Cleaning tips for a spotless holiday home

1. Create a detailed cleaning protocol: Develop a cleaning routine in the form of a cleaning list to ensure that all areas of the holiday home are cleaned regularly. This will make maintenance easier and prevent dirt and dust from accumulating. This protocol should include all surfaces, furniture, appliances, and bathrooms. Be sure to pay special attention to frequently used areas such as door handles, light switches, and remote controls.
   
   2. Use the right cleaning products: Choose high-quality cleaning products that are both effective and safe for the environment and your guests, and that are designed for your surfaces. For example, use special wood cleaners for wooden furniture and floors and glass-friendly cleaners for windows and mirrors. Disinfectants with proven effectiveness against viruses and bacteria are essential. Follow the instructions on the labels and use the products according to the recommendations.
   
   3. Pay attention to the correct order: A structured sequence of cleaning steps is crucial. Start by removing bed linen and towels and wash them at high temperatures. This is followed by dusting the surfaces. Then clean and disinfect all surfaces, including the kitchen and bathroom. This is followed by vacuuming and floor mopping. Finally, make sure that fresh bed linen and towels are ready.
   
   4. Dust thoroughly: Special care must be taken to dust removal. Be sure to thoroughly remove dust and dirt from furniture and floors, and do not forget those hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and lampshades.
   
   5. Clean the floors: Depending on the floor covering, you should use special cleaning and care products. Wooden floors may require polishing while tiled floors need thorough cleaning and grout care.
   
   6. Descale taps and shower heads: Limescale deposits can accumulate in taps and shower heads over time and impair the flow of water. Use a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) and soak taps and shower heads in it for a few hours or overnight. Then rinse thoroughly to remove the limescale. This not only improves the performance but also the appearance of your taps and showers.
   
   7. Pay attention to details: Small details often make all the difference. Thoroughly check all corners and edges to make sure no dust or dirt is missed. Make sure all light bulbs are working and that all utensils in the kitchen are clean and intact.
   
   8. Ventilate extensively: After cleaning, ensure that the holiday home is adequately ventilated to give any cleaning fumes time to dissipate.
   
   9. Provide soap and disinfectant: Provide disinfectant and handwashing soap in visible places in your holiday home so that your guests can clean their hands at any time.
   
   10. Train your cleaners: If you employ cleaners, make sure they are trained and follow cleaning protocols closely. Monitor implementation regularly and provide training.

Tips for every living area

Maintaining your holiday home requires effort, but it will pay off in the form of satisfied guests and positive reviews. Through regular cleaning and maintenance, you can ensure that your holiday home is always in top condition and guests feel at home.

• Pet-friendly floor coverings: If possible, choose floor coverings such as tiles or laminate that are easy to clean and less prone to scratching.
• Washable covers and blankets: Provide washable covers and blankets for furniture to minimise hair and dirt. These can be easily removed and washed to ensure a fresh environment for subsequent guests.
• Pet hair removal: Invest in a good hoover with a pet hair attachment to remove pet hair efficiently. Also check upholstered furniture and carpets carefully for pet hair residue.
• Cleaning after departure: After guests with pets have left, thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces to prevent allergic reactions in subsequent guests. Bathrooms and bedrooms in particular should be thoroughly cleaned.

1. Vinegar: Vinegar is a versatile, natural cleaning agent. Dilute white vinegar with water (in a 1:1 ratio) and use this mixture to clean surfaces such as worktops, glass, and mirrors. Vinegar also has disinfecting properties.
2. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Baking soda is an excellent abrasive and can be used to remove persistent dirt from surfaces. You can also mix it with water to make a paste that is useful for cleaning ovens or tile grout.
3. Lemon juice: Lemon juice has natural antibacterial and deodorising properties. It is good for cleaning limescale deposits, cutting boards and removing unpleasant odours. You can also buy citric acid if you do not always want to use fresh lemons. This must be diluted with water before use.
4. Natural soap: Pure, unscented soap, such as curd soap, can be used as an all-purpose cleaner. You can also use it to clean floors and laundry.
5. Essential oils: Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil or lemon oil can add a pleasant scent to your homemade cleaner and provide additional cleaning properties.
6. Cotton cloths: Cotton cloths or cloths made from natural fibres are an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable paper towels or microfibre cloths. Not only are they effective at cleaning and can be used and washed multiple times, but they are also biodegradable and can be composted at the end of their life.
7. Eco-friendly cleaning products: If you do not want to make your own cleaning products, you can buy eco-friendly cleaning products from trusted brands. Look for products with eco-friendly certificates and labels that are biodegradable and free of harmful chemicals.
   
   

By using these natural alternatives, you can not only reduce the amount of chemicals in your home, but also protect the environment and improve the air quality in your home. They are often just as effective as traditional cleaning products and can be safer for your health and that of your guests.