N※N

Clean High-Traffic Areas First: The Key to a Spotless Home

65

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. ffic-areas-first-the-key-to-a-spotless-home.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 1:11 GMT by Daily Mail

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-08 224 x 224 / 11375 Bytes

2025-12-08 224 x 224 / 9616 Bytes

2025-12-08 224 x 224 / 9663 Bytes

2025-12-08 249 x 202 / 7150 Bytes

A Quick‑Guide to the “Dirty Trick” That Professional Cleaners Swear By

When the Daily Mail’s cleaning crew set up shop in a cluttered, sticky‑toed kitchen, the result was more than a tidy home – it was a masterclass in domestic hygiene. The article “Professional cleaner’s home cleaning tricks to keep your house spotless” (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/homes/article-15361615/professional-cleaner-home-clean-dirty-trick.html) follows a seasoned pro, Emma Clarke, as she turns a “dirty” household into a gleaming sanctuary. Below is a concise breakdown of the tricks she shares, along with extra context from the links woven into the story.

1. Start with a “High‑Traffic” Sweep

Emma opens with a simple mantra: clean the areas you use most often first. The kitchen counter, the front‑door mat and the living‑room coffee table receive the biggest “first‑pass” attention. She uses a micro‑fibre cloth (recommended in a Daily Mail article on “Why microfiber is king of home cleaning”) to capture dust and pet hair without leaving lint behind.

2. The “Baking Soda & Vinegar” Double‑Act

The article dedicates a page to the classic pair. Emma shows how a half‑cup of baking soda in a spray bottle, topped with a cup of distilled white vinegar, can be sprayed on grouted tiles, a broken faucet, or even a dull kettle. The fizz releases chlorine‑free cleaning power that lifts grime and neutralises odors. The link in the article points readers to the Daily Mail’s “Best home cleaning hacks using kitchen staples” guide for recipe variations.

3. The “Damp Sponge” Trick

A recurring motif in the article is the “dirty trick” that Emma claims gives her a streak‑free shine on glass and chrome. She dampens a small sponge, then rubs it over the entire surface, wiping away smudges before letting it air‑dry. The trick relies on the sponge’s porous texture that holds a minute amount of water, ensuring no streaks remain.

4. The “Squeegee” on the Shower Door

Emma highlights a device often overlooked: the plastic squeegee. She demonstrates its use on the bathroom door and shower curtain, removing condensation before it can leave mineral build‑up. The article references an external DIY guide on “How to keep your shower door crystal clear” that expands on the technique.

5. The “Vacuum with HEPA Filter” for Pet Hair

When Emma tackles a sofa covered in cat fur, she switches to a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter – a model mentioned in the Daily Mail’s “Best vacuums for pet owners” piece. The filter traps 99.97 % of allergens and prevents them from re‑entering the home.

6. The “Micro‑fibre Towel” for Dust‑Free Dusting

Dust, especially on delicate surfaces like lampshades, can be a nightmare. Emma recommends a micro‑fibre towel, which captures particles at the microscopic level. The Daily Mail article linked here recommends the “Micro‑fibre Towel 5‑in‑1” – a versatile tool for dusting, polishing, and wiping.

7. The “Quick‑Clean” Kitchen Counter Ritual

Emma walks through a simple 30‑second ritual: spray the counter with a dish‑washing liquid‑water mix, wipe with a damp cloth, and finish with a dry microfiber wipe. The trick is to keep the counter “ready for use” in case the next family member spills a drink.

8. The “Declutter” Method for Longevity

The article doesn’t stop at cleaning; it talks about maintaining cleanliness. Emma suggests a “one‑in‑one‑out” rule for every room, where every new item bought replaces an old one. She links to the Daily Mail’s “Home organisation hacks” article for a deeper dive into storage solutions like baskets, labels, and wall hooks.

9. The “Window Cleaning” Secret

When cleaning windows, Emma applies a mixture of 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar, sprays it onto the glass, and then uses a dry, lint‑free towel. The trick, according to the article, removes stubborn fingerprints and leaves the glass crystal clear. The Daily Mail’s “Best window cleaning products” page offers a list of alternatives if you prefer a commercial cleaner.

10. The “Scented Clean” End Game

Emma rounds off with a touch of fragrance – a drop of essential oil (lavender or citrus) in a spray bottle with water. It not only smells fresh but also provides a mild antibacterial effect. The article references the Daily Mail’s “Essential oils for cleaning” guide for safety tips and dilution ratios.

The Bottom Line

Emma Clarke’s “dirty trick” is less about a single secret formula and more about a consistent, simple routine that anyone can adopt. The Daily Mail’s article stitches together practical, evidence‑based hacks with user‑friendly tools and quick‑fix recipes that require only items found in most kitchens or online. By following the order of “high‑traffic first,” using the right microfiber gear, and incorporating the baking soda–vinegar combo, even the busiest households can see a noticeable difference in cleanliness and freshness. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first‑time home‑owner, these proven techniques make it easier than ever to keep the house sparkling without spending hours on chores.