When it gets to this time of year, whether we like to admit it or not, Christmas is the main thing on our minds. Some of us welcome the Christmas rush and soak up every minute, and then there are those of us who find the festive season somewhat hectic.


With Christmas shopping, decorating routines, parties, get-togethers and cooking, there is so much to do. So much so that we often forget about getting our homes clean and ready for the holidays. Did you know that by thinking ahead and prepping your home for Christmas, you may be able to make the whole festive season less stressful and more organised?


It's true! With this quick, short and easy cleaning guide, you can prepare your home for the big day and hopefully take some of that Christmas weight off of your shoulders. Let’s not waste any more time and get straight into it.



CLEAN FIRST, DECORATIONS AFTER


The first step in this Christmas cleaning guide is a simple one, but incredibly effective. When it gets to Christmas time, us decorating maniacs can’t wait to fish out the Christmas decorations and get started on turning our homes into a winter wonderland. But before getting straight to it and decorating up a storm, try just doing one thing beforehand, and that is to give your home a quick yet attentive cleaning once-over.


Give corners high and low, all the surfaces and every piece of furniture in your home a wipe, dust and clean. This is a way of priming the foundations, if you will, for your Christmas decorations to look their absolute best.



FESTIVE FUNCTION ROOM


We all know that there is so much more to the festive season than just Christmas Day. The run-up to the big day is just as important; this is when we often get asked to attend parties and other merry events. You may even be hosting one or two parties yourself, or maybe you’re just having some relatives around the house. Whatever you’re up to, turning your home into a more entertaining space is a great idea for this year’s holiday.


Most of the time, the entertaining of guests often takes place in the living room or kitchen. So, what we suggest is to organise and rearrange these rooms to provide a better entertaining space – centre the furniture in the living room around one point which encourages conversation. In the kitchen, push the dining table to one side for a little bit of space for dad dancing and shameless boogying. That’s just a few examples, you get the idea – make sure there’s enough open space for dancing, toasts and picking at the table filled with finger food. 



KITCHEN PREP


If you’ve somehow wound up being in charge of this year’s roast dinner, you’re going to need all the help you can give yourself. Start by making sure the oven is clean and all the trays, hobs and knobs are ready to go.


The fridge is your next task. Organise it to fit in all of your scrumptious Christmas ingredients, drinks and food. A quick clean of the fridge before you start stocking up is also a good idea to ensure everything in there stays fresh, smelling great and ready for the celebrations.



IN CONCLUSION 


It’s always a good idea to prepare your home for Christmas; it can make your life around this festive time so much simpler.


Another option for you is to have your home professionally cleaned by us, even if it is just a cheeky one-off clean to get ready for Christmas. All of us can use a little extra help every now and again. Besides, wouldn’t you rather spend your Christmas time doing fun and festive things, as opposed to cleaning?


Visit our site, select the cleaning service you’re after and book your cleaner for a time that suits you. 


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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