How to nail "Back to school" this year!

Welcome readers to your ultimate guide on how to nail "Back to school" this year!

As summer winds down and the school bells start ringing, many parents feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The back-to-school season can be hectic, but with a bit of organisation and preparation, you can ease the transition for your family. As a cleaning company owner, we've seen first hand how a tidy environment can make a world of difference. Here are some of our top tips to help you cope with the back-to-school rush!

1. Create a Family Calendar

Start by setting up a family calendar for the school year. Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a classic wall planner, this will be your go-to for tracking important dates—school events, deadlines, and extracurricular activities. Encourage your kids to help fill it in; this not only teaches them responsibility but also gets them excited about the upcoming school year.

2. Designate a Homework Station

Set up a dedicated space in your home for homework and study. Ensure it’s well-lit, stocked with supplies, and free from distractions. This will help your children focus and create a routine that signals it’s time to hit the books. Keeping this area organised will also save you from last-minute searches for pencils or paper!

3. Backpack and Lunchbox Prep

Choose a designated spot for backpacks and lunchboxes right by the door. This will make it easier for everyone to grab their things on the way out. Encourage your kids to pack their bags the night before, laying out clothes and preparing lunch together. This not only saves time in the morning but also instils a sense of independence.

4. Streamline Morning Routines

Mornings can be chaotic, so streamline the routine. Set a consistent wake-up time and create a checklist for each child that includes tasks like dressing, breakfast, and packing their lunch. Having a visual checklist can help younger children feel accomplished as they check off completed tasks.

5. Declutter and Organise

Before the school year starts, take some time to declutter your home. Go through old papers, toys, and clothes. Create a donation box for items that are no longer needed. A tidy home not only reduces stress but also makes it easier to find things when you need them. Consider involving your kids in this process—it’s a great way to teach them about organization and giving back.

6. Meal Planning Made Easy

Planning meals for the week ahead can save you time and stress. Involve your family in meal planning by asking for their input and creating a menu together. Consider batch cooking on weekends so you have healthy meals ready to go during busy school nights. Don’t forget to prep quick snacks for after-school cravings!

7. Set Up a Cleaning Schedule

With the school year in full swing, it’s crucial to maintain a clean and organized home. Create a cleaning schedule that involves the whole family. Assign age-appropriate chores to your kids and make it a fun activity by turning on some music. A tidy home can help everyone feel more relaxed and focused.

8. Stay Flexible and Positive

Finally, remember that things might not always go as planned. Be open to adjusting your routines and schedules. Keeping a positive mindset will help your family navigate unexpected challenges with ease.

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little organisation, preparation, and teamwork, you can create a smooth transition for your family. Embrace the new school year with enthusiasm, and don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy these precious times with your children. Here’s to a successful September!

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New year cleans in September!

by Danielle Navarro • 3 September 2025

New year cleans in September!

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!