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Getting started: Deep-cleaning - if you are starting from scratch
If
you do it little and often your home will never get out of control.
However, there are times when you may find yourself inheriting someone
else's dirt. You might move into rented accommodation, or buy a new home where
the cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired. You might need to help an elderly or unwell
relative restore order when through no fault of their own things have slipped out of control.
Here is and action plan to launch and assault on the scale needed for How Clean Is Your House?

Start at the top of the house and work down.

Clean top to bottom of every room.

Bedroom's, studies and reception rooms first.

Ceilings, walls, curtains, floors. Pull out all furniture and appliances and clean behind and underneath.

Wet first - washing paintwork, windows, laundering, shampooing.

Dry next - dusting, polishing, waxing.

Vacuuming last - removing all traces of dust and debris.

These rooms last - bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. As you clean through the home you will be replenishing your buckets, cloths and duster and mops as you remove the dirt from everywhere, so save these rooms until last.

Finally - attack the porch, lobby, garage, cellar and loft.
Daily routines

Pull back the bedcovers to air while you shower and breakfast. Open the window: this will reduce humidity and limit the number of dust mites.

Keep the kitchen clean and tidy. Wash up after each meal and keep surfaces clean.

Change dishcloths and tea towels daily.

Vacuum or sweep the kitchen floor.

Keep sinks clean and hand towels fresh.

Keep toilets scrupulously clean.

Return things to their place so clutter doesn't build up.

Consider nominating days for laundry: e.g. Saturday for bedlinen, Monday for towels, Tuesday for coloureds, Thursday for whites.
Weekly routines

Change the bedlinen weekly (twice weekly is best in hot weather).

Change bath and shower towels two or three times weekly.

Vacuum carpets and floors.

Wash or mop all hard floors.

Dust the surfaces.

Wipe fingerprints from door handles and light switches.

Thoroughly clean the bathroom: toilet, sink, shower, tiles, toothbrush holders, mirrors and floor.

Attend to areas of kitchen not tackled daily - wipe cupboard doors, splashbacks, oven, microwave, fridge, bins etc.

Iron the laundry.
Star tips from Kim and Aggie to help you through
Kitchen star tips

Get rid of garlic smells on your hands by rubbing them on the metal tap.

Fill a sock or nylon stocking with freshly ground coffee amd pop inside the fridge to help deodorize any smells.

Keep drains running freely by once a month running through a handful of washing soda crystals followed by a kettle full of boiling water.
Living room star tips

Remove dust from plant leaves by stroking them with the soft inside of a banana skin. The dust clings to the skin, and the juice nourishes the leaves.

A sock on a wire coat hanger makes an amusing and practical substitute for a feather duster.

Keep a bottle of soda water handy for red wine or coffee spills on the carpet. Pour a little over the wet stain, cover with an old clean white towel and press hard to absorb all the moisture. The bubbles help lift the stain.