Here we are, at the midpoint of January. By now, the chaos of Christmas and even new year’s should have settled and it’s time to get back to work and face the new year head-on. While many may dread the month of January—whether that’s because of the cold weather with no festivities or the fact that, for many, it’s time to get back to plain old normal—we love January for one reason, which is the big new year clean.


January, the start of the new year, is a great time to start fresh, which is why plenty of us come up with those famous new year's resolutions. We say January is the time to start fresh with a big new year deep clean; this is your chance to prepare your home for the year ahead.


In this blog, we’re going to tell you why the big new year clean is a good idea, the benefits of doing so, how to get started, how to get stuck in and how we can help.



Why You Should Take Part in the Big New Year Clean


As we mentioned earlier, there is good reason to do a big new year home clean of your own. Take a look at your home now – how has it held up after Christmas and new year’s, is everything in order? Or do you think it may be time to commit to a proper household deep clean before you get stuck in a rut of living in an unclean home?


If you’re on the fence and not sure if a January deep clean is worth it, read on for all of the benefits.

  • Prepare your home for the year ahead; think of your home as a blank canvas after your new year deep clean. It’s something to improve on over the months to come in 2023
  • Prevention is better than a cure. Doing a big clean now will lower the time spent cleaning the rest of the year
  • A deep clean also gives you the chance to change up the layout of your home, if you feel it’s time to change things up
  • Finally clean up the mess left behind from Christmas and new year celebrations
  • Take this chance to take stock of what you have and declutter. You could put aside things you no longer use and give that to charity


So now you’re convinced, or at the very least interested in hearing more, let’s tell you how to get started.



Plan of Action


We must warn you that taking on the big new year deep clean can be a challenge. With any deep clean, every room, every corner and every inch of the home is considered and cleaned, so it’s always good to have a plan.


  • Assess – go around your home, armed with a pen and paper or the ‘notes’ app on your mobile phone and assess. Take note of the areas that are in most need of attention, what needs cleaning, what doesn’t need cleaning and anything else that may be worth noting. This will also help you decide what products you’ll need and roughly how long this job will take.


  • Getting ready – now you have assessed your home, create a checklist of the rooms and jobs that need doing, assign yourself an order of work and assemble the products you need. Lastly, mark the date in your diary for when you are going to get this big clean done.

 

  • Get stuck in – take it one room at a time. While you’re cleaning, moving furniture and tidying neatly, this is a great chance to declutter by putting things you no longer need to one side.

 

It’s important to not get stressed out when taking on a deep clean; it can actually be quite therapeutic and calming, and the satisfaction and pride you’ll feel when you’re done will make it all so worthwhile.



Get Help From Cleaning Queen Ltd 


Of course, the new year big clean is not something set in stone, you don’t have to do one yourself if you don’t want to; your home may not even need a deep clean, maybe just a quick general refresh, if anything at all. 


Though if you want to take it on, then we say go for it! But what if you have neither the time nor confidence to take on such a task? Then all you have to do is ask for help.


Professional domestic household cleaning services have never been more affordable and easy to book. You don’t even need to sign up for regular cleaning to receive your own cleaner. One-off cleans can be easily arranged when you hire us to help.


Also, as of writing this blog, we are currently running a January 2023 cleaning offer. Book an expert one-off spring clean for a fraction of the regular price.

2-bed home - £100

3-bed home - £120

4-bed home - £150

5-bed home - £180


This offer has limited availability, so if you want to take advantage, book now before the end of January 2023!



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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