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The one item on your daily cleaning checklist you should never skip, according to a professional cleaner

By Rachael Gavin|

There are about half a dozen or so cleaning tasks that are good to get in the habit of doing every day.

While there are some things that can wait a day or two if you need จC because sometimes life just gets in the way จC there is one chore a professional cleaner believes is so important she refers to it as "unskippable".

?Simone Tsigolis, founder of housekeeping and cleaning company Jetlag Remedy, tells 9honey Living washing up dishes must be done daily (whether by hand or using the dishwasher) for three reasons.

"?It's more than just about keeping your kitchen looking tidy; it's about hygiene, functionality and aesthetics," she says.

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Simone Tsigolis, founder of cleaning company Jetlag Remedy
Simone Tsigolis is an advocate for cleaning the kitchen daily. (Supplied)

"Leftover food on dishes can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odours and attracting pests like cockroaches and mice," she adds.

"A cluttered sink can also make the whole kitchen feel disorganised. If you clean the dishes daily, your kitchen remains a hygienic and inviting space, ready for your next cooking session. This easy habit is key to maintaining a clean and organised home."

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Dirty dishes in the house kitchen sink in evening
Waking up to this sight the next day is never fun, so getting into the habit of doing it daily helps. (Getty)

Washing dishes might be Tsigolis' unskippable step, but another that is high on her list is wiping down high-touch surfaces.

"?High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, benchtops, and remote controls are breeding grounds for germs. Regularly sanitising these surfaces will help to prevent the spread of illnesses, especially during flu season," she said.

Kitchen cleaning, wiping the bench
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If the thought of having a daily cleaning routine sounds tiring, the reverse is often true because doing a little bit each day means there's less to do at the end of the week.

It also helps you feel relaxed at home by having less clutter around you and ensures your home and belongings stay in good condition.

And if those reasons aren't enough to persuade you to consider a daily cleaning routine, the impact of regular cleaning on health might by reducing germs, allergens, deterring pests like cockroaches and rodents and improving air quality.

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Wiping the kitchen bench
Wiping benches keeps cockroaches away and makes the kitchen look fresh. (Getty)

So what ?exactly should you be cleaning daily? Tsigolis suggests these six tasks in addition to washing dishes.

Daily cleaning checklist:?

  • Wiping benches and tables "to remove crumbs and spills".
  • Sanitising high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light-switches?.
  • Sweep or vacuum high traffic areas like the kitchen.
  • Make beds.
  • Empty garbage bins as needed.
  • Squeegee the shower after use to reduce soap scum build-up and mould.

?Then you can alter the above or add anything that suits your needs. For example, some people like to do at least one load of laundry a day to stop it piling up, while others might only have the time or energy to do one or two, or not need to do all steps if they live alone.

Cleaning the bathroom
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Getting into the habit of doing a cleaning routine can take time as well as trial and error to find a system that works for you, so Tsigolis encourages you to go easy on yourself.

"?Learning new cleaning habits might feel like a chore but hang in there. Forming a habit often takes over 60 days, so patience is vital. Remember, each small step you take is progress and the payoff is enormous," she said.

"Before you know it, these cleaning habits will be as natural as your morning coffee, and your home will be all the better for it."

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To get started you could try pairing cleaning tasks with other things such as cleaning the kitchen after you've eaten your meal and making the bed as soon as you get up.

Tsigolis also suggests investing in the right cleaning tools and sharing the responsibility with others in the house as well as finding a way to make it more fun.

"?Combine your cleaning routine with other activities you enjoy or need to complete. Play your favourite music, listen to a podcast or audiobook while you clean. This can transform cleaning from a chore into a productive experience," she says.

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cleaning
Getting started is often the hardest part. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Another tip is to start small with the most important tasks, this advice also applies to days when you're busy and tired.

"Focus on the most important tasks first, such as keeping the kitchen and bathroom clean and doing a quick daily sweep of high-traffic areas. This ensures the most crucial areas are always presentable, even when you're short on time.?"

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