August 27, 2025, by Carlijn Veltman

The Big Cleaning Survival Guide (also/especially for Dummies)

August 27, 2025, by Carlijn Veltman

The Big Cleaning Survival Guide (also/especially for Dummies)

oh The Big Seasonal Cleaning.Call us boomers, But we can't escape it, that cleaning and tidying itch that pops up every spring and fall. But do we like it? Nah. So how do you do it both well and thoroughly, and without too much "pain," transforming that dreary state of your house into a fresh paradise (without going crazy)? Voila, these are the rules of The Big Cleaning Survival Guide (also/especially for Dummies). Loosely based on the rules of Martha Stewart, the American queen of housekeeping, because why reinvent the wheel? immense?

The two-minute rule

Step 1: don't panic! That cleaning doesn't have to be a torture. It's all about getting that fresh vibes Get back on track and feel like you've got your life together (even if that's only 60% true). And here's a trick to holding on to that feeling: If you see something you can clean or tidy in less than two minutes, do it right away! This way, most of the clutter in your house will be cleared without much effort. And keep it up.

Shopping list

Before you get lost in the jungle of cleaning products, just know this: you really don't need all the fancy stuff. These basics work wonders:

all-purpose cleaner (anything will do)
Oven cleaner (for that oven you've been avoiding for months)
Good sponges (those green sandpaper edges are your friends)
Baking soda (your grandma's miracle cure)
White vinegar (doesn't smell nice, but it works)
Vacuum cleaner (preferably one that actually sucks and does the work for you, see below)
Bucket (revolutionary, we know)
Baby oil (for sneaky stains)
Microfibre cloths (old t-shirts work too)
Dishwashing liquid (we swear by Marcel's Green Soap, the one with basil smells delicious)
Window spray (because nothing is more depressing than dirty windows)

The Eufy Robot Vacuum Cleaner - Hope for Busy Days

Who has time to take on all the cleaning besides work, perhaps children, and a busy personal life? The ultimate recommendation: the eufy robot vacuum cleaner Omni E28 and E25This robot vacuum cleaner not only vacuums, but also mops your floors. And to make it all even more time-saving, it also has a all-in-one station where he empties, washes and dries himself. Too good to be true? No, we have one ourselves, and it's amazing. You stand there and watch. The eufy Omni e28 is the first robot vacuum with a detachable deep cleaner. This allows you to remove stubborn stains from carpets, sofas, and other upholstered furniture, making it ideal for families and pet owners. The eufy e25 is a compact all-rounder: without the detachable deep cleaner, but with the same powerful specs as the e28; ideal for busy dual-income families!

View the product here.

The golden rules (because we still need structure)

Rule 1: Work from top to bottom
It makes sense if you think about it: you want dirt to fall down, not make freshly cleaned surfaces dirty again.

Rule 2: Don't start everywhere at once
We get it, you're energized and motivated, but tackle one room at a time. Otherwise, you'll end up with a house that looks like it's been through a hurricane.

Rule 3: The 15-Minute Method
Set a timer and do one thing for 15 minutes. Then you can take a break. It's amazing how much you can accomplish in just fifteen minutes.

Room by room: the practical approach

The living room

Start here, because this is where you'll be most of the time (generally speaking)

The crumb operation: Turn on that eufy! You can immediately move on to the next project. And yes, our eufy even gets under the couch and mops at the same time. No, you don't have to move the couch; as far as it can go is fine.
Curtains and cushionsThey collect more dust than you think. Just throw them in the washing machine or give them a good beating outside.

The bedroom

This is where the magic of a good night's sleep happens.

Bedding revolution: Throw away all those old, fluffy sheets that never really make you happy. Invest in something you're actually excited to crawl into. Fresh sheets give you an instant clean and fresh feeling.
Under the bed: Yes, there too. You know exactly what's there.
Wardrobe detoxTime for a change of seasons. Summer clothes out, fall clothes in. Or the other way around. And that sweater you haven't worn in three years? That can go too.

The kitchen

This is where people eat, live, and laugh. So, it deserves some extra love.

The big refrigerator showdownTime to be honest about what's back there. Get rid of it all. And then give those racks and drawers a good cleaning. Everything out and, if possible, run it through the dishwasher. A much quicker fix than you thought.
Sweeping out cupboards: Especially those sticky spots where the honey has spilled and those crumbly corners where the bread is hiding.
Stove and ovenThese deserve special attention. A clean oven doesn't cook better (okay, that's not true), but it certainly feels that way.

The bathroom

Small but important for your daily rituals.

Medicine cabinet audit: Throw away any expired medicine.
Shower and bathAnti-limescale spray is your friend, even for those black edges.
TowelsFresh towels make more of a difference than you think. And those old, dusty ones? Time to say goodbye.

Secret shortcuts

The “good enough” philosophyIt doesn't have to be perfect. Clean enough is clean enough. You're not a hotel.
Make it a playlistMusic makes everything more bearable. Singing along is allowed.
A bucket of warm water with a dash of vinegar: Works for almost everything and doesn't smell as chemical as those industrial sprays.
Reward yourself: Do something fun after each room. Netflix, coffee, cookie, beer. Whatever works.
The weekend methodSpread it out over a weekend. Half on Saturday, half on Sunday. That way it feels less overwhelming.
Cleaning is your workout: Squat while putting away the dishes! Count your steps while mopping!

The Big Cleaning Survival Guide (also/especially for Dummies)