Spring cleaning hacks and tips

Spoiler: you're going to need a fair bit of baking soda.

In a time of Marie Kondo and her uncompromising war on mess, you’d be forgiven for thinking an almighty tidy-up requires a week away from work and an unbreakable promise to yourself you’ll never go back to being that person.

BUT PLOT TWIST: the time-old tradition of Spring cleaning your home from top to bottom doesn’t have to be painful, life-affirming or even time consuming. In fact, we’ve scoured (sorry) the internet to bring together the best cleaning hacks to leave your home sparkling and your calendar unscathed – so grab some sponges, and when the time to comes to scrub, consider this list your cleaning bible.

Want a little help cleaning your home? You’ll find trusted, rated and local cleaners on Airtasker.

Deep cleaning your kitchen

As you’d expect, a kitchen in any home is a tricky beast to clean. Before you get started, do a quick sweep of any unnecessary clutter that might have made its way in from other rooms, clean the surfaces as you normally would, and give yourself a blank canvas to work from.

All hail the magic of baking soda.

The oven

Most people will tell you that you’ll need a heavy duty solution to clean your oven; but they’re wrong. Ditch the chemicals and nostril-burning fumes, and reach for your baking soda instead.

Just mix 6 teaspoons of baking soda with 250ml of warm water until you have a smooth paste. Repeat this ratio to get as much ‘product’ as you need.

Oven interior: remove the racks and set them aside, then with a sponge spread the paste over all the interiors and oven door – leave this to set for a few hours (or the night before if you’re prepping), then once ready, with a damp sponge scrub and then rinse the solution away, stains and all.

Racks: You’ve heard the stories of what cola does to bones and teeth, right? Well it turns out it’s also ‘great’ at removing tough stains from metal too. Put the racks in the sink and soak in the cola for around 15 mins, after that, scrub the racks with a scourer and rinse with warm water before adding back into the oven. Ta-daaaa, shiny clean oven racks.

The fridge

It’s a hardworking appliance in your kitchen and every now and again it needs some special attention. There are plenty of ways to keep it organised, but if you’re just cleaning – create your own homemade and eco solution to keep it sparkling. Get yourself a spray bottle or rinse out an old one, then add:

120ml white vinegar
250ml water
juice of 1 lemon

Shake up the bottle, empty your fridge completely and then spray your solution everywhere inside. After a few minutes, clean with a damp sponge, and do the same for each shelf if you can remove. This’ll remove any stains and help with any unwanted odours too.

If you’re looking to remove a smell but don’t have time for the full clean, just add an open container of bicarbonate of soda into the fridge and let it sit for a few hours – this will absorb any of those nasty smells.

The kettle

When life gives you lemons, descale your kettle! This eco-friendly hack is a must. Thanks to our relatively out of control tea obsession in this country, limescale isn’t hard to find – however doing this trick ever 3-4 months will keep any unwanted build-up at bay. Just quarter a lemon, fill the kettle up, then boil the water with the lemons inside (twice if you feel like it needs it) – once done, rinse, then re-boil and that’s it! Watch the video here.

Cleaning your walls

Whether they’re in Game of Thrones or in our humble homes, walls are important. And they can also become inexplicably dirty if left without attention for too long. The trick with walls is cleaning without damaging the paint work or wallpaper, but as long as you bear the following in mind you’ll be fine:

Do:

Dust the walls lightly before you start.
Use a soft damp sponge, and don’t scrub too hard as to not remove any paint.
Use a non-toxic solution: warm soapy water works best, but you can also use white vinegar mixed with warm water too (100ml of vinegar in a bucket of water is fine)
Rinse the wall with water and a clean sponge after applying.
Dry the wall with kitchen towel once you’re done – don’t leave the wall wet as this could result in water stains.

Don’t:

Use heavy-duty products or things from your kitchen cleaning cupboard. Just.don’t.
Use a sponge that’s too wet, a damp one will do, so ring it out before beginning.
Start the process without testing out on a small out-of-sight area of the wall first; just to be safe as to not ruin the wall.

The bathroom

Once cleared of clutter and empty shampoo bottles, the bathroom is actually the easiest place to clean in the house – and yep you guessed it, it’s also easy to do without any toxic products:

You’ll need:

Lemons
A microfibre cloth
White vinegar
Baking soda (yep, again)
One black tea
A few freezer bags
A toothbrush (that you don’t mind sacrificing)

Removing limescale

Thanks to the sheer amount of water splashing about everywhere, limescale build-up is common in bathrooms everywhere – but it’s also easily removed. Just squeeze a few teaspoons of lemon juice into a spray bottle, mix with some warm water, then spray offending areas with the mixture. Leave for a few minutes, and the acidity of the lemons will allow for an easy wipe away with either a wet cloth or toothbrush.

Cleaning your shower head

Mix equal parts water and vinegar, then half-fill a plastic bag with it. Submerge the shower head in the bag and seal it with tape or an elastic band. You don’t have to remove the shower head if you tie the bag on tightly enough.

After an hour, remove the bag, pour the water and vinegar away, and wipe away any remaining dirt on the shower head.

Mirrors

Make a strong cup of black tea and you’ve got an ideal mirror cleaner. Use a cloth to rub it in circles and it will reduce streaks and soap marks. This also works wonders with windows.

Unclogging drains

Start by pouring boiling water down the drain, then pour 75g of baking soda after it and leave for a few minutes. While you’re waiting, mix 150ml of vinegar and 150ml of boiling water together, then pour that down the drain too. Cover the plug hole, leave it for 10 minutes, and then pour more hot water down there. This final rinse will wash all the dissolved blockage away.

Bedrooms, living rooms and odd jobs

They’re a mecca for comfort and a place to relax, and as such they’re of course well worth looking after. There are a few odd-jobs that need seeing to throughout the remainder of the house, and thankfully, there are a few hacks too:

Sofas and beds

Next time you’re doing the Spring clean, sprinkle some baking powder over your couch or mattress, leave for 20 minutes, then use your hoover attachment to suck up the debris. This little trick ensures a super clean finish, whilst giving the material a freshen up too.

Window shutters

Forget fiddling around with a cloth when cleaning your window shutters, they’re too tricky to get a good grip on and you’ll be there forever. Instead, get a clean sock you don’t mind giving up, make the baking powder and water solution you’ve now mastered, dip the sock in, then put the sock over your hand to easily wipe away any dust, dirt of whatever else the shutters have managed to accumulate over the year. Easy.

Vases

Though this seems like an odd one to include, vases are often overlooked and when you do come to use them, you find yourself disappointed with how grubby they look. To get rid of stubborn grime in your vases, easy up the process by adding 200g of uncooked rice, 500ml of warm water and 100ml of white vinegar – swish around and leave for 15 minutes. Empty, rinse, and admire your sparkly good-as-new vase.

Things not to forget:

Try as you might, there are always a few things that are forgotten during your spring clean, here are the ones not to miss:

Remote controls, switches and handles

You use them everyday and though you can’t always see any issues, they can get dirty quickly. Use the same solution as the one you used for the fridge (120ml white vinegar, 250ml water, juice of one lemon) and take that around the house, carefully dabbing with a cloth, and wiping dry afterwards. For electrical items just make sure these are turned off and any batteries removed first.

Extractor fans

Extractor fans above hobs can get greasy and blocked easily; the best way to get around this is to give them a good cleaning every now and again. Using a large stainless steal bot, boil water, and add baking soda gradually – stop when you see it fizzing. Carefully using tongs, lower the filters into the pot. Leave them for 5 minutes, remove, set aside, a wipe clean before adding back into the fan.

Cleaning equipment

We know, we know – cleaning things you’re cleaning with? INCEPTION.

But all that cleaning has left your cleaning equipment, well, filthy. Make sure to give that mop bucket a good scrub before using, and arm yourself with a pack or two of clean cloths – a little prep will save you plenty of time in the long run.

—

And there we have it, happy cleaning!

Looking for a little help? Find trusted and local cleaners with Airtasker.

10 Best BBQs To Buy 2018

Your organic rib eyes deserve the best...

All your marinading, prepping, and de-boning will be for nothing if you don’t have the best BBQ for your budget. Here are 10 of the best available in 2018 – both gas and charcoal, impressive and compact.

Looking for help with cleaning your new BBQ? Find trusted and local cleaners in Brighton with Airtasker.

1. Napoleon Rodeo Professional

Made from platinum porcelain, the Rodeo Professional is a particularly efficient charcoal kettle barbecue. The folding cast iron grill has 3 different levels, the handle is cool to the touch, and the ventilation slots are rust-resistant.

RRP: £299.99
Where to buy it: Amazon, Garden Site.
Best feature: The stainless steel temperature gauge is super accurate.

2. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force

This two burner gas barbecue has been getting rave reviews. It has variable flame control, a high hood for convection cooking, and is made from rust-resistant enamel. It looks amazing too, available in exciting colours like mint and scarlet red.

RRP: £599
Where to buy it: John Lewis,
Best feature: It gets hot in 5 minutes so it’s ready to cook on almost immediately.

3. Char-Broil Performance 220B

This gas BBQ includes Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared cooking technology, which promises 50% juicier meat and uses 30% less gas. It’s easy to use when entertaining – it ignites with one button and the lid’s temperature gauge helps you keep an eye on things from a distance.

RRP: £319.99
Where to buy it: Amazon, The Barbecue Centre.
Best feature: The burners have a warranty of 5 years, so they’re expected to last. Help them last even longer with cleaning services in Brighton.

Source: John Lewis

4. Weber Master-Touch

Awarded Which? Best Buy Barbecue in April 2018, this is a very highly rated charcoal BBQ. The materials are quality, including a stainless steel ash catcher, and a porcelain enamel bowl.

RRP: £269.99
Where to buy it: Riverside Garden Centre, John Lewis.
Best feature: The One-Touch easy-cleaning system is a pretty appealing prospect. All you have to do is sweep away the ash.

5. Campingaz Gas BBQ 4 Series Classic LXS

A sophisticated, high-powered gas BBQ for all year round. The cooking surface is huge, making it possible to grill all your meat, veggies and halloumi skewers at once. The controls have a fancy blue backlight for night time barbecuing.

RRP: £799.99
Where to buy it: BBQ Land.
Best feature: Extra attachments for the 4 burners include space for a pizza stone, wok, or paella pan.

6. Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg has been celebrated as far “more than just a BBQ”, it’s a ceramic oven based on traditional Japanese cooking methods. Lock your meat away under the airtight ceramic dome and cook it perfectly in any weather (even snow, apparently).

RRP: £625 for small – £2950 for XL
Where to buy it: biggreenegg.co.uk
Best feature: The temperature can be tuned to within 5 degrees of accuracy, so no more burnt sausages.

Source: Big Green Egg

7. Tepro Toronto Trolley Grill

It’s got a much smaller price tag, but reviewers are very fond of this BBQ. An American-style charcoal grill with plenty of room for cooking for guests, hanging utensils and resting plates. The two-tier design prevents heat from escaping, so food cooks more evenly.

RRP: £149.99
Where to buy it: Amazon, Garden Box.
Best feature: The built-in lid thermometer lets you know when you’re running out of charcoal.

8. Char-Broil Kamander

Unlike the Char-Broil Performance 220B, this is more of a smoker than a BBQ. The insulated steel walls heat up quickly, cooking food on a low heat over a long period of time.

RRP: £699.99
Where to buy it: The Barbecue Centre
Best feature: The way air is funnelled through the bowl helps you keep an accurate eye on temperate.

Your barbecue should last summer after summer if it’s cleaned and looked after. It’s a big, dirty job to do yourself – book cleaning service in Brighton with Airtasker.

9. Weber Genesis II E-310 3-Burner Gas BBQ

With a high performance grilling system and quality enamel plates, the Weber Genesis has tapered burners for better heat coverage. The grill capacity is big enough to cook for 5-7 people at once.

RRP: £799.99
Where to buy it: John Lewis, Riverside, BBQ World.
Best feature: The famous Weber Flavourizer Bars vaporise all the marinade and fat that drips down, circulating it through the food. The name says it all.

10. LotusGrill XXL

Compact and stylish, the charcoal LotusGrill has battery operated fans. This means minimal smoke, no sparks, no flying ash, and the safest barbecuing experience possible.

RRP: £400
Where to buy it: Amazon, BBQ World.
Best feature: You can grill the food and join the party.

Looking for help cleaning your BBQ (…or house?) – find trusted and local cleaners in Brighton on Airtasker.

5 ways to use salt when cleaning the house

It's for more than just chips.

Along with its cousin baking soda, salt is a powerful natural cleaning agent and should be part of your non-toxic cleaning arsenal.

Don’t spend your cash on expensive creams, gels, and aerosols. A simple ingredient like salt can clean pretty much everything in your house as well as the best cleaning services in Brighton.

It’s absorbent and anti-bacterial
Salt will suck up moisture like it’s a refreshing cocktail. It’s great for preserving food and keeping it bacteria-free.

It’s tough
The abrasive texture of salt makes it really good at scrubbing away dirt, but still gentle on fabrics and surfaces. It’s non-toxic too, so you can use it on cooking surfaces without worrying about weird chemicals.

Here are some eco-friendly cleaning hacks to try with salt.

1. Clean cast iron pans

If food has been burnt onto your fancy cast iron pans, salt can scrub it away without damaging the metal.

When the pan is still warm, pour some salt into it and use a cloth or sponge to scrub away the stains. When you’re done, rinse it away with warm water, and dry with a paper towel. Put a low heat underneath the pan to evaporate all the moisture.

2. Remove coffee and tea stains

Remove coffee and tea stains from mugs, surfaces, and kitchen counters – scrub with salt sprinkled on a sponge, then rinse with water. You won’t be left with the residue of toxic stuff in your next cuppa.

This method works on a lot of fabric stains too. It’s particularly effective with grease marks, red wine, and sweat (happens to the best of us).

3. Freshen wooden chopping boards

Mix salt with acidic lemon and you’ll create a very handy chemical reaction.

Sprinkle loads of salt all over your chopping board – the coarser the better. Use a lemon half to scour the surface, and give it the occasional squeeze to let the salt mix with the lemon juice. Leave it to sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with water and leave to dry.

Not one for scouring and soaking? Find cleaning services in Brighton with Airtasker.

4. Clean a coffee machine, dishwasher, kettle, iron etc.

All kinds of appliances can be cleaned with salt. Add salt to your usual dishwasher cycle, or add salt to the water in your kettle before boiling.

Some coffee machines and dishwashers will come with a recommended cleaning solution, but salt water usually does the job just as well. Just make sure it’s 100% pure salt before you start!

5. Remove water stains

Water with a high mineral content can leave stubborn stains on surfaces, particularly wood. To remove, mix either lemon juice or diluted vinegar with salt to make a thick paste. Rub the paste into the stain, leave for a few minutes, and then wipe away.

To avoid future watermarks, make sure you wipe them away as soon as you spot them.

Salt is a miracle worker when it comes to natural cleaning. It’s an even bigger winner for parents who don’t want chemicals sprayed and wiped all over their house.

As long as you’ve got salt, baking soda, lemon, and some diluted vinegar in your tool kit, you should be able to clean pretty much anything.

Looking for a cleaner in Brighton? Find trusted and local cleaners in Brighton with Airtasker.

10 Best Ovens to Buy in 2018

2018's top brands for every budget

*Us to literally any appliance in the kitchen*: ‘you is kind, you is smart, you is important’

Because they are.

Picking the right oven early doors can save a whole load of time (and expense) later down the line, so it’s important to get it right. With that in mind, it doesn’t matter if you’re prepping for Bake Off 2019, or more of a ‘pierce film lid’ kind of person – these 10 ovens are the best in the business worth forking out for.

Problem with your current oven, or need help installing a new purchase? Find trusted and local appliance help on Airtasker.

1. AEG BPE842720M SenseCook Electric Oven

A self-cleaning electric oven with super precise temperatures? Oh you bet. It’s designed to fit underneath your worktops or at eye level, and features both dial and touch controls too.

RRP: £889
Where to buy it: AO.com, John Lewis, Currys.
Standout feature: The thermometer sensor will beep when your meat is rare, medium, or well done.

2. Smeg Portofino Aesthetic CPF9IPYW

Just as stylish as their famous fridges, this is a luxury range cooker with an induction hob. Its glass doors are quadruple-glazed for maximum heat retention, it cleans itself, and has 5 cooking levels. This is for serious cooks, and people who just like showing off a bit.

RRP: £2899
Where to buy it: RangeCookers.co.uk, Appliance City.
Standout feature: The soft close doors are super resilient and prevent damage. You’ll be far less likely to need oven repair in London for this one.

3. Miele H2265B Active Oven

This Miele model is a big hit for parents because it has a cool touch door, loads of room, and 8 different cooking modes. Temperature is apparently accurate to 1 degree, so you always have the option of attempting a soufflé.

RRP: £749
Where to buy it: John Lewis
Standout feature: The extra large oven compartment – there are 5 shelf heights.

Source: Smeg

4. Rangemaster Professional Deluxe 110 DF

Available in 6 stylish colours, this Rangemaster is a big purchase that makes big promises. Heat up time is reduced by 30%, there’s a multi ring hob, a hot plate, and double oven space. Definitely worth it for passionate cooks who want all the options.

RRP: £2,050
Where to buy it: Currys, John Lewis.
Standout feature: It’s ability to multitask – cook three things at three different temperatures.

5. New World NW601DFDOL Dual Fuel Cooker

A grill, electric oven, and 4-ring gas hob for a really competitive price. The fan oven is supposed to cook your food evenly on every shelf. If you’re still keen for a glossy red oven – but don’t have a Smeg budget – this is a good option.

RRP: £430
Where to buy it: Currys, Argos, AO.com.
Standout feature: The coated interior makes it a lot easier to clean.

6. Hoover Vision Smart Oven

This is the ultimate digital oven. It has WiFi, bluetooth, a built-in camera you can check on your phone, and an interactive touch screen door. The price tag is obviously pretty big, but it’s a level of customisation and interactivity you won’t find anywhere else.

RRP: £1,499
Where to buy it: Currys, John Lewis, AO.com.
Standout feature: The door turns into a video screen on demand, so you can follow recipes while pre-heating. #2018.

Source: Currys

7. BOSCH HBM13B550B

This electric double oven is super energy efficient, and has an extra large 71 litre capacity. 3D hot air cooking technology cooks meat and dishes from all sides, and the heat-reflective glass retains as much heat as possible. Plus, the EcoClean enamel coating virtually cleans itself.

RRP: £1,059
Where to buy it: Not available online, find a stockist on the Bosch website.
Standout feature: The top cavity can function as both a grill and an oven – handy for roasts and entertaining.

Find appliance experts with specialist experience, and lots of solid general knowledge, on Airtasker.

8. Beko BVM34400 multifunction Split & Cook oven

You can cook 2 dishes at the same time without spending a fortune on a double oven. This budget Beko is a ‘Split & Cook’ oven with a separate function for pizza, a soft close door, and easy to move telescopic shelf runners.

RRP: £370
Where to buy it: AO.com.
Standout feature: When you’re baking muffins and roasting a leg of lamb at the same time, the flavours and smells stay separate.

9. Hotpoint Class 2 SA2844HIX

Despite its lower price, all temperature settings on this Hotpoint are accurate to 2 degrees. You can time it to automatically shut off, steam melts away burnt-on food, and keen bakers will love the dough proving function.

RRP: £259.99
Where to buy it: Currys, AO.com.
Standout feature: The catalytic liners will turn to ash, so you just need to wipe the dust away when you’re cleaning.

10. AGA Masterchef XL 90 Dual Fuel Range Cooker

For some, the AGA is the ultimate oven and range cooker. If you have a country kitchen and a large budget, the Masterchef XL 90 includes 5 premium quality burners, a multifunction cooker, and catalytic cleaning. All that’s left is a family Labrador and a title in front of your name.

RRP: £3,075
Where to buy it: RangeCookers.co.uk, John Lewis.
Standout feature: If you think AGAs must equal high energy costs, you’ll be surprised. Both compartments score an A/A for efficiency.

Problem with your appliance? Find oven repair services in London on Airtasker.

How to: clean your BBQ

Because your organic outdoor-bred sausages deserve the best.

If all household cleaning tasks were ranked, cleaning a BBQ is probably dead last. Apart from dealing with a bin bag with a hole in it.

A dirty BBQ can affect the taste of your perfectly grilled burgers and kebabs, so cleaning it regularly is pretty essential. To make the whole messy job easier, find out how to clean your BBQ grill thoroughly below, whether it’s charcoal or gas.

Charcoal BBQ

Charcoal BBQ quick clean

Maybe this is asking a lot, but if you clean your BBQ before every use, you won’t have to do a big, biannual degreasing.

The post-BBQ clean-up is already a big undertaking, so we understand if you’d rather eat leftover potato salad by yourself and hire a cleaning service in London instead.

Heat the BBQ and charcoal first.
This loosens the dirt and burnt-on food.

When the BBQ is cool again, remove the grill and empty the ash.
Air needs to circulate through the BBQ, so it’s important to keep the vents clear.

Scrub the grill with your wire brush.
Remove as much debris as possible. If the wire brush alone doesn’t remove everything, cover with a cleaning spray, leave for 10 minutes, and clean with the brush again.

Cover the BBQ.
Whether you’re using it again next week or next year, keep the BBQ covered so it’s easier to clean next time.

If you don’t want to buy a BBQ cover, use a vinyl tablecloth or piece of tarp instead.

Charcoal BBQ deep clean

The minimum you should deep clean your BBQ is at the beginning of summer and at the end. The grills themselves should be cleaned after every use.

What you’ll need:

A wire brush or tough scourer.
Thick gloves.
BBQ cleaning spray (check reviews for one that’s particularly tough on grease, or make your own natural cleaner with baking soda).
A bucket of hot, soapy water.
Some old clothes you don’t care about that much (it’s a messy job).

When the BBQ’s cool, remove the grills and attachments and empty all charcoal and ash from the base.
Spray the grills and base of the BBQ, then leave it to do its thing for 10-15 minutes.
Soak the grills in hot soapy water while you get to work on the BBQ itself. Use the wire brush to scrub off all the debris and dirt.
To keep mess to a minimum, scrub the grills while they’re still in the bucket.
Rinse off the grills and the inside of the BBQ with a hose. If you don’t have one, a fresh bucket of hot water will work just as well.

Gas BBQ

Gas BBQs need a bit more attention than charcoal. With a regular deep clean, your food will taste better, and the heating mechanism will work smoothly.

You’ll need the same kit as before, plus some newspaper to protect surfaces.

Charcoal BBQ deep clean

Disconnect the gas supply.
Lay out your newspaper, so you have somewhere to put the parts while you’re cleaning them.
Remove the grill on top and cover with degreasing spray. Leave to work while you clean the rest of the BBQ.
Remove the ceramic plates, use the wire brush to remove burnt-on food and dirt. Place them on newspaper while you’re cleaning to protect the surface underneath and catch the dirt.
Remove the burners and brush the dirt off in the same way. If you want to be really thorough, use a toothpick to remove dirt from the small holes on the side.
It’s tempting, but don’t use a conventional vacuum to hoover out the debris inside the BBQ. It could damage it. Instead, use a dustpan and brush.
Scrub the grills with your wire brush.
Replace the burners, ceramic plates, and grill once clean. Leave open to air-dry the grill, then close and cover until you use it again.

It’s a big job but someone’s got to do it. If you pride yourself on hosting a legendary garden party, and your spicy marinade is carefully concocted, a clean BBQ is pretty vital.

Don’t fancy the task yourself? Find trusted cleaners in London, who will have your BBQ looking brand new in no time.

How to prepare for your first Airbnb guest

Booked in your first guest? This handy guide should help.

Your flat’s in an ideal spot, the photos were taken when the sunlight in the living was just right, and you’ve got your first Airbnb booking. What now?

If your first Airbnb guests are booked in and looking forward to their stay, it can be both intimidating and exciting. You have nothing to worry about though, because this is the complete guide to preparing for your first Airbnb guests, and it’s guaranteed to impress them.

Clean to a hotel standard

Just because someone’s staying in a home, rather than a hotel room, doesn’t mean their standards slip. They still expect dust-free skirting boards and a pristine bathroom.

Major hotel chains like the Marriott give their housekeeping staff a strict cleaning routine, including checking picture frames for dust, wiping surfaces with specific cloths, and making sure the room smells “neutral” before they leave.

Just like the Marriott, create a list of everything that needs to be done before your guests arrive. Tick it all off and both you and your guests will sleep soundly.

Fix the little things you’ve stopped noticing

If there’s a little bit of carpet that persistently stands up in the corner of the living room, or dodgy plastering in the bathroom, your Airbnb guests will notice. Little things like this won’t necessarily ruin their stay, but they might think your hosting skills are lacking. Perish the thought.

Some essentials that are easy to forget about:

Lightbulbs.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Rugs and carpets are firmly stuck down.
If the oven’s clean and ready to use.
Appliances function correctly (your guests won’t know if the washing machine has a strange quirk).

Ask an Airtasker to clean for you

With such impeccably high standards, your to-do list is going to be as long as your arm. You can charge your Airbnb guests a small cleaning fee, which can pay for cleaning supplies or the help of an Airtasker.

An Airtasker can help with Airbnb cleaning, including vacuuming, making the bed, laying out fresh towels, and more. Your Airbnb will be ready for your guests and looking its best. Two posters, Angelos and Melody, did just that!

Make a 5-star bed

Choose quality sheets
Once you’ve slept on a high thread count sheet, you can’t go back. If consistent 5-star ratings are important to you, invest in some quality cotton. When you change them, wash at 60 degrees and air dry so they’re easier to iron.

Keep spares for different seasons
Goose feather, memory foam, hypoallergenic. High quality hotels will offer a choice, and it’s a nice touch if you can too. Keep blankets, a summer duvet, and extra pillows in the wardrobe in case your guests are too cold or too warm.

Fold the sheets just like they do at Claridges
The housekeeping staff at the famous Claridges Hotel in Mayfair make the beds with hospital corners. It involves placing a flat sheet over the top of a fitted sheet, and folding the edges into a neat, 45-degree angle. YouTube is full of tutorials and guides if you want to take your bed making game from an acceptable 7/10 to a faultless 10/10.

Write out the rules

Without being too dull about it, there are some things your guests need to know before they start unpacking. Every home is different, so it’s entirely up to you what’s acceptable and what isn’t.

Parties and loud music
Pets and animals
Smoking and vaping
When and how to check out
Your contact details

The 5-star extras

Maps for local attractions

Use your knowledge of the local area to give your guests ideas for their stay. TripAdvisor is useful for overall scores and ratings, but personal recommendations are a lot more meaningful. They’re also specific and bespoke – you know when the traffic is particularly difficult and which tiny, unassuming restaurant does the best with Greek food.

Spare toiletries

Forgetting your toothbrush is extremely annoying. Have spares of all the essentials – cotton pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner. Your guests might not need them, but it’s the thought that counts.

If you’ve got some you don’t use anymore, leave phone chargers out for your guests. iPhone and mini USB, ideally.

Snacks in the fridge

An empty, buzzing fridge isn’t very welcoming. You don’t have to spend too much, but bottled water (London tap water can be a shock), milk, butter, and some snacks will make a big difference.

If your guests are coming from abroad, they might like to taste some British favourites. They’ll definitely remember the Airbnb that introduced them to Monster Munch…

Looking for cleaning help for your airbnb booking? Find trusted professionals on Airtasker

10 office hacks you need to know about

They might seem obvious - but these tips are the key to killer productivity.

Look around your desk right now. Is it organised chaos, or just plain chaos? A cluttered brain and a cluttered to-do list don’t do much for productivity.

Here are 10 genuinely useful office assistance hacks to help you get organised and do more.

1. Clean between keyboard keys with tape

There’s been a few different tests on this, but the consensus is your keyboard has over 3,000 more germs per square inch than an actual toilet seat.

Use some sticky tape to pick up crumbs and dust between the keys, then an antibacterial wipe to sort those germs out.

2. Stick time slots on your water bottle

Drinking 2 litres of water a day is a smart choice, but difficult to actually do. Get your refillable water bottle (which we’re sure you own because you care about plastic’s damaging impact on the environment), and mark 1-2 hour time slots on it.

You’ll know at a glance if your water drinking is behind schedule.

3. Choose a plant for your desk

Some desks are a bit sad and dreary, even in the most hipster of offices. According to the University of Exeter, plants can improve well-being by up to 47% and improve creativity by 45%.

Try a peace lily, bamboo, bonsai, or a succulent. The last one hardly needs watering.

4. Learn keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can help you a screenshot, change your font size, or drag an email back from the jaws of being sent too early.

While you’re learning them all, pin a handy chart to the wall in front of you. This cheat sheet is for both PCs and Macs. Soon though, they’ll become muscle memory.

5. Schedule time for emails

It’s estimated we spend over 2 hours a day reading and answering emails. That’s a bit disturbing when you think about how much office admin you can do in 2 whole hours.

Allocate a specific time of day for answering emails, rather than swapping between tasks and breaking concentration. For immediate stuff, there’s instant messaging or even a quick chat.

6. Tidy up leads and wires

There are lots of ways to keep cables out of view. Two of the simplest involve attaching bulldog clips or plastic picture hangers to the back of your desk. Just fix the wires to the desk legs, and feed down to the plug sockets.

If you want to go full Pinterest, label tab stickers to identify what each lead is for and where it’s plugged in.

7. Keep a notepad for ideas and reminders

Ideas can hit at any time, and please believe us when we say you will not remember them the next day. Buy a small notebook and jot down anything you want to remember or use later. It’s particularly useful when you’re on the phone and madly searching for a post-it.

When you’re stuck for inspiration, or just want to jog your memory, refer back to it.

8. Ignore notifications. Temporarily…

If you really need to focus, you don’t need productivity apps or notification blockers. Just turn your phone to silent and put it face down in a drawer.

It feels strange at first, but push notifications continually distract us, and app developers keep giving us more and more to look at.

9. Stand up every hour

The NHS advise we “move more, sit less“. If you’re often at a desk, it could be slowing down your metabolism and weakening your muscles and bones gradually over time.

Stand up every hour, even just for a few minutes. Take calls on your feet, walk for 20 minutes at lunchtime, and park further away from the front door.

10. Remember, multitasking is a myth

It’s virtually impossible for a human to focus on more than 1 thing at once and do them both well. Our brain just switches between tasks quickly, pausing one and picking up the other.

Have a to-do list, do each task individually, and tick them off. You’ll work through it far faster.

If you still think you’re a good multitasker, Psychology Today created a fun test that demonstrates how much longer it takes to do 2 things at once.

We spend a lot of time in the office and at our desks. Make that time count and keep your admin to a minimum. Oh, and once again, drink more water.

Looking for help around the office? Find professional admin services on Airtasker. Also, if you’d like to know how much office cleaning costs, visit our office cleaning price guide.

Your guide to non-toxic house cleaning

Not sure what's lurking in your cleaning products? Try our guide to eco-friendly home cleaning.

You’ve probably heard a lot about the strong chemicals that most household cleaning products are packed full of, but hey, they do the job right? That said, who really wants to bring toxic fumes and harsh chemicals into the house while cleaning? It defeats the purpose in a way, as it isn’t exactly contributing to the clean air you want to inhale.

What if you could find natural cleaning ‘products’ that could clean just as effectively? And better yet, they’re also safe for kids to use so you can add more cleaning to their chore list?

Intrigued? Check out our list of ways to clean your home without a trace of toxins:

Add white vinegar into your cleaning sphere

White vinegar is a tough nemesis for grease and grime. Here are some ways to use it for non-toxic home cleaning:

A white vinegar and water mix is perfect for cleaning pesky glass surfaces. This solution cuts through dirt beautifully and leaves your glass surfaces nice and streak-free. (And you know everyone hates a streaky finish.)
You can use white vinegar to clean your toilet, just as you would with a store-bought toilet cleaner. Just pour it undiluted around the top of the toilet bowl and scrub until clean.
White vinegar is also surprisingly effective as a fabric softener. Simply mix in 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and add half a cup to your washing machine dispenser. You can add your favourite essential oils to leave your clothes smelling super fresh.

Apple cider vinegar isn’t just great for dressing salad. It also has antimicrobial properties and can work well for home cleaning.

Use baking soda for oven cleaning and grout cleaning

Baking soda is every home cleaner’s dream. This glorious household item can be used to clean ovens and cookware effectively, and as a tile grout cleaner. Just create a paste of baking soda and water, scrub, and wipe with a sponge. For any tough stains or dirt that may require extra vigour, leave the paste on for an hour before removing.

Want to clean your toilet without scrubbing? Pour a cup of baking soda and let it soak for an hour. You can then pour in some white vinegar, leave for 5 minutes, and flush. Easiest toilet clean ever.

Clean your stained crockery and cookware with a sea salt and lemon juice scrub

Mix sea salt or any coarse salt with a little lemon juice to create a paste. You can then use this to scrub off stubborn stains on any kitchen items such as chopping boards or coffee mugs.

Create a DIY all-purpose cleaner using three key ingredients

Want a non-toxic solution that you can use to spritz and clean pretty much anything? Create a homemade all-purpose cleaning liquid by mixing the following into a spray bottle:

½ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons of baking soda
An essential oil of your choice. Tea tree or lavender oil make a great choice.

Want to save yourself time? Find cleaning services in London to help.

Use freshly brewed green tea to clean wooden floors and surfaces

Yes, you read that right. Not only is it great at detoxing our insides, green tea is surprisingly effective at cleaning wooden furniture and floors. Just boil a tea bag or two and leave to cool. Use the brew to wipe away dirt and grime using a soft cloth. Make sure you buff dry afterwards with a clean cloth for a sparkling finish.

Make a little extra so you can enjoy the many nutritional benefits at the same time.

Looking for help with cleaning around the house? Find trusted and professional cleaners with Airtasker.

How to look after and maintain oak flooring

Give your oak floor some TLC. Go on.

There’s nothing better than padding around on your gorgeous oak flooring at home. Although it often has that naturally rustic look, a bit of regular TLC protects it from irreparable wear and tear.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for oak floor care and cleaning:

How to clean oak flooring

Never use a steam cleaner on your oak floor

Let’s start with what not to do. Don’t use steam clean technology to clean your wooden floors – ever. For reasons we’ll expand on below, water + wood just isn’t a good combination. Also, the high pressure and temperature of the steam can damage the finish and wood of the floor.

Trust us, just step away from the steam cleaner.

Wipe spillages immediately

Don’t procrastinate on this one. Allowing water, cleaning products, or any other spills to remain on your oak floor for too long can result in dark stains. Take extra care to avoid spillages when watering any houseplants.

Let’s face it though, a spillage is bound to happen at some point. Place mats in areas where spillages are more likely to occur, such as kitchens.

Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials.

Stating the obvious perhaps, but use a product specially designed for cleaning wooden floors, not an all-purpose cleaner. Products with too much bleach or ammonia are more likely to damage your wooden floor than to leave it sparkling.

All about that eco-friendly life? Try a natural cleaning solution.

Stubborn stains? Target these with a bit more pressure using a soft cloth dipped in the cleaning solution.

That about sums that point up.

Avoid scratches by using a gentle touch while cleaning

There’s no need for overly vigorous cleaning methods. Rubbing the oak floor surface too hard just takes that beautiful shine off your boards. Dry sweep or vacuum using the softer vacuum attachment.

Use a damp mop while mopping

Don’t use a dripping wet mop for cleaning oak floors. Avoid the temptation to soak (remember, water + wood = not a great pair) and use a damp mop for your weekly clean.

Want some help to keep your oak floors looking fresh? Find local cleaning services in London on Airtasker.

How to maintain oak flooring

Use felt furniture pads

Sure, oak is hard and durable, but it’s still prone to indentations from heavy or spiked objects. Prevent unsightly scratches from any furniture by using felt pads on the legs of all furniture. Replace the pads every few months as they do tend to get worn out.

Avoid heels or spiked shoes

It’s unlikely you can convince every single guest to adhere to a ‘no shoes’ policy. Use rugs in places of heavy traffic to avoid a freak out every time a heeled friend walks through the door.

Try and maintain indoor humidity levels of 40-50%

Wood is a naturally porous material. It can swell up when it absorbs moisture, much like a sponge. Losing moisture during those cold winter months when indoor heating is on full blast can cause it to curl up.

By keeping the interior of your home at a consistent humidity level, you can avoid any expansion or movement. Keep an eye on that indoor temperature.

Re-oil every year, depending on wear and tear

Give your floor a little bit of oil-loving by re-coating it regularly. If you don’t do this, you risk the finish getting worn which will mean you need to get it sanded to restore its former glory.

Infrequent re-oiling could also lead to dampness and unsightly black spots appearing. Doesn’t sound attractive, so keep up with that regular oiling. Every 12 to 18 months should do it.

Need some help with your oak floor? Find trusted and rated cleaners in London with Airtasker

5 bathroom cleaning hacks for busy parents

You're busy. Your kids are messy. You need these cleaning hacks.

Cleaning the bathroom is the worst job in the house – everyone knows it. And when you’ve got small people to bathe and look after, it’s even harder to keep the tiles sparkling.

With that in mind, these are the 5 bathroom hacks every busy parent needs to know. They’re enough to rival the finest cleaning services in London, and they take just a few minutes.

Remove limescale

Lemon juice

Limescale minerals are difficult to remove with sheer elbow grease. Instead, dissolve the alkaline limescale with acidic lemon juice. It’s more natural than shop-bought limescale cleaners and leaves a much nicer smell behind.

You need to keep the lemon juice in contact with the limescale for long enough to make an impact. If you’re cleaning taps, soak a cloth in some lemon juice, wrap it around the tap, and leave for a few minutes. The limescale should then wipe away easily with a toothbrush or cloth.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, lime juice and vinegar is even more acidic.

Clean your shower head without dismantling it

Vinegar, water and a freezer bag

Considering the water that comes out of your shower then keeps you clean, it’s quite important to make sure the shower head is dirt-free.

After an hour, remove the bag, pour the water and vinegar away, and wipe away any remaining dirt on the shower head.

Remove shower curtain mildew

Baking soda

A normal wash cycle might not be enough to shift stubborn mildew. To boost the usual cleaning ability of your detergent, mix 75g of detergent with an equal measure of baking soda in your washing machine.

Baking soda is one of the best natural cleaners around. So good in fact, the Ancient Egyptians used it during the mummification process. It’s especially useful even when you don’t have embalming to do – absorbing bad smells, breaking down stains, and cutting through grease.

Need some extra help with cleaning at home? Find trusted and rated cleaners in London with Airtasker.

Shine up your mirrors

Tea

Ironically, it’s easy to look past mirror marks and stains. Staring at our own reflection is clearly just too compelling.

Make a strong cup of black tea and you’ve got an ideal mirror cleaner. Use a cloth to rub it in circles and it will reduce streaks and soap marks. This also works wonders with windows (try saying that when you’ve had a few). Many parents prefer to use natural cleaners for surfaces their kids come into contact with quite a lot, and good old tea is ideal.

Source: Good Housekeeping

Unclog your drains naturally

Baking soda and diluted vinegar

Drain-unclogging liquids are inexplicably expensive and massively toxic. This homemade remedy breaks down drain blockages just as effectively. Mixing vinegar and baking soda in normal circumstances can be risky because it causes a reaction, but when it comes to cleaning drains, that’s exactly the result you want.

Natural remedies don’t have to involve complex chemistry – they’re usually simpler and cheaper than the shop-bought alternative. For parents short on time, and concerned about toxic ingredients, you can’t beat some lemon juice, baking soda, and an old toothbrush.

Looking for help with cleaning around the house? Find trusted and professional cleaners with Airtasker

5 cleaning hacks to remove stains from clothes

Not today, stains.

When you’re a child, no one quite prepares you for how much laundry you’ll have to do as an adult.

It gets even more complicated when you spill something (or worse, someone else spills something) on a favourite piece of clothing.

If the annoying happens, these five genius stain removal hacks are fit for the best cleaning services in London, and with them, you’ll never have to abandon a beloved white shirt again.

Pro tip: Before you do anything, check it’s a ‘colourfast’ fabric

If a material is ‘colourfast’, it won’t run or fade. Some materials aren’t tough enough to stand abrasive treatments. Before you try and remove a stain, rub a small amount of the solution on an inside hem or seam.

If it’s safe to use, it won’t remove any colour or damage the fabric.

1. Removing a red wine stain

Knocking a large glass of red wine over is one of the worst slow-motion moments you can ever experience. White wine lovers, your drink is safe to use – but contrary to popular belief it only fades a red wine stain, it doesn’t remove it entirely.

Vinegar and detergent

Get this right and you won’t need to make a trip to the dry cleaners. First, blot the stain dry instead of rubbing it. Add white vinegar, then rub your usual liquid laundry detergent in. White vinegar will neutralise the dark red/purple tones, the washing machine will do the rest.

Source: Country Living

2. Remove oil and grease

The only downside to a fry-up is seeing flecks of oil and fat on your clothes afterwards. Oil and water don’t mix well, so putting your clothes straight into the wash won’t budge those stains.

Washing-up liquid

If it can clean greasy pans and plates, it can remove cooking oil from your clothes too. Rub a small amount of washing-up liquid into the stain with a toothbrush to loosen it, then wash as normal.

If it’s a delicate item…try talcum powder or baby powder

Add powder to the stain and leave the item in a warm room overnight. Brush the powder away and check the stain. If it’s still just as visible, repeat the same steps. If it’s pretty much gone, time for the washing machine.

3. Remove nail varnish

Nail varnish is a dye (not a great start), naturally hardens on fabric (even worse news), and it’s fade-resistant (greaaaaat).

Coconut oil and dry cleaning solvent

Cleaning services use this because it works on cotton, polyester and nylon, as well as more delicate fabrics, like silk and wool.

Remove any excess polish with something blunt but not sharp enough to cut through the material.

Mix 1 part coconut oil with 8 parts dry cleaning solvent. You can buy dry cleaning solvent online easily; it’s designed specifically for oil, glue, and polish stains. Leave the mixture on the fabric for a few minutes, and dab it with a cloth until the stain has lifted.

4. Remove blood stains

Blood stains are fairly common, but they look a touch dramatic. Fresh blood is easier to remove than dried blood, so try to tackle it as soon as possible.

Cold water and enzyme cleaner

Soak the garment in cold water to stop the stain from drying. If it’s already dry, soak it for an hour in 1 part baking soda, 2 parts cold water. Then, treat with an enzyme cleaner (look for ‘bio’ on the packaging).

5. Remove grass stains

Like blood, grass is a protein-based stain. If you have kids and regularly find yourself on a sports field, you’ll need this stain removal trick in your back catalogue.

Diluted white vinegar

Pre-treat the stain with a mixture of cold water and white vinegar. Avoid hot water, it hardens non-fatty stains and makes them harder to remove. Rub the marks until faded and then wash as normal.

Looking for help with your household tasks or cleaning? Find trusted and rated professionals on Airtasker.

5 ways to use baking soda to clean the house

It's the unassuming kitchen cupboard ingredient that cleans everything.

If you ever hire a cleaner and mention baking soda, they’ll give you a knowing nod. It’s a powder of many talents.

Baking soda has been used for thousands of years to clean everything from our teeth to our fridge. It’s very alkaline, so dissolves grease and dirt easily. It’s also non-toxic for pets and children (you wouldn’t put it in cakes otherwise) and a cheaper alternative to branded cleaners.

What’s so great about baking soda?

Baking soda can handle hundreds of household cleaning jobs. It absorbs odours, removes acidic stains, freshens carpets, shines surfaces, and whitens porcelain. It can even be used for pest control, as a mouthwash, and a dandruff treatment. Some of the best cleaning services in London swear by its abilities.

Forget that cupboard full of aerosols and sprays and gels. Baking soda can do it all, here are 5 examples.

Remove black mould around the bath/shower

The white seal around your shower or bath is a perfect, damp environment for black mould. This doesn’t look great, and it also spells trouble for the seal’s waterproofing.

Baking soda will remove existing mould and prevent it from coming back.

To sort out a little bit of mould, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray this onto the bath’s seal, leave for a while, respray, wipe, and rinse off.

If your mould problem is a bit more serious, mix baking soda and water together in equal parts to make a paste. Spread it all over the seal, have a brief tea break, then come back and scrub it off with a toothbrush.

De-grease your oven and grill

Many people would rather just buy a new oven than clean it. It’s one of the messiest jobs in the house and feels completely thankless the minute someone cooks a cheesy pizza.

Make the same baking soda paste you used for the bathroom seal and spread it all over the inside of the oven. With rubber gloves on, you can do this easily by hand. Leave the baking soda to do its business for at least 12 hours, then use a warm, damp cloth to wipe it all away.

Clean trays and racks by sprinkling the powdery baking soda all over them, and spraying with diluted vinegar. This makes the bicarb foam, activating all its natural degreasing power. Wipe down, rinse, and put back in the now sparkling clean oven.

Remember that volcano science experiment you did at school? Baking soda and vinegar can unblock drains with the exact same principle. Find out how in our bathroom cleaning hacks blog.

Freshen up your mattress

This one sounds unconventional, but cleaning services swear by it and it’s far cheaper than replacing a mattress.

Strip the dirty bed sheets, and sieve baking soda straight onto the bare mattress. Leave it for a couple of hours, then remake the bed with clean sheets, leaving the baking soda underneath. This soaks up moisture and dirt while you’re sleeping.

When you next change your bedding, you can vacuum the remaining baking soda and any remaining dust. Repeat whenever you think the mattress needs a clean – every few months is a good benchmark.

Keep your whites bright

Many detergents promise whiter whites, but their methods can be slightly dishonest. Benzene works with UV rays as they shine on clothes, minimising yellowish tones. It tricks you into thinking the clothes are whiter than they really are.

Instead of making them appear whiter, soak white clothes in 4 litres of water mixed with 75g of baking soda. Wash them as normal and they’ll look virtually brand new.

Freshen sponges, cloths, and even your toothbrush

If germs and bacteria weren’t invisible, our lives would be so much easier. Think about it. You pick up an innocent-looking sponge and you could be spreading germs all over the kitchen surfaces.

With baking soda, you can be sure your cleaning supplies really are clean. Add 4 tablespoons to 1 litre of water, soak your sponges and cloths in the liquid. This will absorb bacteria as well as odours.

Do the same with your toothbrush overnight, then rinse before you use it (baking soda’s quite salty).

Baking soda is an unassuming miracle worker. It sits there in its little pot and doesn’t look like anything special. However, mix it with a bit of vinegar, sprinkle it liberally, or dissolve it in water, and you’ve got a super-flexible cleaner.

Looking for help with cleaning around the house? Find trusted and professional cleaners with Airtasker

5 things you’ll forget to spring clean

Ready for your seasonal deep clean? Don't forget to add the following 5 things to your cleaning checklist.

Although many Brits are moving away from the seasonal ‘deep clean’, there’s nothing like a sparkling clean house after an intense spring cleaning session.

Most people think spring cleaning just involves clearing out expired food from the fridge, getting rid of old clothes, and decluttering – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

From remote controls and electronics to bins and pillows, here’s a list of 5 things people usually forget to cover in their spring clean:

Remote controls, switches & handles

Think about the things you touch every day: doorknobs, kitchen cabinets, light switches and TV remotes – they all gather germs and dirt too.

Make sure you go over all these items with a cloth and disinfectant. As for the TV remote, remove the batteries and use a cotton bud with disinfectant to rub around the buttons. Wipe the remainder of the remote with a lint-free cloth.

Mattress

Washing the sheets is easy, but the mattress is an item that many people don’t usually think of cleaning.

After you’ve stripped the bed of the sheets, use your vacuum to clean all the dust off the mattress. Next, use some baking soda and mix with a few drops of essential oils (try lavender). Using a kitchen strainer, sprinkle the soda all over the mattress.

Leave it on for at least an hour and then vacuum with the hose attachment.

Extractor fans

Extractor fans are easily forgotten in the cleaning process and the result is sticky grease. As tough as it may seem to clean, it’s actually quite easy.

Using a big stainless steel pot, boil water and add in baking soda slowly until it fizzes. Use tongs to lower the filters into the pot.

Leave them in for a minute or two and remove and they should look as good as new.

Outdoor space

Don’t forget your garden and any patio space. Use a power hose to remove leaves, mildew and marks.

Check all the gutters for leaves that may have accumulated over the cooler months and remove them.

Looking for help with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners on Airtasker.

Cleaning your cleaning equipment

Source: Horsely Wholesale

Now that you’ve completed your spring clean, your vacuum, dustpan, mop and other cleaning tools need a good scrub to get rid of all the germs.

Need some help with your annual spring clean or regular clean? Get instant offers for home cleaning services in London today.

Ultimate guide to BBQ cleaning

A BBQ is always fun, but what about the cleanup after? Luckily, we have a list of cleaning tips and tricks to help.

There’s nothing better than a BBQ on one of the three days of summer we enjoy a year. What’s not so fun is the clean up process after. Barbecue cleaning is a task that no one really wants to do, but it’s vital to take care of your BBQ for your next round of grilling mastery.

There are a few things you can try to make this process less painful, so read on to prepare yourself, and your grill, for the next get-together.

Looking to hire a cleaner in London? You can find a huge range of trusted, local cleaners in London on Airtasker.

1. Strike while it’s still hot

Source: Ray White

Sure, it’s the last thing you feel like doing just when your food is ready to be devoured. But an initial clean up while the hotplate is still warm will save you time and hard work later on.

Give the BBQ a quick brush (you can buy special BBQ brushes on Amazon) to remove larger bits of residual food. It may feel like a chore now, but your future self will be grateful.

2. Use the dishwasher

Yes, you read that right. If you have a dishwasher and your grill plates aren’t too large, you can chuck them in the dishwasher. Just make sure they’ve cooled off completely and set the dishwasher to the most intense mode (e.g. pot scrubbing). You can then sit back and let it do the hard work for you.

3. The deep clean

Source: Better House Keeper

If your BBQ is caked in debris, it’s time for a deep clean:

Take some detergent, warm water and a BBQ scrubbing brush. Remove and clean the plates of your BBQ unit.
Rinse with clean water then rub dry. To prepare the BBQ for next time, lightly spray with vegetable oil.
Re-position grill plates and any extra parts you’ve removed during the cleaning, turn all the grills to high and get rid of any residual grime or germs with heat. You don’t need to do this for too long, just wait until the plates start to smoke, then switch off.

If you don’t have time for a deep clean, connect with home cleaning services near you on Airtasker who’d be happy to help.

4. Use tin foil to scrub

Source: Home Jelly

Ball up some aluminium foil and scrub your BBQ as you would with a scourer. You could also team it with vinegar for an even deeper clean. Just add two cups of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake to mix. Spray on the grills and leave for 10 minutes. Refill the bottle with vinegar only and spray onto tin foil to remove all the grime.

5. Use an onion

Never thought you’d use an onion for cleaning? Using an onion cut in half (cut side down), heat the BBQ on high to burn off any crud then turn off and rub the onion. This will loosen anything baked on the grills.

6. Try cleaning your BBQ with beer

Surprisingly, beer is a popular BBQ cleaning method. Simply heat up the BBQ and then pour half of the bottle on the grills and scrub.

7. Scrub with lemon and salt

Is there anything you can’t clean with lemons? To clean the BBQ, heat up the grills to high, put the cut side of the lemon on a plate of salt, and scrub away.

You can always hire someone to clean your BBQ and save yourselves the time. Find local cleaners in London on Airtasker.

The ultimate cheat sheet to hanging washing

Did you know that clothes dryers are the second biggest drain on electricity in your home? Learn more about air drying efficiently with our tips.

Hanging your washing may feel like a lot more effort, but it can be easy and effective if you use these 7 tips:

Find trusted professionals for laundry services in London with Airtasker.

1. Use hangers

Use coat hangers to hang your shirts. This not only keeps them in shape, but also can half your ironing time. If you’re still inclined to use the dryer, do so, but after you’ve hung them out and they are almost dry. That way you’ll only need to put the shirts in for less than 20 minutes.

2. Maximise space

When you are putting on one, two, three or even four loads of washing a weekend (or day), you can find yourself playing the waiting game until the last load is dry. By overlapping the edges of clothes, it will allow for a bit more space and also use up less pegs.

3. Use the sun

Can’t remove those stubborn stains? The sun is more powerful than you realise as it will actually make your white clothes look more whiter and brighter.

4. Turn clothes inside out

As great as sunshine is for drying white clothes, it’s not a great option for coloured or darker clothes. The sun can fade colours, so protect them by either taking them out of direct sunlight and/or turning them inside out.

5. Hang it upside down

Ever had that moment when you take a top off to wear that day and you have peg marks that you can seem to get rid of? To avoid ugly marks on your favourite shirt, hang it upside down.

6. Remove excess water

Your clothes will dry a lot faster if you can squeeze as much water as possible out of them first. The best way to do this is using a clean dry towel. Roll up the piece of clothing inside the towel as tightly as you can, then unroll and hang on the line.

7. Flat drying

For clothes that stretch, such as jumpers and dresses, make sure you lay them to flat dry so the shape reminds intact. This can be on a table, the ground (make sure you use a towel underneath), or you can actually buy flat dryers for this purpose.

Have you got any other tips for hanging your washing? Let us know in the comments below.

For help with your laundry and cleaning, connect with a network of trusted home laundry services in London on Airtasker.

Get summer ready at the Airtasker Life Hack Pop-Up

We're on a mission to help busy Londoners get their to do lists done in time for the summer.

Whether it’s cleaning, gardening, DIY or just the mountain of odd jobs around the house that need sorting – Londoners’ to-do lists are among some of the longest around.

And we know ALL about it here at Airtasker.

With that in mind, we’re taking to Boxpark Shoreditch on Wednesday 6th June for a day of getting it done – and all in time for summer.

We’re fronting an ‘inspiration station’ boasting urban gardening hacks, digestible DIY takeways, free giveaways and plenty of advice to get all those unfinished projects sorted in time for the sunshine. Taking place between 8am – 8pm, we’ve invited a selection of Taskers from our community who will be creating various installations and features from scratch throughout the day – showcasing a range of handy and creative skills.

As if that wasn’t enough – guests can also stop by for free Sandows cold brew coffees, complimentary ice cream courtesy of the delicious Remeo, dribble-worthy free burgers from Cheeky Burger and even a spin on our ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to win vouchers to get your tasks done for you!

The Airtasker Life Hack Pop-Up will take place from 8am – 8pm on Wednesday 6th June 2018 at Boxpark Shoreditch. More event info here

New parent’s guide to cleaning

We’ve got a guide to cover some essential ‘new parent cleaning’ tips!

If you’re coming into parenthood or have just recently become a parent, you’re already aware of what an incredible experience you’re in for. You’ll settle into your new baby cleaning routine soon enough, but in the meantime, we’ve got a guide to cover some essential ‘new parent cleaning’ tips. For an extra hand, you can find plenty of affordable cleaning services in London.

Deodoriser for nappy bins

As cute as babies are, they have a special way of making a stink. So how do you deal with the smell of spent nappies and wipes? Keep baby changing areas smelling nice and fresh by cleaning the nappy bucket with a homemade deodoriser. There are plenty of recipes for this that use everyday household products like baking soda.

How to sterilise a bottle

It’s widely recommended that you sterilise bottles before and after use, to ensure your baby is protected from unnecessary, harmful bacteria growth. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to sterilise items is to boil them.

To do this:

Disassemble and clean the items as you usually would.
Place them in a large saucepan with enough water to cover.
Bring to a rapid boil for at least 5 minutes.
Allow everything to cool, then carefully remove the bottle bits and drain. them dry on a sterile bottle drying rack or surface.
Store them safely for their next use.

You can use the same method for other items that’ll end up in your little one’s mouth, such as dummies.

Source: Lifefactory via Amazon

Cleaning cloth nappies

If you’ve chosen to go down the cloth nappy path, there are things you can do to ensure your baby has the cleanest, comfiest nappies around.

First, before putting anything in the washing machine, you should remove any solids (flush it or bin it).
Choose your detergent – you can help prevent rashes by using a sensitive skin detergent or by making your own using non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients.
Most parents swear by a hot wash, or two if needed.
Hang on the line to dry, or pop in the clothes dryer if you have one to ensure they’re super sanitised and soft.

Stripping nappies

‘Stripping’ is a common term used to describe a method to get persistent stains out (urine, poop and even minerals from water). It involves soaking the offending nappies in a seriously hot tub of water mixed with a detergent appropriate to the material of the nappies. You generally soak the nappies for up to 8 hours or overnight, before draining the liquid and running them on a hot wash cycle.

Source: Wikimedia

The easiest way to clean a high chair

High chairs + baby + meal time = a complete mess! You will find yourself constantly having to clean the high chair, the area around it, and potentially the room it sits in. Having an effective cleaning approach is a necessity. Multi-tasking while cleaning is a parenting win!

Once your little one is done eating, use a warm, damp cloth to wipe as much gunk off the tray, chair, and everywhere that you can.
Spray the tray, handles, harness, straps and seat with a cleaning product of your choice (commercial or homemade).
Leave the chair for a minute or two
Once the mess has softened a little, use a damp cloth with a splash of white vinegar to wipe away the mess and any residual product. It should come off easily (if not, repeat).

Source: Pinterest

If you’d like some help cleaning when your baby arrives, find an Airtasker offering cleaning services in London.

Clever storage tips ahead of your spring clean

There are plenty of creative storage solutions to help you make the most of your space.

Are you planning a big spring clean, but have no idea where to store all of your winter and autumn stuff?

You’re not alone.

Lack of storage is a common issue, so it’s recommended that you declutter and organise your stuff at least once every year. Just before your spring clean could be the perfect time for it.

There are plenty of creative storage solutions to help you make the most of your space. Read on for some simple tips to create more storage space in your home:

No storage? Go vertical!

The sky is the limit when it comes to clever storage, so make sure you utilise the space between the ceiling and the top of your furniture. Take bookcases and cabinets all the way up, and use a decorative ladder to hang everyday items such as blankets and towels.

Want to hire a cleaner in London? Connect with trusted cleaning professionals on Airtasker.

Hide what you rarely use

You probably won’t need summer clothes and fans for another few months, so store them in a space you rarely use, such as under the bed. For a sleek look, invest in a drawer unit that easily slides under your bed.

Get creative with your wardrobe

Make the most of your closet by investing in a clever storage system – think clever shoe racks, closet runners, wire wardrobe shelving and more!

Hang it right

Speaking of your wardrobe, remember to use the floor space. Group your hanging in lengths; short at one end, long at the other end. This will open up open your floor space for shoes and can even allow a small dresser to fit your hanging.

If you’d like to know how much do built-in wardrobes cost, visit our updated built-in wardrobe price guide.

Customise

Customise your furniture by tailoring to your specific needs so you can utilise all the space you have. Modify storage nooks, bench seating and shelves so your items will fit perfectly.

Declutter and organise

It is easy to get into the habit of storing items you don’t need in a space such as your guest bedroom. As they say, out of sight, out of mind. But that does mean those spaces quickly become cluttered. Be tough and ask yourself if you really need all the items you are storing. If not, chuck them away or donate to charity.

Looking for some spring clean assistance? Get some help with cleaning services near me

Window cleaning tips

We’ve got some great window cleaning tips to help make the process as pane-less as possible.

No one looks forward to window cleaning because let’s face it, it can be a tiring task. Especially if you have a large window across multiple stories, without easy accessibility. We’ve got some great window cleaning tips to help make the process as painless as possible. There are also plenty of great window cleaning services in London that can help!

Before we get into the tips though, let’s chat about how often you should give your windows a good clean. Depending on usage, cleaning frequency could differ. For instance, a sliding door that may be covered in dirty hand marks would need a more regular clean. Spring is a great time to give the whole house, including windows inside and out, a thorough clean.

Squeegee or newspaper?
In the past, many people simply used newspapers with window cleaner to get their windows sparkling. However that usually just moves the dirt around and makes the glass more static, attracting more dirt.

A squeegee, on the other hand, is easier and more effective. To start, use a soft washcloth to soak up the washing liquid. Then remove dirt by washing over the window. Grab the squeegee and starting at the top, work your way down in an s-shape.

Make sure you clean the squeegee with a lint-free cloth as you clean.

Soft dry cloth
It can be hard to get into the corners to get the excess water out. Get the dry and absorbent cloth and use it to soak up the water against the window frame.

Blinds
It doesn’t matter what sort of blinds you have, they all attract dust and dirt. To prevent any build-up, use an anti-static spray after you clean your blinds. You’ll find that less dust will gather there over time.

Windowsills
Before you start cleaning, use a brush to get rid of dirt along the sill. After you’ve washed the windows, apply a layer of floor wax on the outside windowsill to prevent dust and dirt buildup.

Timing
This is key – don’t clean the windows when the sun is directly shining on the glass. This will cause the washing liquid to dry quickly and may leave unwanted watermarks on your freshly cleaned windows

Need someone to take the window cleaning task off your hands? Get instant offers from a number of local cleaners in London today.

10 ways to clean with baking soda

Put down the bleach; here are ten ways to use baking soda for cleaning.

Baking soda is a product you’re guaranteed to find in any kitchen, as it’s often used for cooking. But did you know that there’s plenty of other uses for this natural mineral? For instance, baking soda is great for London home cleaning purposes and medicinal purposes.

Odours

Animals
As any pet owner knows, cleaning your pet regularly can be a difficult and messy task. To keep your pet smelling fresh between washes, try sprinkling baking soda on a wet dog and brushing it out to reduce odour. You can also add baking soda to kitty litter to get rid of odours in a flash.

Carpet and rugs
Got a musty smelling carpet or rug that you don’t have time to wash or dry clean? Dust a little bit of baking soda on top and leave for 15 minutes. Give it a vacuum after and repeat if the smell hasn’t gone away.

Kid’s items

Baby furniture
Harsh chemicals should always be kept away from the baby’s room. However, you can use 2 tbsp of baking soda mixed into 200ml water to wash the bassinet, changing table and other items safely.

Toys
As illnesses spread so easily amongst children, cleaning toys after play dates is a must to kill any lingering bacteria. To do this, place a 2 tbsp baking soda into a half-filled bucket of warm water. Place the toys in the bucket for 10 minutes, and then rinse with clean water and leave to dry.

Laundry

Fabric softener
To make your towels all soft and fluffy, simply add 4 tbsp baking soda to the rinse cycle.

Boost bleach
Using too much bleach can have a negative impact on your health and the environment. By combining baking soda with bleach, you can cut down your bleach usage and be more environmentally friendly. Just add 2 tbsp of baking soda for each 100ml of bleach used.

Outdoors

Furniture
With outside furniture exposed to the weather, a quick wipe down with a cup of baking soda and some warm water can be really effective for cleaning furniture. Just don’t forget to rinse thoroughly with clean water after, and leave in a sunny spot to dry

Need some help with removing pesky stains? Find trusted cleaning professionals with Airtasker.

How to: clean your house with a toothbrush

What’s the one item we all use daily that will clean even the most difficult to reach spots? Believe it "How to: clean your house with a toothbrush"

What’s the one item we all use daily that will clean even the most difficult to reach spots? Believe it or not, it’s your toothbrush. Drains, tap fixtures, lampshades and cheese graters… the list is endless. But this handy inexpensive tool can make your home cleaning process much simpler.

To help you introduce it to your usual cleaning routine, here’s how a toothbrush can clean your home room by room:

Kitchen

Hob dials

Using a sponge to clean the oil and food splattered on kitchen knobs is a slippery task. However using a toothbrush means you can reach all the tights spots, so you won’t miss a speck of grease or dirt.

Microwave vents

To clean microwave vents, use a cloth sprayed with house cleaner and place it over a toothbrush. This way you can get into each individual vent opening, and you don’t risk getting any cleaning spray in the fan.

You can also use a toothbrush on other kitchen equipment that’s difficult to clean, such as juicers, cheese graters, small jars and unusually shaped vases/bottles.

Bathroom

Taps

Mould and mildew built up around the bases of taps can be removed in a matter of seconds by using a wet toothbrush sprayed with some cleaning product.

Toilet seat hinges

Another awkward spot that can gather plenty of dust, toilet seat hinges can be cleaned with much more ease by using a toothbrush.

Grout

Apply some baking soda paste to a toothbrush and scrub any mouldy areas with a toothbrush vigorously to loosen the mould. Wipe off the paste after with a wet cloth, or wash down using your shower head.

Around the home

Lampshades/ lights

Sometimes dusting with a cloth isn’t enough to get your light or lampshade looking sparkling clean. Using a soft toothbrush can help to gently remove all the dirt. It’s particularly helpful for any pleated lampshades.

Wall sockets and light switches

Cleaning around light switches and sockets isn’t always easy, but a toothbrush can help remove all the dirt by reaching any tiny areas.

Looking to hire a cleaner in London? Find trusted and rated professionals with Airtasker.

Bathroom cleaning tips

Bathroom cleaning isn’t a chore that anyone is keen on, but it’s a task that needs to be done regularly. "Bathroom cleaning tips"

Bathroom cleaning isn’t a chore that anyone is keen on, but it’s a task that needs to be done regularly. There’s a lot of advice and tips available to help you clean your bathroom, but there are also a few alternative solutions out there. Some are chemical-free cleaning solutions, and others are creative and unusual cleaning hacks.

We’ve compiled some top cleaning tips for you to consider for your bathroom during your next home clean:

Vinegar

Vinegar is an item easy to find in any kitchen and is also one of the most popular alternatives used as a chemical-free cleaning product. It can be used by itself or mixed with other products, so you won’t need to invest as much in store-bought products.

To create a simple multi-purpose cleaner, mix some white vinegar and a nice eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. You’ll then have a cleaning solution which can be used on most surfaces throughout the house.

Other than cleaning the surfaces, you can also clean your shower curtains with vinegar without needing to scrub. Just pop the curtains into the washing machine, along with a bath towel and a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Fruits

Fruit isn’t just for eating, you can incorporate it into your homemade beauty regimes and also use it to clean your bathroom. Citrus fruits, in particular, are effective for cleaning purposes.

Grapefruit: Along with some salt, cut a grapefruit in half and mix together to create the perfect acidic bathtub scrub.
Lemon: Use the lemon juice to get rid of difficult water stains on glass, tiles and taps.

If you’d like to know how much regrouting tiles costs, check out our updated tile regrouting price guide.

Coke toilet cleaner

Yes, you can use the popular fizzy drink to clean your toilet. Just pour it around the rim, let it sit for a good hour (or overnight), then brush and flush. Seems pretty simple, but remember to brush it out thoroughly so you’re not left with a sticky toilet rim.

Do you have any bathroom cleaning tips to share? Add your tips in the comment section below.

Looking to hire a cleaner in London? Find trusted and rated professionals with Airtasker.

Top 5 cleaning tips

There’s no better feeling than collapsing onto your sofa after a mammoth cleaning session. It’s getting to that exact point "Top 5 cleaning tips"

There’s no better feeling than collapsing onto your sofa after a mammoth cleaning session. It’s getting to that exact point that’s a chore. You may be lucky enough to have a professional cleaner in London or a household where everyone pitches in. Either way, it’s always handy to have a few cleaning tricks up your sleeve. Not only will these home cleaning tips save time, they will also help make the cleaning process a lot less painful.

Tip 1: Organisation

Preparation is the key to tidying your house quickly. Have a clear plan of attack to avoid distractions and get the task done more efficiently. You should:

– Plan (try to approach the cleaning room by room)
– Multi-task
– Set a time limit so you have a clear deadline to work to
– Have all your cleaning products at hand
– Clear up any clutter beforehand so you can get to the surfaces you need to clean

Tip 2: Mopping

Mopping comes with its own challenges, so keep the tips below in mind.

Before you fill the bucket with water, make sure you sweep/ vacuum the floors to clear them of debris. Not only is it pointless to mop a floor with debris on it, it can also damage your floors. You should also check that you’ve got the right mop head for your floor. Here’s a little guide to help:

Remember, don’t use too much detergent when mopping to avoid an overly slippery floor. A few drops are more than enough. Make sure you change the water frequently to keep it clean. And don’t forget, mops aren’t just for floors. You can use mops for cleaning walls and ceilings as well e.g. bathroom tiles.

Want to free up some time? Use Airtasker to find a cleaner in London.

Tip 3: Dusting

Dusting is often overlooked, and even if you do get around to dusting, there may be nooks and crannies you miss. Create a checklist to ensure everything is covered. Don’t forget to dust the following:

– Radiators and light fixtures
– Corners and door frames
– Walls (using a flat-head mop)
– Vents
– Picture frames and delicate items (dust with care and use a smaller duster)

Dust before vacuuming to catch any dust particles that are brushed onto the floor.

Tip 4: Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It’s not just the room where you cook up your favourite foods, it’s also a room to socialise and relax in.

To keep your kitchen looking fresh, use brown vinegar to clean the oven glass. Apply brown vinegar directly to tough stains and wipe away after an hour. Get rid of any dishwasher odour by placing a cup of white vinegar in an empty dishwasher and running a wash. To clean chopping boards, slice a lemon in half and rub it onto the surface.

Tip 5: Tools for the job

Making sure you have the right cleaning products is vital to getting your cleaning done quicker and with better results. Don’t forget to check supply levels before you start so you don’t have to run out to get supplies mid-clean.

If you’re using a professional cleaning service, make sure you confirm who is supplying the products. Here’s a quick essential checklist you can use:

– All-purpose surface cleaning spray
– Glass, shower and floor cleaners
– Duster, vacuum, dustpans, mop, bucket, sponges, toilet brush, scrubbing brush
– Gloves

If you’d like to know how much a cleaner costs, check out our updated cleaner price guide.

Got a cleaning tip to share? Leave it in the comment section below!