Spark & Mend

If your weeks are full, a simple routine beats a big weekend clean. The aim is to keep your Plymouth home calm between visits and stop jobs from piling up.

This checklist focuses on quick wins that make the house feel tidy fast. Most tasks take 10 to 20 minutes when done little and often.

The 30-minute midweek reset

Set a timer and move through the house in the same order each time. You will be surprised how much you can get done.

• Clear kitchen counters and wipe surfaces
• Load or empty the dishwasher
• Quick bathroom wipe: sink, taps, mirror
• Fast vacuum of main traffic areas
• Take out rubbish and recycling

Weekly checklist by room

Kitchen

• Hob and splashback degrease
• Wipe cupboard fronts and handles
• Clean the sink and drain
• Empty crumbs from toaster and wipe small appliances

Bathroom

• Remove limescale on taps and shower screen
• Clean toilet bowl and exterior
• Scrub bath and tiles
• Replace towels and wipe shelf surfaces

Living areas

• Dust shelves and electronics
• Fluff cushions and fold throws
• Vacuum sofa and under cushions
• Spot clean fingerprints on doors and switches

Bedrooms

• Change bedding
• Dust bedside tables and lamps
• Vacuum or sweep floors
• Sort laundry into a basket

Hallway and stairs

• Quick sweep or vacuum
• Wipe skirting boards and bannister
• Clear shoes and coats

Supplies that save time

• Microfibre cloths in two colours
• All-purpose cleaner
• Descaler for bathrooms
• Glass cleaner
• Vacuum with a crevice tool
• Bin bags and spare liners

When a deeper clean makes sense

If you are constantly playing catch-up, a deeper clean can reset the space and make weekly upkeep easier.

• Before guests or after a busy stretch
• When moving in or out
• After building work or decorating
• Every 3 to 6 months for hard-to-reach areas