Expert reveals the secret to a '5-star hotel clean' house

copper roll top bath tub with bath products and ladder in a room with huge window

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last updated 14 April 2022

An expert has shared her secret to giving your home a luxury hotel-style clean, just in time for hosting guests over the festive season.

Kate Henderson, Duty Manager at Daffodil Hotel says that when it comes to how to get your home ready for guests, it's all about ensuring reflective surfaces are clean.

large circular mirror with large lamp and books on a side table

Secret to a 5-star hotel clean

Kate Henderson from Daffodil Hotel says, 'to recreate the 5* hotel housekeeping effect, be sure to focus on mirrors (anything reflective), the floor and windows.' Because, Kate tells us, these three factors can make a whole world of difference.

'For an easy option, use watered-down vinegar or a lemon spray on your mirrors and tiles (something acidic),' Kate adds. 'Spray this everywhere, then wash down with water and wipe away.

'Then as a final step, be sure to use a cotton or microfiber cloth to buff in a circular motion to avoid any streaks.' Spotless mirrors, windows, and flooring will make the whole home feel more refreshed.

modern kitchen with large crittal windows looking out onto backyard

We think white vinegar cleaning sprays and the lemon at the back of the fridge can be the most effective, best cleaning products out there, and they're non-toxic. Using Kate's method will also mean your guests aren't greeted by the smell of strongly scented cleaning products that they might not like. Speaking of which, we recently wrote about the things guests really notice when visiting your home.

Housekeeping in luxury hotels means thinking of everything, from laying out the best bathroom towels to leaving a chocolate on the pillow – these are the things guests notice. While we'd advise against putting yourself under unnecessary pressure to make things hotel-perfect, ticking off smaller cleaning tasks might make you feel more prepared and excited about inviting guests to stay.

Kate says you should descale the kettle, get a spare toothbrush out, wash out every bin, and clean the skirting board, too. It might feel like a lot of work, but it should make the rest of your time hosting feel more relaxed.

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.