I’ve cleaned thousands of homes – this is what guests really notice when they pop in

There is something about having people over that suddenly makes every speck of dust in your house impossible to ignore. The cushions that have been sitting crooked for a week are suddenly unacceptable, the fingerprints on the kitchen cupboards that you haven’t noticed become the focus of your brain and the bathroom you were perfectly happy to use yourself that morning now needs a deep clean.

We’ve all been there, frantically shoving clutter into cupboards, wiping down surfaces and running the hoover around minutes before the doorbell rings, convinced our home needs to look like nobody has ever lived in it to host.

But according to Lynsey Crombie, also known as the “Queen of Clean”, you don’t need to deep clean your entire house to make it feel welcoming for guests. The expert and author of The 15-Minute Clean, who has cleaned thousands of homes and has built a following of 345,000 on Instagram by sharing her practical cleaning hacks, shares the things she would do if she had just one hour before guests arrived.

How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps According to NHS GP Dr Radha Modgil 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gratitude The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.

Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.

This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.

How can we build gratitude? Notice more Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?

By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.

What to do Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality. Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it. Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day. Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day. Full article 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sales of batteryelectric vehicles hit a record high last year. Leon Poultney, a writer who specialises in cars, gives his EV recommendations, and the ones that should be avoided.

Renault 5 E-Tech Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.

Mercedes-Benz CLA A champion of EV efficiency It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger. Priced from £37,400

Porsche Macan GTS It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.

The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.

Kia EV 9 With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.

MG IM6It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.

BYD Dolphin Surf All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.

Leapmotor T03 It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps. There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash. Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.

The kitchen gadgets and products a food editor swears by, all under £25 Silvana Franco gives her top recommendations for busy cooks that last 1 2 3 4 5 The kitchen gadgets under £25 Caption: best kitchen gadgets Victorinox paring knife It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.

For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.

Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.

The kitchen gadgets under £25 Pyrex jugIt is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.

Salter scales“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”

It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.

It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.

As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.

The kitchen gadgets under £25 Oxo peelerWhat truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.

Falcon pie dishMade by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.

The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book Attached, explains why we behave the way we do in love.

Golden rules for happy relationships Start with your own behavioursThe foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.

Express your needsPeople need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.

Golden rules for happy relationships Unhappy married couple facing away from each other in a quiet home, concept of emotional distance, loneliness in relationship and family problems – stock photo. (Photo: Getty) The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.

You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.

Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.

Caption: Financial problems. Worried middle-aged woman holding utility bills, managing monthly household budget, sitting on bed feeling anxious. Cost of living conceptPhotographer: MementoJpegProvider: Getty ImagesSource: Moment RF Reach for asecure script When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.

If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’

Loneliness elsewhere When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.

What to do Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection. You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle. Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them. Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure. Read the full article 1 2 3 4 5 6 Do some foods leaveyou feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are… It could be that a food is lacking certain nutrients. Here are 10 to avoid, and what to eat. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Foods that leave you hungrier A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juiceMore refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.

Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.

Foods that leave you hungrier Caption: Gail’s croissantImage taken from https://gails.com/collections/breakfast/products/croissant Croissants These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.

It is mostly carbohydrate and without protein or fibre, it is digested quickly, leaving you feeling hungry.

Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.

Foods that leave you hungrier Sarawak laksa is one of many varieties of this noodle soup (Photo: Tham Kee Chuan/Getty) Vegetable soup On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.

Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.

Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.

Foods that leave you hungrier ‘Aged 14, I started what I considered to be my own little business selling confectionary,’ writes Beauty Dhlamini (Photo: Getty) Snack bars They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.

A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.

On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.

What to eat instead Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them. Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta. Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats. Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar. Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre. Read more 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 How to age wellwithout pain Will Harlow, a physiotherapistfor the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, sharesthe key signs you’re ageing badly – and what to do about it.

How to know Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about longevity but what’s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you’re [totally] reliant on people?”

The signs to look out for Senior woman on sofa feeling and suffering from back pain. – stock photo. (Photo: Getty) The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow. Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence. One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.

How to age without pain Many will worry about not saving enough for retirement (Photo: Alex Tihonov/Getty/Moment RF) Not just stopping When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.

Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.

The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death byas much as 29 per cent.

Strength training It really is the proxy foroverall independence.

The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety, depression and dementia.

The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It’s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you’ll look and feel better.

How to age without pain Daily habits Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.

Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.

It can increase the decline of muscle mass and bone density, which needs to be avoided.

How to age without pain (Photo: Inga Erhan/ Gingagi/ Getty). Protein Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.

Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.

For most people, it’s about reducing the number of times per week you’re exercising, not reducing intensity.

The three ageing tests to do Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds. See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women 12. The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Despite the job market hiring fewer entry-level roles, employers are still looking for grads… But you should be prepared to keep an open mind. We’ve compiled the sectors hiring graduate roles, what degree is required, and what they pay.

The degrees to choose for a career Hiring in the UK couldfinally be on the up 47%

of employers offered entry-levelpositions from July.

That is up nearly 15 per cent from the same period last year.

But graduate unemployment rose to six per cent in 2025 and 700,000 jobless graduates were claiming benefits.

Finance and insurance Around 42 per cent of UK finance and insurance employers say they will be open to graduate roles this summer. Business loan company Portman Finance Group has taken on 50 graduates over the past four years. A lot of thought needs to be put into transferring a DB pension to a DC pot (Photo: Getty Images) Portman graduates start on £36,000 for the two-year programme and the education you need to apply is a minimum “ABB” of A-levels, and a 2:1 or above university degree. But not in a specific subject.

Loose, natural fabrics are the best clothing option when the temperature rises (Photo: Kate Wieser/Getty) Trade and logistics What makes it particularly rewarding is that there’s always something to learn.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of trade and logistics companies will be giving graduates a go this year.Salaries start at £30,000 with an uncapped bonus, rising to £50,000 plus a company car as a senior account partner.

Technology and IT More than half (52 per cent) of UK tech and IT firms are actively looking for graduates. Successful entry-level candidates can earn a basic salary of up to £35,000, with the opportunity to triple that within their first three years of working.

Public sector, healthand social services 46 per cent of public sector, health and social services organisations are also ready to take graduates, according to a survey by Manpower.

Can we treat guests without blowing our budget? According to Waitrose, a dinner party revival is underway led by younger people trying to reduce the cost of getting together.The i Paper food writer Sophie Morris [below] asks chefs for their best ideas for hosting at home.

Always have bread People will feast on thebread, and then need less fish/steak/expensive whatever. All small plates restaurants know this: this is why the first thing on the menu is always artisan bread and butter.

Use vegetables as centrepieces Chef and food writer Helen Graham turns vegetables into centrepieces to cut down on meat and fish expenses.

Graham’s recipes include a braised cabbage with a preserved lemon sauce, a roast cauliflower with saffron, and harrisa roast carrots with mango labneh.

How to host on a budget Many of the dishes we take for granted in British curry joints are entirely unlike anything you might find to eat in the subcontinent (Photo: Getty/E+) Improve the everyday Guests will always appreciate a stellar interpretation of the ordinary. Think lasagna or curry.

Cooking dinner for your guests is spoiling them – you’re being generous with your time, your effort, and your home. So don’t feel the need to go overboard elsewhere.

Ask friends to bring a contribution, be it a nibble or a pudding.

Big platter energy [Presentation] can be the key to elevating something . Spaghetti and tomato sauce suddenly looks like a feast when tumbled on a lovely big plate, dressed with olive oil and parmesan and placed in the middle of the table.

How to host on a budget Taco party Have one expensive filling, like shredded chicken, and two cheaper options, like refried beans, says Ella Risbridger.

Shop-bought ice cream is so easily zhuzhed up with the help of handy toppings, says Eleanor Steafel.

The entrance way or hallway is what people see first, so Crombie always starts with making sure it’s clear, and people can actually get in the front door easily. “Make sure the shoes are neatly put away or are in some sort of basket and give the doormat a shake outside so it’s tidy.”

To avoid the awkward take-your-shoes-off conversation, Crombie has a basket near the door with a pair of shoes in so people “take the hint” and don’t walk their muddy shoes into the hallway she’s vacuumed for their arrival.

Every house has their hosting spot where people sit around a chat, and these are the chairs that Crombie will keep her attention on. “I would advise chucking some nice colourful throws that match the decor over the sofas. That way if people spill a drink or drop crumbs it doesn’t matter and you can chuck them in the washing machine when they’ve gone.”

People notice clutter more than clean, says Crombie. “If people walk in and there’s stuff everywhere, they will instantly turn their nose up but they’re not going to go around touching the tops of door frames for dust. If it’s clutter-free, people presume it’s clean so if you’re in a rush, it’s more about tidying so people get the impression of clean.

“Hide stuff. Get a laundry basket and anything that’s not in its place, like kids’ toys or piles of magazines, chuck them in and stick it in a cupboard, because you can deal with that when they’ve gone.”

In the kitchen remove any dirty dishes, by putting them away and cleaning them or throwing them in the dishwasher, and make sure the sink area is tidy with no clutter. “That carries the rest of the kitchen,” she says.

The debate of the big light and small light isn’t just about the ambience in the room. Crombie says using smaller lights and lamps can hide the cleaning spots you’ve forgotten about like dusty skirting boards or door handles.

“I wouldn’t bother with dusting, I’d just open the window very quickly, let some fresh air in and get any smells out. I think smell’s important so clean the bins, get rubbish out, have a fresh bin bag and try to avoid any cooking smells.”

The most important thing for smell is fresh air. “You can’t beat fresh air, just a good 10 to 15 minutes of a window being open is enough.” She doesn’t recommend plug-in air fresheners, especially around pets or children, but uses vegan-friendly candles.

“In the bathroom guests will use have a fresh hand towel, put bleach down the toilet, light a candle, empty the bin and make sure there’s enough loo roll and a hand wash. If guests are desperate for the toilet, they’re not going look at the skirting boards or catch any dust.”

Some of the dirtiest places in the home are the ones we reach for everyday without realising, like handles on the fridge or doors and light switches. Crombie says not to have any sticky finger marks on the switches or door handles, especially if guests will probably touch them.

“I would already get a load of glasses out as that stops people going in their cupboards and helping themselves, because if your cupboard’s messy, you don’t want people seeing that. Get your glasses out ready on the side so people can just pour and take a drink. And the same with food or snacks, give the front of the fridge a wipe down to get rid of any finger marks to make it look clean and persuade people not to go in the fridge if it’s untidy.”

“Don’t worry about mopping the floor if you’ve not got time, just spot clean. If you see a mark on the floor where someone’s dropped a tea bag or there’s been a spillage, just spot clean those areas very quickly,” she says.

Look for what people can see. “If you have got a bit of a dirty oven just clean the glass door because that’s the bit that people can see. As long as the door’s clean, people will see past the filth that’s inside.”

If hosting becomes an overnight stay, it doesn’t need to add more time onto the obsessive cleaning ritual. “Make sure the bedding is fresh first of all and spare towels on the end of the bed. Get that window open, and I would just dust areas that they can see like bedside cabinets and leave a bottle of water and a couple of glasses there for guests.

“Get any clutter out of that bedroom, chuck it in your bedroom or a cupboard so there’s no clothes around. Keep it as clear as you can and never forget fresh bedding, because people always want fresh bedding.”