This Morning expert shares top cleaning jobs to do now kids are back at school

As the summer holidays come to a close, Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie is urging parents to prioritise seven choresaround the house to clear up the back-to-school chaos and make the most of the empty home hours.

The resident home expert on This Morning explained that Septemberis the “perfect” month for a reset and shared her exact to-do list, with somehandy tricks to make cleaning easier and more efficient. Lynsey’s full guide to quick and easy ways to make your home sparkle can be found in her book The 15-Minute Clean which is available online.

Bedroom reset

When the children are back in school, Lynsey recommended starting with their bedrooms first and prepare for the upcoming winter season. She told PA’s Sam Wylie-Harris: “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. A tidy space really does make for a clearer mind.”

While cleaning in these rooms and around the rest of the house, the expert recommended using a basket to scoop up anything that doesn’t belong in the room to make the process quicker and less overwhelming to start with.

Schoolbags and lunchboxes

After a summer break, many school items will be in need of a dusting and deep clean, which can also encourage children with a fresh and organised atmosphere as they take on the new school year. Lynsey specifically recommended using white vinegar to banish unwanted smells in lunchboxes.

Radiators

The cleaning expert recommended giving your radiators a dust and vacuum before the winter season hits, and a hairdryer on a cool setting can be an easy solution to get those hard to reach between the radiator panels. She said: “This not only improves efficiency, but also prevents old dust from circulating around your home.”

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Door frames, handles and light switches

These high-touch areas would have seen an influx of traffic during the summer, making them a volatile place for germs and other nasty bits. Lynsey said: “Take five minutes with a cloth and disinfectant spray to wipe them down – it’s a quick job with big results.”

Windows and door tracks

With the autumn wind blowing in, these areas are prone to getting dusty so it’s easier to start with a clean slate by wiping away all the summer grime it has collected. This can be down with a small brush or vacuum for loose debris and then a quick wipe to ensure everything moves more smoothly.

Declutter homework zones

The expert shared: “Organise stationery, untangle cables, and give desks a proper wipe-down. A clean, clutter-free space makes a huge difference to how children settle back into their routine.”

She also recommended getting a small caddy to keep school supplies contained and hopefully stop stationary from slowly spreading throughout the house and eventually getting lost.

Seasonal switch

It can be tough for kids, and parents alike, to say goodbye to the summer season. But giving the entire house a seasonal switchover can make the mental and physical transition a bit easier.

Lynsey explained: “Pack away summer clutter like beach towels, garden toys and sandals… making room for coats, boots and school essentials. Not only does this make mornings easier, it also keeps hallways and storage areas tidy.”