Unless your name is Monica Geller, cleaning probably isn’t your favourite pursuit at the best of times. But there are certain chores that are so bad, you put them off until they become altogether dreaded. Let’s take a look at some of the worst domestic cleaning jobs and how you can make them easier.

The chore: Fridge

The fridge is likely your most-used appliance, yet how many times do you actually give it a thorough clean? An easy excuse for avoiding this is that it’s never empty. We say that’s not good enough!

Our tip: You should really clean your fridge once a month. The best time to do this is when you’re running low on food and about to do a big shop. Take out the rest of the comestibles, storing them in a cool, dry place, then turn off the fridge, pull out all the drawers, sweep any loose dirt and scrub with hot, soapy water. Leave the inside to dry (speed this up by wiping with a clean cloth), then load up your fresh groceries into a fresh, sparkling fridge!

The chore: Behind the oven

Yes, the oven itself can be something of a nightmare, but the oft-neglected regions behind it can harbour even worse horrors…

Our tip: In this instance, prevention is better than cure, and you can buy inexpensive aluminium strips designed to block the gap down which so much food can go. If behind the back of your oven is already a disaster zone, switch off all electricals, pull it out as far as you can without disconnecting it, sweep and then scrub with very hot water. Then get yourself some of those  aluminium strips!

The chore: Microwave

They may be easy to use, but many people find microwaves anything but easy to clean. Food and liquid spits out all over the place, resulting in a Jackson Pollock-style mess all over the inside walls.

Our tip: Always take out the microwave plate, and give it a good clean separately. As for the walls of the microwave, the last thing you want is to have them reeking of chemical-based cleaners. Instead, mix together the juice of a lemon with a small bowlful of water, and heat on high power for a few minutes. The vapour produced means you’ll be able to wipe most of the grime off with a paper towel.

The chore: Bathroom tiles

It doesn’t help that in the first place, tile are often dazzling white. Within weeks, therefore, they start showing signs of discolouration, and that’s why it’s important to keep on top of them from the outset.

Our tip: Clean your tiles once a week; as usual we recommend to go natural where possible, and use lemon juice or vinegar. As for those pesky gaps, take to them with an electric toothbrush (have a brush head dedicated for this use rather than using your own!). You should also re-grout every once in a while.