The 10 things that need extra care and cleaning during lockdown

Experts at the cleaning and laundry company Dr Beckmann share their list of cleaning tips for the areas of the home that need extra care while the UK is in lockdown.

Dr Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor said: 'As many of us are now working from home, our houses are playing a dual role as an office and a home so many areas will need extra cleaning and attention to combat excess dirt and bacteria that may be building up. Some household jobs may have been overlooked so now is the time to tackle them.'

See: Cleaning tips – our essential guide to keeping your home spotless

On the increased demand for cleaning products Susan Fermor added, 'We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for our anti-bacterial products and our staff have been working hard to cope with the increased demand. We want the nation to feel their homes are getting a robust clean during this pandemic so we’re working as hard as we can to maximise production so there’s enough for every household.'

1. Washing machine

The washing machine can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. So, we recommend running the machine with a cleaner specially designed to remove bacteria. Ensure the kitchen or laundry room is well ventilated and the washing machine door and drum is left open for a while after use.

See: How to clean a washing machine – our essential guide

2. Door knobs and handles

Door knobs, handles and letterboxes are common items that are usually overlooked. Make sure to apply a surface cleaner to the object and wipe every inch and corner, if a small part is missed than it still opens up the risk of spreading germs throughout the house.

3. Surfaces

Surfaces in the home are high traffic areas and whether it be in the kitchen or the bathroom they need to be cleaned with anti-bacterial spray to ensure they remain germ free and ready to use.

4. Floors

Floors often have unseen dirt and germs and need a deeper clean. Brushing hard floors and then mopping with anti-bacterial products is a good way to keep on top of the dirt and germs.

See: How to clean hardwood floors – a definitive guide

5. Pillows and cushions

These items are getting some extra use during lockdown and need to be washed regularly as a result. Wash cushion covers and for cushion pads or pillows use a non-bio detergent and tumble dry.

6. Lamps and light fittings

These are easy to forget but can hoard dust for a long time so need to be dusted with a soft bristled brush and for fabric shades that maybe tricky to remove, a lint roller can be effective.

7. Hallways

Hallways quickly build up dirt, especially along skirting boards, so these need to be wiped often. Pets often leave a dirt trail throughout the hallway, once they’ve returned from a walk so extra care and attention will be required.

8. Front doors

As we continue to keep two metres distance when outside, front doors can have multiple germs and bacteria on them. It’s important to regularly wipe down the door handle with soap and water.

9. Clothes

Washing clothes in extremely hot temperatures isn’t always required and can be harmful to the environment. Tests have proven that washing your clothes at 60 degrees with a good detergent can be just as effective.

10. Ovens

As we spend another three weeks indoors, the oven will be getting extra use so regular cleaning will be required. Baking soda and vinegar is an effective and cost-efficient way of tackling burnt on food inside of the oven.

See: How to clean an oven – an essential guide