How to turn your home into a cosy retreat this Autumn

Welcome to this months blog from Cleaning Queen. We hope it's helpful, if you have any subjects you'd like help with and for us to cover in the future feel free to get in touch with us!


As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and the pressure to create a warm, inviting home for family and friends. As a professional cleaning company owners we understand the challenges of balancing a busy schedule with the desire to have a beautiful home for Christmas. Here are Cleaning Queen's top tips to help you get your home Christmas-ready, even when time is tight.


1. Prioritise Your Tasks


Make list of everything that needs to be done. Focus on the high-impact areas that will make the most difference, such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area. By prioritising this you can tackle the essentials first and save less crucial tasks for later. Remember, it’s about creating a festive atmosphere, it doesn't have to be perfect!


2. Embrace the Power of Decluttering


Before diving into deep cleaning, take a moment to declutter. This step not only makes your home look more organised but makes it easier to clean. Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle one area at a time—like the coffee table or kitchen counters. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve in a short period and it's less daunting.


3. Quick Cleaning Hacks


When time is limited, efficiency is key. Here are some quick cleaning hacks to help you get the job done:


- Multi-Surface Cleaner: Invest in a good multi-surface cleaner to save time on various surfaces. A quick wipe down can make a huge difference.

- Vacuum Strategically: Focus on high-traffic areas first. A quick once-over in the living room and hallway can make your space feel fresh.

- Dust with Ease: Use microfiber cloths to dust surfaces quickly. They trap dust and dirt effectively, making your job easier.


4. Set Up a Festive Atmosphere


Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere doesn’t have to take hours. Here are a few simple ways to get into the Christmas spirit:


- Lighting: Soft lighting can transform a room. Use fairy lights or candles to create a cosy ambiance.

- Seasonal Scents: Simmer some cinnamon sticks and orange peels on the stove or light a festive candle.

- Quick Decorations: Hang up a wreath on your front door, and add a few festive touches around the house, like throw pillows or a table centrepiece.


5. Delegate and Seek Help


Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Share the tasks with the kids or other half. Additionally, consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a thorough clean before the festivities begin. This way, you can enjoy your holiday preparations without the added stress. We offer a one off cleaning service by the hour so you can set your budget.


6. Prepare for Guests


If you’re hosting, make sure to have a plan for guest areas:


- Guest Bathroom: Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, soap, and clean towels. A quick scrub of the toilet and sink can elevate the space.

- Refresh the Guest Room: If you have overnight visitors, ensure the guest room is clean and welcoming. Fresh linens and a tidy space go a long way in making guests feel at home.


7. Plan Ahead for Christmas Day


Finally, don’t leave everything until the last minute! Create a timeline for Christmas Day, including meal prep and cleaning. This will help you stay organised and enjoy the festivities without feeling rushed.




Getting your home Christmas-ready doesn’t have to be a daunting task, even when time is short. By prioritising, decluttering, and using efficient cleaning methods, you can create a festive atmosphere in no time. Remember, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones—so take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and embrace the joy of the season. For more cleaning tips or to book a professional service, don’t hesitate to reach out!




Cleaning Queen Ltd


New year cleans in September!

New year cleans in September!

by Danielle Navarro • 3 September 2025
New year cleans in September!
Should I prep for my cleaner

Should I prep for my cleaner?

by Danielle Navarro • 4 August 2025
Whether you're welcoming a cleaner for the first time or having a regular clean, knowing how to prepare your home for a cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and improve results. As an established cleaning company serving homes across East Anglia, we’ve compiled our top recommendations to help you get the most from every visit. We understand that not everyone is able to prep and you definitely don't have to, it's your own preference but it does save time, therefore money and your cleaner can complete more cleaning rather than tidying. Why Preparation Matters Hiring a professional cleaning service doesn’t mean you need to scrub before they arrive—but a few simple steps can help cleaners focus on the cleaning. Our customers often ask: Do I need to tidy up before a cleaner arrives? Should I leave out my own cleaning products? Will they clean around clutter or organise things? This blog answers those questions and more. 1. Tidy Up, Don’t Deep Clean You don’t need to clean before the cleaners—that’s our job! But light tidying is highly recommended. What to do: Pick up toys, clothes, paperwork, or other clutter from floors and countertops. Wash up any dishes and put away. Remove personal items from bathroom counters. Why? Tidying frees up surfaces and floors so cleaners c an vacuum, dust and polish eff iciently without needing to move lots of items. 2. Clear Kitchen & Bathroom Surfaces Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most time-intensive areas to clean—especially in UK homes where limescale and grime build up quickly. What helps: Remove dirty dishes and food items from counters. Take toothbrushes, razors, or cosmetics off the sink area. Keep on top of stray hairs. Pro tip: use a squeegee after showering to remove the water and reduce limescale building up. 3. Secure Pets & Provide Access At Cleaning Queen we love pets—but they can be distracting. On the day of cleaning: Let us know if pets will be home (especially if they’re reactive or nervous). Keep pets in a separate room or garden if possible. Ensure keys, alarm codes, or access instructions are communicated in advance if you won’t be in. Some clients also leave out pet-safe floor sprays—we're happy to use these when requested. 4. Make Special Requests in Advance Want us to focus on skirting boards, deep bathroom scrubbing, or skip a certain room? Just let us know. Best practice: Message or email requests or you can let your cleaner know on the day if you wish as long as it fits within the timescale booked. Label any areas that should be avoided (e.g. work-from-home offices) 5. Leave Out Products (If Required) While Cleaning Queen bring their own products, clients w ith allergies, eco concerns, or pets may prefer to supply their own. We use our clients vacuum and mop so please either advise us where these are kept or leave them out for your cleaner. Options: Leave out preferred products (e.g. Method, Ecover, Zoflora) and tools (like your own mop or vacuum). Speak to your cleaner or leave a note if certain products should or shouldn't be used in certain rooms. If you’d like us to use your own products just let us know—we’re happy to do this. 6. Prep Payment & Instructions (If You're Out) If you won’t be home during the clean: Provide us with detailed instructions on access and any specific requests in advance Leave payment (if paying by cash) in a clearly labelled envelope. Ensure doors, gates or alarm systems can be operated easily. 7. Don’t Worry About Perfection! Your cleaner isn’t judging your home. We’re here to make life easier, not harder. Life gets messy—especially with children, pets, or a busy schedule. That’s exactly why you asked us to help. We recommend: Keeping open communication. Letting us know what’s most important to you. Booking regular cleans (weekly or fortnightly) for consistently clean results. Preparing for your cleaner’s visit doesn’t need to take long—but a small effort can make a big difference. With a clear space to work and clear instructions, your cleaner can deliver the sparkling results you’re paying for. 

The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks

by Danielle Navarro • 29 June 2025
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!
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