It's been a fantastic summer – somewhat sweltering and humid at moments – but golden days and embracing the great outdoors typically means domestic duties take a backseat. That's particularly true when there are more urgent considerations, such as getting back into the swing of things, establishing fresh priorities, and reconnecting with familiar routines.
As Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean (@lynsey_queenofclean) and This Morning's household guru, explains: "September is the perfect month for a reset. The kids are back at school, the seasons are changing, and our homes are ready for a little refresh after the whirlwind of the summer holidays."
Furthermore, a thorough clean and declutter now will prepare you for a more peaceful, better organised autumn, suggests Crombie. Here are her essential cleaning tasks to tackle this month.
Begin with the children's bedrooms... "Swap out summer clothes for cosy layers; clear through wardrobes and drawers, and create a clutter-free desk area to help them focus on homework," recommends Crombie. "A tidy space really does make for a clearer mind."
Top tip: Use a basket to gather up anything that doesn't belong in the room, suggests Crombie. "Decluttering becomes much quicker and less overwhelming."
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Following the lengthy break, schoolbags, PE kits and lunchboxes can accumulate crumbs, stains and even bacteria, cautions Crombie. "Give them all a thorough wash, so the kids head into the new term feeling fresh and organised."
Top tip: Crombie suggests wiping lunchboxes with white vinegar to eliminate odours.
"If they're machine washable, pop them in for an easy refresh."
Before you turn the heating back on, Crombie advises dusting and vacuuming behind and inside radiators. "This not only improves efficiency, but also prevents old dust from circulating around your home."
Top tip: She recommends using a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow dust out of radiator panels, or as a handheld steamer... remember to place a towel on the floor to catch any mess.
These frequently touched areas accumulate more germs than you might expect, warns the cleaning guru. "Take five minutes with a cloth and disinfectant spray to wipe them down – it's a quick job with big results."
Crombie prefers to use a microfibre cloth with diluted white vinegar for a streak-free shine.
Summer often leaves dirt and dust hidden in the tracks, points out Crombie. "Use a small brush or vacuum nozzle to loosen debris, then wipe clean. Your doors and windows will glide more smoothly, and it instantly freshens up your space."
Top tip: An old toothbrush and a bit of cream cleaner are ideal for scrubbing narrow gaps, emphasises Crombie.
"Organise stationery, untangle cables, and give desks a proper wipe-down," instructs Crombie. "A clean, clutter-free space makes a huge difference to how children settle back into their routine."
Top tip: She suggests keeping a small caddy filled with pens, rulers and notepads at hand to prevent supplies from scattering all over their dedicated workspace – and the house.
"Pack away summer clutter like beach towels, garden toys and sandals... making room for coats, boots and school essentials," Crombie recommends. "Not only does this make mornings easier, it also keeps hallways and storage areas tidy."
Crombie loves: Vacuum-seal bags for storing seasonal items. "They're a brilliant space-saver."
By tackling a few simple tasks now, your home will feel fresh, organised and ready for the season ahead, says the TV presenter. "A little reset goes a long way to making the start of the school year calmer for everyone," she adds.
The 15-Minute Clean: The quickest way to a sparkling home, by Lynsey Crombie, priced £12.29, is available to purchase from Amazon.
