How to Clean my flat properly .

Hello NAS73180,

Today it is the 31st of August - which marks the end of the month and subsequently the start of new beginnings. Today is the day you become a cleaning maestro.

Who is this rogue user? And why does he make such a bold statement as opposed to opening with suggestions of investigating executive dysfunction? Because here user NAS73180 is, understanding the discomfort of living in a mess and needing to sort it out whilst not being entirely capable of cleaning in the best regard. I say this, because I understand what it's like to have a busy/upended schedule and wish that someone out there, could throw up a quick self help guide for this sort of stuff.

But I stress, I can give you the tools - but you need to use them.

• I have ADHD and I have autism. One thing that frustrates me, is the tendency to rush to diagnose and explain - where simple life skills and coaching can help mitigate the affects of things like that. I really do get frustrated, because this is something that is allowed to be ignored and education psychiatrists/occupational therapists work so hard to undo it. They want us, and subsequently all ASD individuals, to be as capable of being self sufficient as aware of our own struggles and limitations.

So here, post foreword, is your quick guide.

THE OBSSESSIVE'S GUIDE TO CLEANING (ASD EDITION)

• Rome was not built in a day. Similarly, any historian will tell you that the Romans in their expert means of organisation and making routines/processes out of things, like us, worked to their strengths. You don't clean well in the afternoon? Okay, do small 10-15 increments on the essentials (microwave, oven, bathroom) and work the rest at a more convenient point. Don't do well with a rota? Set cleaning days or cleaning hours as I call them. Stick to them, but also allow yourself a degree of flexibility. Don't decide that you are going to do it all in one day, you will be exhausted. As an example, commit to dusting one day and then hoovering on the next. The point here is to build a routine and develop it from there.
• What should I use to get a start? Like a chef has a pantry, cleaners have an armoury. It's a good idea to keep or build up a stock of cleaning supplies on hand - basics like bleach, antibacterial spray, window cleaner and mold remover are all essentials. Don't waste time on cleaning wipes, they are a scam and are no match for a good cleaning cloth at your side. If you are going to get the cloth wet, make sure to rinse and dry it because wet surfaces/objects have more chance of carrying bacteria. 
• When it comes to vacuuming, little and often is your trick. Don't aim to siege your house in one entire sitting if you are juggling dusting with that, I would not recommend that unless you're a veteran haha. Instead, as Henry Ford suggests, break it down into little tasks, maybe one day clean upstairs and then move to downstairs on the next day. You get the picture. Also, little naughty tip from cleaners? You don't need to do a deep clean every day. You can get away with doing a deep clean once a month, and regularly doing some light dusting/vacuuming around that.
• Do not leave dirty plates or dishes out - get into the habit of that ASAP. It is what is bringing flies, ants and all sorts of nasties and just leaves a bad smell! The same goes for the bathroom, do not let up on leaving that clean. Your partners and family will respect you so much more for it! 
• Can't be bothered to keep up with cleaning supplies? I got you. You can just keep a simple rotation of bleach, an antibacterial/mold remover and maybe something to deal with grease or stains. I just think, I am always spilling something over. For stains, I recommend the VANISH stuff. It's expensive and pricey, but it does the trick. For smells? Neutradol is the one. I would steer clear after giving it a spray, but it will clear out those odors in the kitchen and bathroom. 
• A neat cheat is just to use liquid soap - people don't know about the secret of liquid soap and vinegar. 

There are some more points, and I will add them if anyone asks, but for now - good luck.

Fantastic!  Thank you so much.

i love the way you make it possible by introducing manageable steps.

I have been using wipes because I can be certain that I don’t contaminate things by using previously used cloths.  How do you rinse and dry the cleaning cloth in such a way as to ensure it is definitely clean enough for the next time? 

 deep clean: sounds intimidating and almost professional 

Don’t leave dirty plates out: yes, it’s a good goal and I have had periods where this has been achieved but I ‘relapse’ into old ways sometimes.  I am better with the bathroom.  

part of my problem is I bought the flat it looked fabulous because of the previous owners decoration and wonderfully attractive aesthetic use of the space/s.  I have lived here a few years and I worry that it is more and more the opposite of their version.  I’ve burnt the carpet , the oven is hard to clean, the blinds are broken, walls are dirty in places, spiders and webs look most at home…smells ? Chaos storage, hoarding, ….infinite list 

Nevertheless this forum has given me hope that i am only imagining that I am charioteering the flat into an abyss 

thank you so much. 
I intend to use your wise words to the best of my ability 
any other suggestions would be welcome 

Fantastic!  Thank you so much.

i love the way you make it possible by introducing manageable steps.

I have been using wipes because I can be certain that I don’t contaminate things by using previously used cloths.  How do you rinse and dry the cleaning cloth in such a way as to ensure it is definitely clean enough for the next time? 

 deep clean: sounds intimidating and almost professional 

Don’t leave dirty plates out: yes, it’s a good goal and I have had periods where this has been achieved but I ‘relapse’ into old ways sometimes.  I am better with the bathroom.  

part of my problem is I bought the flat it looked fabulous because of the previous owners decoration and wonderfully attractive aesthetic use of the space/s.  I have lived here a few years and I worry that it is more and more the opposite of their version.  I’ve burnt the carpet , the oven is hard to clean, the blinds are broken, walls are dirty in places, spiders and webs look most at home…smells ? Chaos storage, hoarding, ….infinite list 

Nevertheless this forum has given me hope that i am only imagining that I am charioteering the flat into an abyss 

thank you so much. 
I intend to use your wise words to the best of my ability 
any other suggestions would be welcome