Halloween is named to be one of the messiest times of the year, although all this fun and games is worth it, right? The next morning we see smashed pumpkins, toilet paper, chocolate wrappers, ketchup (fake blood), wine stains and the list goes on. But not to worry, we have some great tips to save your day!
Stains
Any stains including wine and fake blood, the most important thing to do is not to scrub the stain as it will spread. Instead, deal with it as soon as possible by soaking a cloth with cool or warm water and put the cloth on the area to be treated. Leave it to soak for as long as possible and check to see if the area is getting better by carefully blotting. Wash the cloth and repeat steps. If treated as soon as possible, stains should have been gone by now. For tougher stains, make a paste from baking powder and water. Apply generously and hoover once dried. This should do the trick!
Pumpkins
Grab a bag and start picking up the pieces. For dried pumpkin, start scrapping with any sort of tool like a spoon and for leftovers, use dishwashing liquid and water to help with dissolving.
Wax
Spilled wax? The fastest and easiest way to get rid of wax from most surfaces is to warm it with a hairdryer and wipe away with a cloth as it turns into a liquid. Any residue can be cleaned with a mix of 1 part of vinegar and 1 part of water.
Glitter
It can be challenging to collect glitter, instead of using towel or brush, swipe a lint roller anywhere you see sparkles and it will be gone right away!
Chocolate
Chocolate melted into the carpet is a nightmare but it’s not as scary as it sounds. Let the chocolate harden and then scrape off what you can. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of cool water. Now use the mixture with a cloth to dab the stain until it disappears, then sponge down with clean, cold water and dry.
Chewing gum
Little ones may have received gum from trick or treating and you may discover it stuck somewhere like upholstery. The best solution is to freeze the gum by applying ice and then it should lift off. If no luck, reapply the ice until gum has hardened then scrape it away.
Happy Halloween
from Cleaning Queen!
The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks: What TikTok Won’t Tell You! In the age of social media, cleaning has gone from a chore to a trend. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of cleaning hacks, DIY solutions, and “CleanTok” time-lapses that promise miraculous results with minimal effort. But while some of these tips are genuinely helpful, others are risky, misleading, or even dangerous. As a professional domestic cleaning company, we’ve seen first hand the consequences of viral cleaning advice gone wrong. Here’s what you—and your home—need to be cautious about. 1. Mixing Chemicals = Hidden Danger One of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes seen in viral videos is mixing household cleaners without understanding the chemical reactions involved. Examples: Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas (toxic when inhaled) Bleach + toilet cleaner = fumes that can burn the lungs Baking soda + vinegar = dramatic fizz, but neutralizes both and does little actual cleaning Just because it foams or smells fresh doesn’t mean it’s effective—or safe! 2. TikTok = Entertainment, Not Expertise Many creators aren’t cleaning professionals. Their content is often designed for views and likes, not safe or effective results. Unvetted advice : Some “hacks” are based on myths or half-truths. One-size-fits-all tips : Using lemon on stone surfaces, for instance, can etch and damage natural materials like marble or granite. Overuse of products : Soaking fabric in disinfectants may lead to skin irritation or fabric damage. Your home deserves more than internet guesswork! 3. Damage to Surfaces & Appliances What looks satisfying in a 15-second video can cost you in repairs. Common Issues: Magic erasers scratch glossy or delicate surfaces if used too harshly. Toilet cleaning bombs (often with blue food dye) stain ceramic and plastic. Foil in the dishwasher trick (to make cutlery “shinier”) can void your warranty or harm filters. What seems like a “cheap trick” can become an expensive mistake! 4. Wasteful or Overcomplicated Routines Some viral hacks involve multiple steps or excessive use of products you don’t need: Using six products where one will do Cleaning routines that take 3–4 hours daily —unrealistic for most Highly fragranced items that trigger allergies or asthma in small homes with poor ventilation Minimalism often wins. Less product, more technique! Safer Alternatives: What We Recommend Instead of jumping on the latest trend, try: Microfibre cloths + warm soapy water for most surfaces Using eco-certified, fragrance-free products for kitchens and bathrooms Following manufacturer guidelines for ovens, floors, and furniture Consulting a professional (like us!) for deep cleans, limescale build up and maintenance cleans Final Thought TikTok hacks might look impressive—but they’re no substitute for real knowledge, experience, and care. At Cleaning Queen, we love innovation—but only when it’s safe, proven, and actually effective. Let’s leave the entertainment to influencers and the elbow grease to the experts!
The Mental Health Benefits of a Clean and Tidy Home In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a clean and tidy home can often feel like a daunting task. However, the benefits of a well-organised living space extend far beyond aesthetics. Numerous studies have shown that a clean home can significantly improve mental health and overall well-being. Let's explore the mental health benefits of keeping your home clean and tidy, supported by facts and expert insights. 1. Reduction in Stress and Anxiety A cluttered environment can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. According to a study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, individuals with cluttered homes exhibited higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. By maintaining a tidy space, you can create a calming environment that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. 2. Improved Focus and Productivity A clean home can enhance your ability to focus and be productive. Clutter can be distracting and overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks. A study by Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress. A tidy home can help you stay organized and focused, boosting productivity. 3. Enhanced Mood and Happiness A clean and organised home can positively impact your mood and overall happiness. The act of cleaning itself can be a form of physical activity that releases endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. Furthermore, a tidy space can create a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, contributing to a happier state of mind. 4. Better Sleep Quality A clean bedroom environment is conducive to better sleep quality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom tidy and free of clutter to promote restful sleep. A clean and organized bedroom can help you relax and unwind, leading to improved sleep patterns and overall well-being. 5. Boosted Immune System Maintaining a clean home can also have physical health benefits that indirectly support mental health. Regular cleaning reduces the presence of allergens, dust, and germs, which can strengthen your immune system. A healthier body often leads to a healthier mind, reducing the risk of illness-related stress and anxiety. Conclusion The mental health benefits of a clean and tidy home are undeniable. By creating a clutter-free and organised living space, you can reduce stress, improve focus, enhance mood, and promote better sleep. Embrace the positive impact of cleanliness on your mental well-being and enjoy a happier, healthier life. If you need help achieving this please contact us for a free quote, we are more than happy to help. All you need to do is click on the "Get a free quote" button at the top and let us know your details. Thank you for reading, enjoy the rest of your day! Cleaning Queen HQ
The Guilt of the Modern Homeowner – Why it's time to break free from outdated expectations At Cleaning Queen we’ve spent years helping families and individuals across the UK bring calm to the chaos of modern living. And there’s one thing we hear time and time again from our customer—guilt. In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your home spotless can feel like just one more impossible task on an already overloaded to-do list. Work pressures, school runs, household chores, weekend sports, grocery shops, meal preps, and maybe—just maybe—a few minutes of downtime for yourself? The truth is, we are all stretched thin. Yet, despite all this, many homeowners still carry a lingering sense of guilt for not managing to clean the shower, hoover the stairs, or keep the kitchen looking photo-ready. Why? The Myth of the Perfect Home We live in a time of Instagram-worthy interiors and spotless Pinterest boards. It’s easy to believe that everyone else has it all together. But behind those filters and curated feeds are real people just like you—people who also struggle to balance it all. The image of the pristine home maintained entirely by a busy, full-time working parent is not just unrealistic—it’s unhealthy. At Cleaning Queen, we say it's time to let go of that myth. A clean home is important, yes—but so is your peace of mind, your time, and your health! Time Is Your Most Precious Commodity Let’s be honest: your evenings and weekends shouldn’t be spent scrubbing tiles or tackling that growing mountain of laundry. These are moments that should be spent playing with your children, catching up with friends, or simply taking a breather with a cup of tea and your feet up. Hiring a professional cleaning service isn’t a luxury now—it’s a modern solution to a modern problem. It’s not about extravagance. It’s about choosing to spend your time wisely and investing in support that helps your household run more smoothly. You’re Not Failing—You’re Delegating Outsourcing home cleaning doesn’t make you lazy. It makes you practical. We hire professionals to fix our cars, teach our children, and cut our hair. Why should the cleanliness of your home be any different? At Cleaning Queen, we’re more than just cleaners. We’re partners in helping you create a healthier, more manageable home environment. Our team is fully vetted and care about delivering sparkling results—so you can walk through your front door and breathe easy, knowing it’s been taken care of. No More Guilt—Just a Brighter Nest So here’s our message to all the busy parents, full-time professionals, carers, and anyone simply doing their best: let go of the guilt. You don’t have to do it all. And you certainly don’t have to do it alone! We’re here to take that weight off your shoulders. Your home deserves to shine—and so do you. Interested in finding out how we can help lighten your load? Get in touch for a no-obligation quote and let’s chat about how we can make your life a little easier!