Secrets of a Speed Cleaner: 20 Years of Hacks in 30 Minutes

What if you could clean your entire home in the time it takes to watch a single episode of your favourite series? No gimmicks, no gadgets – just sharp focus, a few natural products, and a bit of know-how.

That’s exactly what one seasoned cleaning expert shared live at the Ideal Home Show – distilling two decades of professional cleaning into a fast-paced, tip-packed 30-minute session that had the audience nodding, laughing, and frantically taking notes.

From baking soda brilliance to unconventional microfibre hacks, her advice is proof that keeping your home clean doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending chore.

 Watch the full session here for a whistle-stop tour of the best cleaning hacks, straight from someone who’s been there, cleaned that – and still finds joy in a sparkling sink

 

“Set a timer – and step away from your phone!”
Her no-nonsense approach begins with the basics. “Ten minutes per room – that’s all you need,” she insists, “as long as you’re not distracted.” And by distraction, she means your phone. Set it down, set a timer, and get moving.

Decluttering comes first. “Don’t step over the sock. Pick it up.” It’s this kind of simple, straight-talking logic that runs through her entire method. Work from the top of each room down – dusting high surfaces first so nothing falls onto areas you've already cleaned.

In the kitchen: fizz, freshen, and foil-lined shortcuts
The kitchen is where mess lingers – but it doesn’t need to take forever. Start by clearing surfaces, then spray sticky spots with either your go-to eco cleaner or a homemade blend of dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda and water. “It fizzes up – and works wonders.”

Other standout tips:

• Microwave a bowl of vinegar for 3 minutes to loosen grease
• Freshen your oven by baking lemon slices in water at 220°C
• Scrub trays with lemon juice and baking soda
• Use paper towels in the fridge to catch drips
• Place essential oil-soaked cotton pads in the bin liner to keep smells at bay

And that’s before we even get to her view on dishwashers. “I don’t like them,” she laughs, “but if you’ve got one – go for it. Just don’t forget to clean the sink!”

Bathroom blitz: clean while you condition
“Spray as soon as you walk in – let the products do the work.” In the bathroom, multitasking is key. Clean the shower while you're in it. Use vinegar or Viakal on taps and shower screens. Bleach for the toilet. And always, always freshen your towels.

She swears by:

• Using a vinegar-filled bag to soak your shower head overnight
• Drying glass shower doors after every use to avoid watermarks
• Putting toothbrushes away (especially if they live anywhere near the loo)
• Baking soda and lemon for plughole freshness

And don’t skip the bin – the essential oil trick works just as well here.

Bedrooms: quick wins and fresh air fixes
Bedrooms are all about small gestures with big impact. “Open the window first thing – it changes everything.”

As you change the sheets, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, leave for 20 minutes, then hoover to remove odours. Fluffing pillows, folding throws, and decluttering surfaces can transform the space in minutes.

Lint rollers are a secret weapon here – use them on lampshades, headboards, and even bedsheets. And for a fresh-smelling wardrobe? Cotton pads with essential oils tucked into drawers will do the trick.

In the lounge: saucepan lids and scented sofas
She saves her quirkiest trick for last: “Tie a microfibre cloth around a saucepan lid, dip it in warm water and essential oils, then rub it in circles on your sofa. It smells amazing – and it works.”

Start with a hoover (sprinkle baking soda on the carpet first if you have pets), straighten cushions, and gather clutter into a quick-access basket if guests are en route.

And finally, pop on a pair of microfibre slippers – because yes, you really can dust the floors as you walk.

Her golden rule? Don’t aim for perfect.
“It’s not about scrubbing every skirting board every day. It’s about staying on top of it – little and often.” With the right mindset (and a bit of lemon), even the most chaotic home can feel calm again.