Giving your home a deep clean is one of the toughest but most satisfying tasks you can do within the house. While it is most definitely hard work, there is nothing quite like sitting back and looking around at how pristine everything looks. Until the family comes home anyway! To lighten the burden of deep cleaning your home a little, here are some top tips that should help make lighter work of things.

1. Clean the cleaners

There's no point cleaning with dirty sponges or cloths. Wash them first, then pop them into the microwave for two minutes to kill any bacteria on them. Those two minutes will kill 99% of anything living on your cleaners. Now you're ready to begin!

2. Clean windows and mirrors quickly

Use white vinegar and an old newspaper to clean the inside of your windows and mirrors. Nothing cuts through dirt and leaves a shine like these two.

3. Blinds and curtains

Blinds can quickly be dusted with a feather duster but it won't remove grease and grime. For that use some warm water and dishwashing liquid. Use a damp cloth and wipe each slat individually on both sides. For curtains, vacuum lightly and use a cloth with some baby powder to remove any stains.

4. Clean your oven with baking soda

Cleaning the oven is one of the more onerous tasks when deep cleaning your home. If your oven doesn't have a self-cleaning option, remove the racks and spray the inside of the oven with some clean water. Then sprinkle over the baking soda so all surfaces are covered with a light covering. Spray with water again and leave overnight. Then just wipe down the next day.

5. Clean the hob with white vinegar

Deep cleaning an electric hob with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is a quick way to bring back the shine. For gas hobs, remove the grates, brush off dry debris and spray the hob with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Leave it to soak, then wipe down. Don't forget the front panel, rear and sides. The grates and burner caps can be soaked in warm water and dishwashing liquid to remove stubborn stains.

6. The refrigerator

The refrigerator is another appliance that gets dirtier than it should. To quickly clean it up, unplug, remove any food, shelves and drawers. Add two tablespoons of baking soda to some warm water and wipe down the inside. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Repeat for the shelves and drawers then make sure the rubber door gasket gets some treatment too.

7. Microwave cleaning

We never cease to be amazed at how dirty the inside of a microwave can get. To clean, add a small bowl of warm water mixed with white vinegar and some slices of lemon. Cook on high for three minutes and leave for a further three minutes, then wipe down.

8. Washing up gloves to remove pet hair

If your pets leave carpets and soft furnishings covered in hair simply put on a pair of rubber gloves, dampen them and then run your hands lightly over the fabric. Hair should come off in waves. Rub the fabric for more stubborn hair.

9. Clean cabinets quickly

Kitchen cabinets, dining room cupboards or any wooden furniture that holds things can be quickly cleaned. Remove everything from them, dust and then use dishwashing liquid and warm water to clean them. Wipe down with a dry cloth.

10. Sparkling shower

Use lemon juice in clean water to wipe down the walls, door and floor of the shower. It cuts through dirt and leaves a nice smell. Fill a freezer bag with water and white vinegar and place the shower head inside. Leave to soak for a while and then rinse off. Mix up a water and bleach solution in a spray bottle to keep the grout white between deep cleans.

11. Clean drains and plugholes

Caustic soda isn't for the light-hearted but it is supremely effective at cleaning and unblocking drains and plug holes. Mix in some clean water according to the instructions, pour down each plug hole, leave for a while then flush with clean water.

12. Cleaner carpets

Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and leave for ten minutes before vacuuming. For stubborn stains, mix dishwashing liquid, white vinegar and warm water and apply with a clean cloth. Massage into the stain, leave for a couple of minutes and sponge off with clean water before wiping dry.

There you go. Twelve top tips to make your next home deep clean easier than ever. Hope they help!