1. Wash the walls. For stained areas wash with bar soap and a green abrasive pad. Apply the soap to the wall and rinse with clear water. To clean rough textured walls, use old nylon stockings or socks rather than a sponge because they won't tear and leave difficult-to-remove bits on the surface. Spot clean doorknobs, and light switches. Consider fresh paint if needed.

4. Clean windows and screens. An alternative to washing screens with soap and water is to use a steam cleaner. Steam cleaners can be rented for a reasonable price, and screens will look like new when the job is finished. You can also use a steam cleaner to clean the exhaust fan above your range and layers of cooking grime from the stovetop. However, Sunlight bar soap, although it may sound old-fashioned, is my No.1 choice for the job.

5. Vacuum and wash the lint trap on the dryer and wash the inside of the washing machine. Also vacuum out the area inside the dryer, underneath the catcher, and inside the exhaust hose that runs from the back of the dryer and vents to the outside. A clogged hose will not only cut down on your dryer's efficiency and release unwanted moisture into the house (which can cause mould), it can also be a fire hazard.