We're always on the lookout for new technology and products to make the cleaning process more efficient and improve our results. However, sometimes we find that old fashioned tried and trusted methods, or everyday household items can still be the best. Here we share a few of the secrets we've picked up along the way:-

• Be aware of the dangers of mixing different cleaning products together unwittingly. They may react violently or produce toxins.
• Cleaning machines need cleaning themselves! Washing machines and dishwashers, over time, can suffer from a build up of mould, bacteria, debris and residues leading to reduced performance and bad odours.
• Five simple steps to cleaning and maintaining your washing machine:-

1. Clean the detergent drawer. On most machines these simply pull out but sometimes have a release clip. Soak it in hot water then work on the mould and residues with an old toothbrush and an ordinary domestic cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
2. Before replacing the detergent drawer, clean out the soapbox (the slot from where the drawer came) again with the toothbrush and domestic cleaner. Pay special attention to the jets at the top, these are awkward to get to but important as this is where the incoming water "rains" through.
3. Once the drawer is replaced turn your attention to the door seal, any mould or mildew can usually be cleaned off with a little mild bleach solution and a cloth. Ensure you get into all the crevices. 
4. Finally do a "maintenance wash", run the machine empty on it's hottest cycle, adding some soda crystals or even a dishwasher tablet.
5. Prevention is always better than cure! To reduce these build ups run a maintenance wash once a month and try to leave the machine door ajar when not in use.

• Five simple steps to cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher:

1. Begin with wiping the exterior and sides of the door with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Using an old toothbrush and the same soapy solution clean around the seal, paying particular attention to the crevices and and around the hinges then also dry with a soft cloth.
3. Now turn your attention to the inside, using a small bristled brush and warm soapy water scrub along the cracks and crevices to loosen any grease or limescale build ups, pay attention also to the underside of the rotating arms.
4. Remove the filter, rinse away any debris and replace.
5. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run the machine on its longest, hottest cycle. This will deodorise and complete the cleansing process.

•  There are several ways to improve the efficiency of your refrigerator; clean the coils, clean the door gasket and clean the drip openings. Here's a step by step guide:
• Coils (These cool and condense the refrigerent, when they are clogged with dirt and dust they cannot efficiently release heat)

1. Turn off the power!
2. If your coils are located at the back of the fridge you'll have to roll it out, then clean using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
3. If the coils are underneath there's a small grill at the front which should unclip,then using a long radiator brush loosen the dust and vaccum as you brush. Be careful not to bend the fan blades.

• Door gasket

1. Wipe down with warm water and a damp sponge

• Drip openings (allow water that has melted to run out to a pan located under the fridge, where it evaporates)

1. Locate the drip channel and opening, usually found inside the fridge, at the back, towards the bottom and wipe out any crumbs and debris, being careful not to push it further into the hole.

• Radiators trap dust and dirt, so before turning the heating back on follow these simple steps to keep them clean:

1. Spread an old towel or sheet under the radiator to catch the dust and debris that will fall down.
2. Using the attachments vacuum as much as possible in and around the radiator.
3. Use a radiator cleaning brush (like a very long, narrow bottle brush and available in shops or online) or a garden cane with some cloth securely taped around one end to reach in between the fins from above and push the dust down onto the towel or sheet.
4. Wipe down the exterior of the radiator with damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
5. Finally, a couple of drops of lavender or other essential oil dropped onto a cotton ball and placed discreetly behind the radiator will emit a gentle aroma that fills the room.

• Smoke alarms need to be kept dust free. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear the grilles.
• Preventing shower mould:-Dry any standing water, leave shower door open after use to air, always use the extractor fan or leave the window open. We recommend E-cloth shower pack, a quick rinse down and wipe over after every shower will keep your glass and fittings clear and limescale free.
• A small amount of baby oil on a paper towel will remove finger marks from your stainless steel appliances. Buff off to remove residue.
• To remove staining from the bottom of a vase, fill with water and drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets.
• To deodorise a microwave mix some lemon jiuce with boiling water in a bowl and "cook" on high for 30 seconds. Please take care when removing hot contents!
• Don't forget your pillows when spring cleaning, they may harbour mold, dust mites and bacteria. Machine wash or dry clean as per the label.
• Squeek proof your windscreen wipers. Wipe them with an alcohol or ammonia soaked cloth to irradicate annoying streaking and squeeking.
• Clean houseplants are healthier plants. Depending on type; feather dust, damp sponge or even pop them in the shower to improve photosynthesis.
• Dusty, greasy lightbulbs can reduce light output by up to 20%. Ensure lights are off, bulbs are cool and wipe with a lint free cloth.
• Curtains attract and hold a lot of dust. Use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleanerover the tops, front and back periodically.

These are tips and ideas we've picked up with experience and research. High Definition Cleaning Limited do not claim these as our own ideas, we merely pass on things we hear and read for the benefit of you.....

If you have any tips of your own we'd love to hear them and maybe publish them here, just use our contact form.