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House.of.Holtom, Wales (2026)

24/06/2026

✨ Save this post for later and follow for more tried and tested cleaning tips that actually make a difference in busy homes.

✨Sometimes your home feels “off” but you cannot quite put your finger on why. These signs will help you spot when it is time for a proper deep clean, plus what to do about it. ⬇️

1️⃣ 🧺 You are constantly tidying but it never stays clean.
Tip. Do a full reset of surfaces and remove clutter first before cleaning.

2️⃣ 🧹 Dust comes back quickly after cleaning.
Tip. Use a damp microfibre cloth instead of dry dusting to trap particles.

3️⃣ 👃 There is a lingering smell in the house.
Tip. Clean soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and curtains, not just surfaces.

4️⃣ 🪟 Windows look streaky or cloudy.
Tip. Clean with glass spray and buff dry with a microfibre cloth.

5️⃣ 🪑 Surfaces feel sticky.
Tip. Use warm soapy water first, then disinfect after.

6️⃣ 🗑️ Bins smell even when emptied.
Tip. Wash the inside with hot soapy water and dry fully.

7️⃣ 🧼 Bathroom never feels fresh.
Tip. Focus on grout, plugs and hidden corners for a proper reset.

8️⃣ 🚿 Limescale builds up quickly.
Tip. Use vinegar or descaler and leave it to sit before scrubbing.

9️⃣ 🧽 You avoid certain rooms.
Tip. Break it into small 10 minute zones instead of doing everything at once.

🔟 🧸 Clutter builds on flat surfaces.
Tip. Clear everything off and only put back what you actually use.

1️⃣1️⃣ 🧴 You cannot remember cleaning behind furniture.
Tip. Move furniture quarterly and vacuum behind it properly.

1️⃣2️⃣ 🛏️ Mattress never gets cleaned.
Tip. Vacuum and sprinkle baking soda, then vacuum again after an hour.

1️⃣3️⃣ 🪣 Cleaning takes longer than it used to.
Tip. You likely need a deep reset rather than surface cleaning.

1️⃣4️⃣ 🧼 You clean but see no difference.
Tip. Focus on build up areas like skirting boards and switches.

1️⃣5️⃣ 🪞 Mirrors never stay clean.
Tip. Finish with a dry buff using a clean microfibre cloth.

1️⃣6️⃣ 🧺 Laundry piles up constantly.
Tip. Do smaller loads daily instead of waiting for overwhelm.

1️⃣7️⃣ 🐾 Floors feel gritty after vacuuming.
Tip. Mop after vacuuming to pick up fine dust.

1️⃣8️⃣ 🌬️ Air feels heavy or stale.
Tip. Open windows daily and deep clean fabrics that trap odours.

1️⃣9️⃣ 🍽️ Your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes properly.
Tip. Deep clean it by placing 1/2 cup white vinegar in an empty cycle to remove grease and build up.

2️⃣0️⃣ 🏠 Your home looks tidy but does not feel clean.
Tip. Do a full top to bottom deep clean of one room at a time.

✨ A deep clean is not about perfection. It is about resetting your space so it feels calm, fresh and manageable again.

Which one is your home guilty of right now? ⬇️😄

Sarah xx

24/06/2026

✨ Save this post for later and follow for more realistic cleaning advice and motivation ✨

✨Most of us change the bedding and give the bedroom a quick tidy, but there are plenty of hidden spots that collect dust, bacteria and allergens without us even noticing.

✨Keeping on top of these areas can make your bedroom feel fresher, smell nicer and even help you sleep better. ⬇️

1. 🛏️ Pillows.

How to clean. Check the care label first. Most pillows can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and dried thoroughly.

How often. Every 3 to 6 months.

2. 🧺 Mattress Protectors.

How to clean. Wash in the washing machine using your usual detergent and dry completely before putting back on the bed.

How often. Every 2 to 4 weeks.

3. 🛌 Your Mattress.

How to clean. Vacuum the entire surface using the upholstery attachment. Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, leave for an hour, then vacuum again.

How often. Vacuum monthly and rotate every 3 to 6 months.

4. 🪟 Curtains.

How to clean. Check the label. Machine wash if suitable or vacuum using a soft brush attachment.

How often. Every 3 months.

5. 🪞 Mirrors.

How to clean. Spray glass cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and wipe in circular motions. Buff with a dry cloth for a streak free finish.

How often. Weekly or when needed.

6. 💡 Light Switches.

How to clean. Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth with an antibacterial spray. Never spray directly onto the switch.

How often. Weekly.

7. 🚪 Door Handles.

How to clean. Wipe with an antibacterial spray and a clean cloth to remove germs and fingerprints.

How often. Weekly.

8. 🌬️ Radiators.

How to clean. Use a radiator brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust. Finish by wiping with a damp cloth.

How often. Every month.

9. 🖼️ Picture Frames.

How to clean. Dust with a microfibre cloth and wipe glass with glass cleaner if needed.

How often. Every 2 weeks.

10. 🧸 Soft Toys.

How to clean. Place in a pillowcase or laundry bag and wash on a gentle cycle. Air dry thoroughly.

How often. Every month.

11. 🪴 Artificial Plants.

How to clean. Dust with a microfibre cloth or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow dust away.

How often. Every 2 weeks.

12. 🗑️ Bedroom Bins.

How to clean. Empty the bin, wash with warm soapy water, rinse and dry completely before replacing the liner.

How often. Weekly.

13. 📱 Your Phone.

How to clean. Use a screen safe antibacterial wipe or a slightly damp microfibre cloth.

How often. Daily.

14. 🧴 Bedside Tables.

How to clean. Remove everything, dust thoroughly and wipe with a suitable surface cleaner.

How often. Weekly.

15. 🌟 Under The Bed.

How to clean. Move storage boxes if needed, vacuum thoroughly and wipe skirting boards to remove hidden dust.

How often. Every month.

✨ A clean bedroom is not about perfection. It is about creating a calm, cosy space where you can properly relax at the end of a busy day.

Which one have you not cleaned recently? Be honest. 👇

Sarah xx

24/06/2026

✨Save this post for later and follow for more realistic cleaning tips.
✨I used to think cleaning meant spending hours scrubbing and trying to keep the house perfect. The truth is, a few simple habits make a much bigger difference. These are the cleaning rules I wish someone had told me years ago.⬇️

1. ✨ Start at the top and work your way down. Dust and dirt fall, so cleaning high surfaces first saves you doing jobs twice.

2. 🧽 Let your cleaning products sit for a few minutes before wiping. This gives them time to break down grease and grime.

3. 🪟 Open the windows while you clean. Fresh air helps remove smells and makes your home feel instantly fresher.

4. 🧺 Declutter before you start cleaning. It is much easier to clean a tidy space than a messy one.

5. 🚿 Wipe your shower screen after every use. It takes seconds and helps prevent limescale and water marks.

6. 🧼 Clean your cleaning tools regularly. Dirty cloths and mop heads only spread dirt around your home.
7. 🛏️ Make your bed every morning. It instantly makes your bedroom feel tidier and sets the tone for the day.
8. 🕒 Set a timer for ten minutes. You will be amazed at how much you can get done in a short burst.
9. 🪣 Keep your cleaning products simple. You do not need dozens of products to have a clean home.
10. ✨ Little and often really does work. Small daily jobs stop mess building up.
11. 🍽️ Wash dishes as you cook. It makes tidying up after meals so much easier.
12. 🧹 Vacuum slowly instead of rushing. Going slower picks up more dust and dirt.
13. 🧴 Always read the label before using a product on a new surface.

14. 🚪 Focus on one room at a time. Finishing a room feels far more motivating.

15. 🪞Use a dry microfibre cloth to buff mirrors and glass for a streak free shine.

16. 🗑️ Empty bins before they are overflowing. It keeps your home smelling fresher and feeling cleaner.

17. 🌸 A home does not need to be perfect to feel clean and welcoming.

18. ❤️ Progress is always better than perfection. A lived in home is a happy home.

Which cleaning rule do you swear by, or which one surprised you the most? Let me know below. 👇

Sarah xx

23/06/2026

✨ Save this for later and follow for more cleaning advice that actually makes life easier. 🧽✔️

✨ Most people think they need to clean more. The truth is they usually just need better habits.

These are the 20 house rules that genuinely help keep my home under control without feeling like I am constantly cleaning. They are simple, realistic and easy to stick to, even with a busy family.

Professional cleaners rely on routines like these every day because preventing mess is always easier than dealing with chaos later. Number 16 is the one I tell absolutely everyone to start with. 🧽😁

1️⃣ 💪 Do the hardest job first.

This is one of the biggest secrets professional cleaners use. Once the worst job is done, everything else feels easier and you are much more likely to keep going.

2️⃣ 🛏️ Reset each room before bed.

Spend just 5 minutes putting things back where they belong. Waking up to a tidy room instantly makes the house feel calmer and helps you start the day feeling organised.

3️⃣ 🚰 Leave the sink empty every night.

An empty sink makes the whole kitchen feel cleaner. It also means you are not waking up to yesterday’s mess and instantly feeling behind.

4️⃣ 🍽️ Clear the kitchen after every meal.

Tiny resets throughout the day stop jobs piling up and save you from spending ages cleaning later.

5️⃣ 🚪 Create a drop zone by the front door.

Have one place for keys, bags, shoes and post. It stops clutter spreading around the house and saves loads of time looking for things.

6️⃣ ✋ Follow the one touch rule.

If you pick something up, put it away properly the first time. It sounds simple but this habit can massively reduce clutter and save time every day.

7️⃣ 📦 Declutter little and often.

You do not need a huge decluttering weekend. Removing just a few things regularly is much easier to maintain and far less overwhelming.

8️⃣ 🧺 Never create piles.

Laundry piles, paperwork piles and random piles always become bigger piles. Deal with things properly instead of moving them from one surface to another.

9️⃣ ✨ Keep surfaces mostly clear.

Clear worktops, tables and sideboards instantly make a home look cleaner, even before you have picked up a cloth.

🔟 📍 Store similar items together.

Keeping things in one place saves time, reduces frustration and means everyone knows where things belong.

1️⃣1️⃣ ❤️ Keep a donation bag ready.

The moment you find something you no longer need, pop it straight in. Small habits like this make decluttering so much easier.

1️⃣2️⃣ 🧽 Keep cleaning cloths where you need them.

If your cleaning products are easy to grab, you are much more likely to wipe spills and marks as they happen.

1️⃣3️⃣ ⏰ Set a timer.

Most cleaning jobs take far less time than we imagine. Set a 10 minute timer and see how much you can get done.

1️⃣4️⃣ 🪣 Look after your cleaning tools.

Wash cloths regularly, clean your mop and empty vacuum filters. Dirty tools often spread dirt around instead of removing it.

1️⃣5️⃣ 📅 Focus on one area at a time.

Trying to deep clean the whole house can feel exhausting. One small task every day is far more manageable.

1️⃣6️⃣ 🔥 Stop waiting for motivation.

Motivation comes after action, not before it. Start with just five minutes and you will usually keep going.

1️⃣7️⃣ 📦 Limit duplicates.

Most of us do not need several versions of the same item. Less stuff means less to organise, tidy and clean.

1️⃣8️⃣ 🏠 Do a weekly house sweep.

Walk around your home once a week and spot little jobs before they turn into bigger problems.

1️⃣9️⃣ ✅ Make organisation visible.

If you cannot see something, there is a good chance you will forget you own it. Simple storage systems are often the best.

2️⃣0️⃣ 🔍 Let go of broken or unused items.

If you have not used it in ages and it serves no purpose, it is probably time for it to go. A home with less clutter is much easier to keep clean.

Which one do you already do and which one do you need to start doing? ✨⬇️

Sarah xx

23/06/2026

Save this for later 🧽

⭐️ If you want a simple cleaning routine, comment CLEAN and I will send you the link to my schedules to make your day easier. Please make sure you follow so you receive the link 🫶🏻

⭐️ I have learnt through experience that a home can look tidy but still be unclean. Everyone’s standards are different and there are times in life when cleaning is not the priority. However, these are a few areas that are prone to bacteria build up and should be kept hygienic. Number 4 is my absolute ick 🤦🏻‍♀️

1️⃣ 👟 Wearing shoes in the house.

I am quite strict on this one. If you wear shoes indoors, you are bringing in dirt, bacteria, dust and all sorts from outside. Before you know it, it spreads around your home and builds up on your floors.

Take your shoes off at the door. Your floors stay cleaner for longer and your home will thank you for it.

2️⃣ 🍴 Grubby cutlery drawers.

Crumbs are inevitable, especially in a busy family home. But crumbs mixed with moisture from damp cutlery create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Empty your drawer every so often, give it a wipe with disinfectant and make sure your cutlery is dry before putting it away. I love using for this.

3️⃣ 🧽 Kitchen sponges.

This one surprises so many people. A sponge that smells or has been hanging around for weeks is full of bacteria and can end up spreading germs around your kitchen rather than cleaning it.

Rinse it properly after use, let it dry out and replace it regularly. A fresh sponge makes such a difference.

4️⃣ 🚽 Toilet staining.

I am not talking about everyday mess because that can be cleaned easily. I mean the hard mineral staining that stays there even after cleaning.

It instantly makes a toilet look unclean and honestly, it gives me the ick 🤢

The best product I have used for this is the Miracle Toilet Cleaner. It has worked brilliantly for me.

5️⃣ 🪥 Toothbrush holders.

You can clean your toilet every day, but if your toothbrush holder is full of gunk and stale water, you may as well clean your toilet with your toothbrush. That build up sits on the handle that you put near your face every single day 🤢

My tip is to rinse it weekly and give it a proper disinfect once a month. It takes less than a minute and makes such a difference.

6️⃣ 🛋️ Stained furniture and carpets.

Leaving stains on sofas and carpets can make your whole home feel grubby, even if everything else is clean.

Most stains come from food and drinks, so they can leave behind smells as well as marks. The good news is that most stains can be removed with the right products and methods.

I have had some brilliant results using .

✨ A clean home is not about perfection.

It is about keeping on top of the areas that matter most and creating a home that feels fresh, hygienic and comfortable to live in.

Tell me honestly.

Which one is your biggest ick? Mine will always be toilet staining ⬇️

Sarah xx

23/06/2026

Save this for later and follow for more cleaning tips and advice ✨

✨Three things cleaning peoples homes that has genuinely surprised me.

1️⃣ Cleaning is proper hard work.

I think cleaning is one of the most underestimated jobs out there. A lot of people assume it is just wiping surfaces and having a quick tidy, but the reality is very different.

💪 It is physical. 🪣 It is repetitive. 🧽 It is demanding on your back, shoulders, knees and hands. ⏰ It is early starts and long days. ✨ It is constant attention to detail.

After running a cleaning business and employing cleaners over the years, I can honestly say this. The people in this industry are grafters.

And it absolutely takes its toll on your body.

But it is also one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done. Walking into a home that feels overwhelming, chaotic or neglected and leaving it fresh, reset and somewhere someone can truly relax again is such an amazing feeling.

A clean home is not just about appearances either.

✨ It can reduce stress.
✨ It can help you feel more organised.
✨ It can make everyday life feel easier.
✨ It creates a space where memories are made.

That feeling never gets old.

2️⃣ Expensive cleaning products do not always mean better.

When I first started my business, I wanted every fancy gadget and every trending product. I thought expensive automatically meant better.

I was wrong. 😅

Some of the best cleaning products have been around for years because they simply work.

🧴 Cif. 🪣 Henry. 🍽️ Fairy Liquid. 🌸 Zoflora. ✨ The Pink Stuff.

I love trying new cleaning products and I am always happy to test the latest trends, but honestly it is quite rare that a new product completely outperforms the classics.

The biggest lesson I learnt was this.

🧽 Use the right cloth.
✨ Choose the right product for the surface.
⏰ Let products sit long enough to do their job.
🪣 Clean in the right order.
💧 Use less product, not more.

More product does not mean more cleaning power. In fact, using too much often leaves residue behind which attracts dirt quicker and means you end up cleaning the same area again sooner.

Technique beats a cupboard full of expensive sprays every single time.

3️⃣ Everyone’s idea of clean is completely different.

This one shocked me when I first started.

Clean means something completely different to every single person. It is so personal.

I remember one of my very first cleans was an end of tenancy clean for an apartment. I had spoken to the tenant in detail about the condition of the property, what level of clean was needed, how long it would take and what was included. I was reassured it was more of a freshen up.

When I arrived, shock is putting it lightly.

The tenant genuinely believed it was not bad at all, but some areas were an actual biohazard. 😳

That experience taught me a lesson very quickly.

📸 Always ask for photos before quoting.

What one person sees as not too bad, someone else sees as deep cleaning territory. Photos tell you what words often do not.

✨ They help you quote accurately.
✨ They set realistic expectations.
✨ They avoid awkward conversations.
✨ They show exactly what you are walking into.

And honestly, this does not just apply to cleaning.

It is a reminder that we all see things differently. What feels normal to one person can feel overwhelming to someone else.

A little understanding goes a long way 🤍

What is something cleaning has taught YOU that completely surprised you?
Sarah xx

22/06/2026

Which one do you relate to most ? Let me know below 😄

Save this for when you need it ✨✔️

I’ve always find decluttering difficult as I am a just in case person ..it stems from not having much growing up , I worry that I would rather have it in case I need it than not have it .. like a security blanket I think 🥲.. I’ve learnt that it’s ok and the actual stuff cluttering the house causes more stress than the feeling of I may need that one day . So I let it go .

Which one do you struggle with ? Let’s have a chat 😄✨

Sarah xx

22/06/2026

Save this for later and FOLLOW for more professional cleaning advice ✨

✨ If you have a cleaner, or you’re thinking about hiring one, there are a few things that make a huge difference.

🧺 1.Tidy before they arrive.
A cleaner can clean much more in two hours if they are not spending half the visit moving clothes, toys and general clutter around first.

⏰ 2.Be realistic about what can be done.
A four bedroom, three bathroom home is not getting a full deep clean in two hours. Setting realistic expectations means everyone is happier with the results.

🐾 3.Keep pets out of the rooms being cleaned where possible.
We all love our furry friends, but pets under your feet can slow things down and make some jobs much harder.

🗣️ 4.Tell them what matters most to you.
If sparkling bathrooms are your priority, say so. If the kitchen drives you mad, mention it. Good communication means your cleaner can focus on what matters most to you.

🚪 5.Give them space to work.
If you can pop out, work in another room or keep interruptions to a minimum, they will usually get through more in the time you are paying for.

🧤 6.Know their limits.
Most cleaners are not expecting to pick up dirty nappies, pet mess, used tissues or sanitary products. A quick check before they arrive is always appreciated.

💳 7.Pay promptly.
Nobody enjoys chasing payments. Paying on time keeps things professional and stress free for everyone.

🧽 If your cleaner uses your supplies, keep them clean too.
An empty vacuum, a fresh mop head and stocked up products make a bigger difference than you think.

💡 Bonus tip.
The best cleaner in the world cannot keep a home spotless if the systems at home are not working. Small daily habits beat one massive clean every single time.

Did any of these surprise you ? 😄

Sarah xx

22/06/2026

Save this for later 🧽

⭐️ If you want a simple cleaning routine, comment CLEAN and I will send you the link to my schedules to make your day easier. Please make sure you follow so you receive the link 🫶🏻

⭐️ There are certain areas in your home that nobody notices every day, until suddenly they are filthy. These are the jobs I deep clean throughout the year and exactly how often I do them.

1️⃣ 🪟 UPVC windows. Deep clean every 3 to 4 months. Mix warm water with a little washing up liquid and wipe the frames with a microfibre cloth. Use an old toothbrush around the seals and dry with a clean cloth. The amount of grime hidden in the corners always shocks me.

2️⃣ ❄️ Top of the fridge. Deep clean every 3 months. Vacuum loose dust first, then wipe with warm soapy water or a degreaser. This area gets sticky from cooking grease and most people completely forget it exists.

3️⃣ 🍽️ Inside kitchen cupboards. Deep clean every 6 months. Empty them completely, vacuum crumbs and wipe with warm soapy water. Pay extra attention to the cupboard under the sink as spills and moisture build up quickly.

4️⃣ 🏡 Top of kitchen cupboards. Deep clean every 3 to 4 months. If yours are greasy, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto a damp cloth and wipe away the build up. It is one of the most satisfying jobs once you start. I also line mine with grease proof paper which I just swap out every few months ✔️

5️⃣ 🪟 Window tracks. Deep clean every 3 months. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the tracks, spray with white vinegar and leave for ten minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush and wipe clean. They go from black to spotless so quickly.

6️⃣ 🌬️ Extractor fan covers. Deep clean every 2 months. Remove the cover if possible and soak it in hot soapy water. The grease that comes off is honestly disgusting.

7️⃣ 💡 Light fittings and lampshades. Deep clean every 6 months. Dust first, then wipe glass shades with warm water and dry thoroughly. You do not realise how dull they have become until they are clean.

8️⃣ 🚪 Door frames. Deep clean every 2 months. Wipe from top to bottom with a damp microfibre cloth and a little disinfectant. They collect so much dust and nobody ever looks up there.

9️⃣ 🛏️ Under the bed. Deep clean every month. Pull everything out, vacuum properly and wipe skirting boards while you are there. It is basically a storage area for dust.

🔟 🗑️ Outdoor bins. Deep clean every 2 months. Rinse with the hose, spray disinfectant or washing up liquid inside, scrub and leave open to dry in the sun. It makes such a difference to smells.

1️⃣1️⃣ 🚿 Shower grout. Deep clean every 2 to 3 months. Use a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, scrub with a toothbrush and rinse well. Bright grout instantly makes a bathroom look cleaner.

1️⃣2️⃣ 🪴 Behind radiators. Deep clean twice a year. Use a radiator brush or wrap a microfibre cloth around a ruler to reach behind. You will be amazed how much dust comes out.

1️⃣3️⃣ 🧺 Washing machine filter. Deep clean every 3 months. Remove it carefully, rinse away fluff and debris and wipe the compartment clean. This is often the cause of bad smells.

1️⃣4️⃣ 🪞 Mirror edges and frames. Deep clean every 2 months. Spray cleaner onto a cloth, not directly onto the mirror, and wipe around the edges where dust quietly builds up.

1️⃣5️⃣ 🛋️ Under sofa cushions. Deep clean every month. Lift them up, vacuum thoroughly and wipe any marks before they become stains. I always find crumbs, coins and something random from the kids 🤦🏻‍♀️

✨ You do not need to deep clean your entire house in one weekend.

I spread these jobs throughout the year and my home stays cleaner with far less effort.

Which one have you not cleaned in ages? Mine used to be the washing machine filter and I wish I had checked it sooner 😳👇

Sarah xx

21/06/2026

Tell me I'm not alone 😆

I know a messy house doesn’t make me a bad mum, a bad wife, or a failure. But when the washing piles up, the toys are everywhere and the kitchen never seems to stay clean for more than five minutes, I feel overwhelmed and like I just can't relax in it.
It might not be everyones view but I enjoy a clean home , it gives me a sense of calm .😄
✨Some days, keeping everyone fed, loved and getting through the day is more than enough.😄
✨Please tell me I’m not the only one whose mood changes depending on how clean the house is.?
✨And while we’re here, how long does your house actually stay clean after you’ve cleaned it? Mine feels about three minutes. 🥲😆
Sarah xx

House.of.Holtom

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