Try GOLD - Free

Making a mess of it all?

The Journal

|

May 10, 2025

From using too much product to vacuuming the wrong way, this is how to fix bad spring cleaning habits. By SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

WE'RE in peak season for housework and giving our homes a freshen up.

If you haven't already got stuck into your spring spruce up it's a good time to replenish the cleaning caddy, get our household gloves on and get stuck in.

But take a moment to think about the job in hand... as Lynsey Crombie (@lynsey-queenofclean), This Morning's Queen of Clean and home expert highlights, you could be leaving behind more dirt and grime than you realise.

Here, Lynsey shares some common cleaning mistakes you may be making and her top tips.

1. NOT STARTING FROM THE TOP AND WORKING YOUR WAY DOWN

One of the most common mistakes is not following a logical cleaning order, says Lynsey.

"Dust falls like snow, so if you start vacuuming or wiping lower surfaces first, any dust or dirt from higher spots will settle back down," warns the cleaning expert.

"When cleaning a room, always begin at the highest points: Cobwebs, tops of cabinets and light fixtures - then work your way down walls, furniture, and finally, the floor."

MORE STORIES FROM The Journal

The Journal

The Journal

Fulfil lofty ambitions

Need some extra space? An attic conversion might be just the thing in 2026, says SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

time to read

3 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

The Journal

DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S SEVEN DIALS CREATOR CHRIS CHIBNALL JOINS STARS MIA McKENNA-BRUCE, EDWARD BLUEMEL AND MARTIN FREEMAN TO TALK ABOUT THIS LATEST ADAPTATION.

time to read

3 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

A feast of dining deals

Pocket-friendly and tempting your taste buds - Newcastle Restaurant Week is back! Barbara Hodgson brings to the table the options on offer around the city

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

The Journal

Downing St slams X's AI changes

CHANGES to Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok only serve to make creating deepfakes a “premium service” and are “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence, Downing Street has said.

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

The Journal

How to make your outdoors bloom in 2026

If you want to make more of your garden this year, prioritise soil health and you're good to go

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

Just Eat moves into ‘prime’ Riverside offices

TAKEAWAY food company Just Eat has moved into new offices that are part of the Riverside Sunderland development.

time to read

1 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

Iraola looking for new winger after Semenyo move

BOURNEMOUTH boss Andoni Iraola has said the club will act in the January window to replace Antoine Semenyo after his £62.5million move to Manchester City was announced yesterday.

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

The Journal

Hard times easing now for Dickens

NEWCASTLE Red Bulls are out to maintain their unbeaten start to the EPCR Challenge Cup against Perpignan.

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

Should you give your children pocket money?

Finance and parenting experts tell LISA SALMON pocket money can help kids learn the value of money, but it's not always the right choice for every family

time to read

4 mins

January 10, 2026

The Journal

Man arrested after crash

A man has been arrested after a crash which left one person in hospital.

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size