🚽 How to Clean the Bathroom When You Don’t Like Cleaning the Bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom is nobody’s favourite job. It’s the one we'd all rather delegate or even ignore if we could get away with it! But when you’ve got kids, guests coming over, or just want to enjoy a space that doesn’t smell weird, the bathroom needs a bit of love regularly.

If you don’t enjoy cleaning it (at all), here are a few tricks to make it easier, quicker, and way less annoying:

1. Break it into small steps

Instead of a full deep clean, tackle one area at a time. Wipe the sink and taps today. Clean the toilet tomorrow. Do the mirror the day after. It all adds up, and feels way less overwhelming.

2. Keep supplies in the bathroom

Having spray, wipes, and a toilet brush nearby makes it so much easier to do quick touch-ups when you notice something messy. No running to the laundry or kitchen to grab the spray bottle.

3. Use your waiting time

Waiting for the bath to fill? Wipe the sink. Waiting for your child to finish brushing their teeth? Clean the mirror. Little tasks while you’re already in there make a big difference over time.

4. Spray and walk away

Spray your shower or toilet with cleaner, then leave it for 5 -10 minutes while you do something else. When you come back, most of the grime will wipe off easily, no elbow grease needed.

5. Use disposable wipes for quick wins

If it helps you stay consistent, use disposable wipes now and then for a fast wipe-down. They’re especially handy for the toilet seat, handles, and light switches (but not the same wipe for all of these 😆). And don't flush them - they're NOT flushable, even when they say so on the packet.You'll have to pay to fix your clogged pipes if you flush them, so just put them in the bin instead.

6. Lower the bar (it doesn’t have to be spotless)

You don’t need to scrub every tile with a toothbrush. A quick tidy, a fresh smell, and clean surfaces go a long way. Done is better than perfect - yes, even in the bathroom.

7. Light a candle or put on music

If you’re going to clean, you may as well make it a little more fun! A good playlist or a candle can turn “ugh, I have to clean” into “okay, let’s get this done.”

Bathroom cleaning doesn’t have to be a major event. A few small habits and shortcuts can keep things fresh, tidy, and under control, without hours of scrubbing (or dread).

 x Marissa

P.S. If you’re ready to make home care feel lighter and less stressful, check out ​The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier​. It's full of practical tips and tools to help you keep your house (and your mind) calm and under control.

🍋 How to Use Lemons to Keep Your House Clean and Fresh

If you’re looking for a natural, budget-friendly way to keep your home clean and smelling beautiful, look no further than your fruit bowl. Lemons aren’t just for tea and salad dressings - they’re a secret weapon for busy mums who want to clean quickly, effectively, and without harsh chemicals.

Here are some simple and powerful ways to use lemons around your home:

1. Freshen up your microwave

Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl of water, and toss the lemon halves in too. Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, then leave the door closed for a few more. The steam loosens grime, and you can wipe it clean in seconds, with no scrubbing!

2. Make your sink sparkle

Sprinkle some baking soda into the sink, then scrub with half a lemon. It cuts through grease, removes stains, and leaves your sink smelling fresh and citrusy.

3. Deodorise your chopping boards

Rub a cut lemon over wooden cutting boards to help remove food smells like onion or garlic. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

4. Clean your kettle or coffee maker

Run a cycle with lemon juice and water to break down limescale and freshen up your appliance—no chemical descalers needed.

5. Natural air freshener

Simmer lemon slices, water, and a few sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks on the stove for an easy DIY air freshener that fills your home with a clean, uplifting scent.

6. Polish chrome or stainless steel

Rub a cut lemon over taps or appliances to remove water spots and make them shine. Buff dry with a soft cloth for best results.

7. Deodorise your bin

Toss lemon peels in the bin (or even the bottom of your bin liner) to help neutralise smells. It’s especially handy on hot days!

Lemons are powerful little helpers and they're natural, safe around kids, and so easy to use. They make everyday cleaning quicker, more affordable, and even a little bit more enjoyable.

 x Marissa

P.S. Want more practical tips to keep your home running smoothly? Grab ​The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier​. It's full of helpful shortcuts, calming routines, and gentle systems that actually work.

🛌 6 Easy Ways to Store Your Spare Bedding Neatly

 Spare sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases... they’re essential, but they can quickly take over your cupboards if you don’t have a simple system in place. If you’re tired of mismatched sets, falling stacks, and the mystery of the missing pillowcase, these easy storage tips will help keep your bedding neat, tidy, and ready when you need it.

1. Store sheet sets inside their matching pillowcase

Fold your flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one pillowcase, then tuck the whole bundle inside the second pillowcase. It keeps the set together and makes it easy to grab when you need it, no more digging through the cupboard!

2. Use labelled storage baskets or tubs

Sort bedding by size (single, queen, king) and place each type in its own labelled basket or tub. It makes it quick to find the right set without unfolding everything else.

3. Roll instead of stacking

If your linen shelf is overflowing, try rolling your sheets instead of folding them. Rolled bedding takes up less space and is less likely to slide into a messy pile.

4. Repurpose vacuum-seal bags for seasonal bedding

For bulky spare quilts and flannel sheets, vacuum-seal bags are a game changer. They reduce the volume and keep dust and moisture out - perfect for long-term storage.

5. Keep a spare set in each bedroom

Instead of storing all your linen in one spot, keep a spare set of sheets in a drawer or basket in each bedroom. It saves space in your main cupboard and makes middle-of-the-night bed changes so much easier.

6. Use shelf dividers or magazine holders

To stop your bedding stacks from flopping over, use shelf dividers or stand pillowcases upright in magazine holders. It’s a small change that keeps everything looking neat and organised.

Spare bedding doesn’t have to be a storage nightmare. With a few simple tweaks, you can keep everything tidy, easy to find, and stress-free to manage.

x Marissa

P.S. Want more practical ways to simplify your home? Check out ​The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier​. It’s full of gentle routines, time-saving tips, and printable tools to help you stay organised.

7 Ways to Iron Less (and Still Look Put Together)

Ironing is one of those chores that feels like it takes forever - and when you're a busy mum, it's usually the first thing to fall off the list.

But you don’t actually need to iron everything to look neat and feel organised. With a few clever hacks, you can skip the ironing board most days and still keep your clothes looking fresh! Here’s how to spend less time ironing (or avoid it altogether):

1. Shake it out straight from the machine

As soon as the wash cycle finishes, pull clothes out and give them a good shake before hanging them. This helps smooth out a lot of the wrinkles before they set in.

2. Hang-dry instead of tumble drying

Hanging clothes to dry - especially shirts and dresses - can prevent creasing. Use coat hangers on the washing line or laundry rack so they keep their shape and dry wrinkle-free.

3. Use the “dryer steam trick”

Toss slightly wrinkled clothes in the dryer with a damp face cloth for 10 minutes. The steam helps release creases without needing to iron.

4. Fold or hang clothes as soon as they're dry

Leaving clean clothes in a basket creates wrinkles. Try folding or hanging things up right away - even if it’s just the key pieces like work shirts and school uniforms.

5. Choose low-crease fabrics

Buy clothes made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics like jersey, knits, or blended cottons. These tend to need little to no ironing and are perfect for daily wear.

6. Steam in the bathroom

No steamer? No problem. Hang clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam helps release wrinkles and gives clothes a quick refresh.

7. Let go of perfection

You don’t need to iron pyjamas, gym clothes, or baby onesies. Focus on the few items that really need it and give yourself permission to skip the rest.

You don’t have to be perfectly pressed to feel pulled together. A few small changes to your laundry routine can save you hours, without sacrificing your comfort or style.

x Marissa

P.S. Want more time-saving tips that make mum life feel easier? Grab ​The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier​. It’s packed with helpful shortcuts, routines, and ideas to keep life flowing smoothly.