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Kim Woodburn's top five cleaning tips - including the one thing you should do 'every day'
Reach Daily Express | June 19, 2025 7:39 PM CST

TV cleaning legend Kim Woodburn of the Channel 4 hit 'How Clean is Your House?' has passed away at 83 following a brief illness.

In partnership with Aggie MacKenzie, she famously berated the owners of filthy and untidy homes.

Kim Woodburn's iconic plaited bun and forthright manner won her recognition among millions, and her practical cleaning tips proved essential to maintaining pristine households.

Kim, whose death following a short illness was confirmed by her manager, would visit dirty homes with MacKenzie on the Channel 4 show, and proceed to clean them, with the duo sharing tips as they went.

Speaking after the sad news Ms MacKenzie said: "Kim was a tormented soul, but now she's finally at peace. We clashed often. Behind the fierce persona was deep pain and incredible strength. She survived because she had to. I hope she's resting now. She was an unforgettable woman."

The show, which ran from 2003 to 2009, led to book deals and other endorsements, with Woodburn appearing on various reality shows.

Woodburn appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 and was among the line-up for E4's Celebrity Cooking School in 2022.

A statement from her manager said: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness.

"Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person.

Here's a rundown of her five best tips: Opt for the natural approach.

She championed natural cleaning methods, eschewing harsh chemicals in favour of staples like baking soda and white vinegar. These items became synonymous with her advice over the years, thanks to their skin-friendly properties and less abrasive nature for domestic cleaning.

Just 10 minutes every day.

In a 2022 interview, the Queen of Clean emphasised the importance of daily maintenance to prevent your home from ending up like the ones on the telly: "10 minutes every day and you can keep everything manageable".

She advocated for a 'little and often' routine, urging folk to dedicate just ten minutes a day or alternatively to "clean as you go".

Focus on the kitchen.

Woodburn stated that instant attention to messes and regular wiping of appliances is crucial in the kitchen. She particularly stressed wiping down the inside of your fridge every two months using a rag moistened with warm water and bicarb soda.

"When you start going over that timeframe, by God, you're asking for trouble," she stated. Besides disposing of leftover food, it's crucial to carry out these cleaning tasks to prevent drawing flies or even worse - attracting the attention of pets.

Opt for a damp duster.

This technique captures dust effectively and prevents it from scattering throughout your dwelling. Once finished, let it air dry and then give it a good shake outside or toss any collected debris into the rubbish bin.

Lay down the rules when having a party.

In regards to throwing a house party, Woodburn's advice was succinct: simply don't have one. To her, a gathering signified nothing but dirty troublemakers causing chaos in her cleansed space.

Nonetheless, if you chose to overlook her cautionary words and proceeded with your plans, her directive remained straightforward.

Before the festivities commence, declare: "This is what's going to happen. I love you, but if you're not willing to adhere to these rules, mate, you can't come."


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