With spring on the horizon, now’s the time of year to give your home a sparkling refresh.
We know that life can get in the way of decluttering and cleaning, so we chatted to cleanfluencer Dominika, also known as Washy Wash, who shares her top tips for keeping your home beautifully clean and tidy, throughout the year.
What made you decide to set up a cleaning Instagram?
I started my cleaning journey on TikTok. I saw a lady cleaning her sink and I thought, how cool is it to show people how to clean? So, I made my first TikTok video. It was popular so I made second and third… and my profile blew up.
I realised that people really need help with motivation to clean and find different cleaning methods. I kept filming and I also started my Instagram cleaning account.
Have you always loved cleaning?
Farne wall art | Credit: @washy_wash_cleantok
Since I was little, I’ve loved decluttering and having everything sorted by colours. My mother made a weekly cleaning schedule for my sister and me, and we had to do our chores, such as vacuuming, doing dishes, and dusting, every day. I was raised in a family obsessed with cleaning. I guess, it’s just part of me and I like a nice clean house now I own one.
Do you have a favourite room to clean?
Definitely bathrooms. I love when they’re sparkling clean.
Do you listen to music or podcasts while you clean?
Yes, I love 80s and 90s music, especially rock. It always motivates me to clean. If I listen to podcasts, something funny helps me with the cleaning chores I don’t enjoy as much.
Why do you think there’s been a rise in cleanfluencers?
I think it started when Covid hit. Everyone realised how important it is to keep your house germ free so they searched for cleaning accounts to follow. Plus, for many people cleaning is a kind of therapy.
What are your favourite housework hacks?
Anything that includes some kind of fruit or vinegar and things that are affordable for everyone. I love using lemon to clean ovens and banana skins to clean shoes.
What’s the first thing to do if you spill something on a rug or sofa?
The first thing is to stay calm. Then grab some salt and sprinkle it all over the stain to soak up the liquid. Then I use fabric sofa or rug cleaner.
What’s the easiest way to introduce more natural cleaning products?
The easiest way is not to force people to do it. In my opinion, it’s better to slowly introduce them to natural cleaning solutions and get them to try them first. Once they like one natural cleaning hack and realise that it works, they will ask for another one. And slowly they become natural cleaning fans.
Is there one cleaning product or tool you couldn’t live without?
Credit: @washy_wash_cleantok
A cleaning schedule and sponge. Plus I love vacuuming, so definitely a vacuum cleaner!
How do you keep a tidy home with children?
A cleaning schedule and doing dishes every day. Also, put your clothes in your chest of drawers or wardrobes as soon as they are dry.
Help, my house needs a spring clean! How should you approach decluttering a messy house?
Farne wall art | Credit: @washy_wash_cleantok
1.) Clean from top to bottom.
2.) If you haven’t used it for more than three months, I guarantee you won’t use it at all. Create separate piles for things to keep, recycle and donate.
3.) Write down your daily/weekly/monthly cleaning and decluttering tasks.
4.) Treat yourself once you’ve finished your tasks – sweets, a glass of wine, anything that works for you as motivation!
5.) Take a picture before and after cleaning. It’s the most rewarding part!
Thanks to Dominika for sharing her expert advice. Head to Washy Wash on TikTok and Instagram for daily cleaning tips and more.
