There's no need to take up the entire day cleaning! With these clever hacks, you can get these tasks done in no time...
1. Shiny windows
A small dash of dishwasher rinse aid in the water when you wash windows will make them shiny and streak-free.
2. No more dusty blinds!
Put a sock over your hand and run it over each slat (using it like a slightly damp sock puppet), then pop the sock into the washing machine. You could also try the Leifheit Venetian Blind Cleaner, £11, John Lewis, which dusts two slats at once.
3. Set a timer
Setting a timer for 30 minutes and getting as much done as possible in that time, with no distractions, is the best way to power through chores.
4. Chill out
Are you making this common error when you use bleach? Always use cold water with it as hot water can render the active ingredients in bleach ineffective, making it totally useless.
5. Use your dishwasher
Wash all types of small fittings, from fridge shelves to extractor fan filters and even some children's toys, in your dishwasher.
The GHI’s Best Cleaning Products 2026
Score: 95/100
No one likes having to deal with a dripping mop, but Leifheit’s spin technology means you can say goodbye to puddles. You simply push the mop into the sturdy basket, press the handle and it will make light work of anything from spillages to nasty stains. The microfibre swivel head can get into every nook and cranny and the bucket also has wheels for speedy cleaning from room-to-room.
Score: 89/100
Claiming to be tough and long-lasting, our team found these double-sided sponges effective at removing grease and expert at cleaning items such as glasses and cutlery that typically trap food or grease in their grooves. The sponges are also easy to clean in the washing machine or dishwasher (in the top drawer), keeping them bacteria-free.
Score: 87/100
This all-in-one washing machine sprucer is designed to eliminate odours, remove detergent and grime from the drum, and leave the machine’s surface sparkling. Our panel found it delivered on its promise.
Score: 91/100
Our best oven cleaner scored full marks for its performance in the lab. Burnt-on food melted away from the racks with ease after soaking, needing just a quick rinse to get rid of all the residue. It was a similar story on the base of the oven, which was left shiny and spotless with minimal scrubbing required – something other oven cleaners often struggle with.
