This past couple of years has been a challenging one, with more people spending time in their homes than ever before due to national and regional restrictions.

During the lockdown in 2020, sales of cleaning products surged, as people spent their spare time channelling their inner Mrs Hinch and 2024 is set to look the same as people deep cleanse their homes ready for a new beginning.

Cleaning and laundry expert, Dr Beckmann reveals the mental and physical benefits of keeping your home the best it can be, plus a month-by-month cleaning calendar to maintain a sparkling home throughout the year.

Cleaning on the mind

In this new year, mental well-being has never been more important, and a clean home has been shown to help improve happiness.

Research* from the cleaning and laundry specialist has revealed that nine out of 10 Brits agree having an untidy or dirty home has a bearing on their mood, while a quarter says having an unkempt home is detrimental to their productivity.

And co-habitants say the split of domestic chores is one of the most common causes of consternation at home – a quarter of Brits argue with their housemates over housework at least once a week.

Cleaning on the body

Given mopping can burn up to 240 calories per hour, it’s no surprise that 90% of Brits work up a sweat while cleaning. Deep cleaning one’s bathroom can burn up to 170 calories per hour while ironing does 157 calories per hour – the effects of exercise are well documented, so get to work!

Your new 12-month cleaning calendar

January – Plan and declutter

New Year, New You? January is the perfect time to declutter. It will give you a new focus and it’s good for your mind, happiness and well-being. Preparing a checklist and rota for tasks is a good way of keeping track of what needs to be done.

February – Fab-loo-ous toilet treatment

Kickstart February, by tackling the toilet with Dr Beckmann’s Power-Foaming Toilet Cleaner. Watch as the foam fizzes up to a mountain of fresh cleaning fun!

March – Aim high

Reach for the stars in March and take time to move anything hiding on top of kitchen cupboards, wardrobes or bathroom cabinets. Not only does it look unsightly, but an enormous amount of dust gathers quickly.

April – Neglected areas

Use April as an opportunity to visit neglected areas, such as lampshades, blinds, curtains, shelves, frames, bannisters and skirting boards. Some areas such as blinds and curtains are particularly important as dust mites can form, and research has shown they can pose health risks as bacteria and mould attaches to dust.

May – Windows

With brighter mornings and lighter evenings, May is a great time to tackle the windows, as sunlight will show up even the tiniest of smudges on the glass. Save money and time by not leaving the glass left unwiped, the longer it’s left the harder it’ll be to clean.

June – Invisible areas

As the summer draws in, June is the time to rearrange the furniture to update your home ready for the potential hosting of barbeques. Target invisible areas such as space under the bed, sofas, wardrobes and cabinets. Getting behind, under and around will ensure every area of your home is spick and span.

July – Summer spruce

Take advantage of long summer nights and the warmer weather and spruce up your outdoor space, tidying the garage, clearing gutters and drains, or adding flowers to the garden can all make a big difference especially if you’re planning to host outdoor socials.

August – And breathe

In the prime summer month, use this time to take it easy and relax. Get the kids to do a bedroom blitz ahead of going back to school. Organise their bedrooms and sort through clothes that no longer fit, as well as sort through unwanted toys.

September – Detox

Time for an autumn clean, now the mayhem of summer activities is over it’s time to get your house prepped and ready as winter fast approaches. Do a deep cleaning of the bathroom and kitchen. Also, if you have a porch area for coats and shoes, make sure this is organised and smells fresh. Don’t forget to give your garden some TLC before it hibernates until next year.

October – Floors

This is the best time for a deep clean of the carpet especially if you have pets, as hair and dirt will often be trodden deeper into the fibres of the carpet. If you’re one to decorate the house for Halloween, starting the cleaning early ensures that you are organised and feel more in control when the messiness arrives. It is also a good idea to keep Dr Beckmann’s award-winning Carpet Stain Remover with an integrated brush to hand for any scary accidents and spills that may happen on the 31st.

November – Storage

Take the time to clear out the attic, basement, or ‘messy’ room if you have one ready for the festive holiday. When it comes to decorating the house for Christmas, starting the process in early November will help you feel organised and in control of your home so you know what decorations you already have and how much space there is for new purchases (and of course presents!).

December – Appliances

Before the madness of Christmas hits, remember that as well as cleaning kitchen surfaces, the fridge and freezer need a deep clean, along with the washing machine, dishwasher and oven, ready for hosting duties and tasty treats. Dr Beckmann recommends you use the Service-it range to ensure your appliances are well maintained and protected from limescale and bacteria build-up.

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