Time-Saving Housework Hacks

Get a cleaning caddy to keep everything organised and colour code your sponges, such as “blue for loo” and “pink for sink”.

Invest in clever cleaning products, like a stick vac, dishwashing brush with detergent compartment and a steam mop.

Spray down your surfaces with cleaning product 10 minutes before you clean to let them soak.

Microwave 1 cup of water with a squeeze of lemon juice for 2 minutes to soften the microwave grime before you wipe it down.

Make your stainless-steel sparkle with half a lemon encrusted with table salt, followed by a quick wipe down with a sponge.

Make a chemical-free all-purpose cleaner by combining equal parts water and white vinegar in an empty spray bottle and 10 drops of essential oil.

To do your dusting, moisten a sock and wear it on your hand like a glove. It will make light work of high shelves and venetian blinds.

Some small fittings like removable fridge compartments and extractor fan filters can be removed and washed in the dishwasher.

Clean for 30 minutes every day. Make it a “power half hour” with a timer set so you’ll whiz through it.

Listen to an audiobook or podcast as you clean. The time will fly by.

Clean mildewing kids’ bath toys in the dishwasher or in a mesh bag thrown into the washing machine.

Use a drop of dishwashing liquid in your glass spray to clean windows and shower screens for a streak-free shine.

Use toothpaste and an old toothbrush to get jewellery sparkling.

Freshen old towels by adding 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda to your regular wash.

Oil stains will come out of clothes if you rub them down with white chalk before you throw them in the wash.

Put folded sheets and doona sets within a matching pillowcase so they’re ready to go when you’re changing beds.

Moisturise and remove water rings from your timber tabletops with mayonnaise or olive oil.

Keep a running list of groceries on your phone, grocery app, Google Home or Alexa.

Sprinkle your soft furnishings and carpets with baking powder, let it set for 20 minutes while you clean another room, then vacuum.

Line your oven trays with foil to collect spills and discard when needed. This will cut back on how often you need to clean it.