If you are taking the opportunity to do a bit of cleaning and DIY and refresh your living space, we've got some tips. No matter how long you've got - whether it's just half an hour, or a whole day - you can make a big difference to your home by doing some small, satisfying jobs.
What to do if you’ve got…
30mins - 1 hour
Little jobs can make a big difference. Like cleaning and removing crumbs from the toaster, wiping down surfaces (especially corners and crannies that usually get missed), and putting your tea towels on a hot wash.
Freshen up your microwave by placing a some water and a halved lemon into a bowl, then putting it in the microwave, power on high, for 3 minutes. Leave the door closed for 5 more minutes. Then wipe round the inside of the microwave. The steam will have softened any dried-on spots of food, and the lemon should leave it smelling clean and fresh.
2 - 3 hours
If you've got a bit more time, tackle your mirrors, windows and shower doors. Vinegar is a great, cheap method for cleaning glass, and you've probably already got some in the cupboard. Dilute it well, then wipe over surfaces with scrunched-up newspaper for a smear-free finish. If you're on a roll and the weather's reasonably fine, clean the outside of your windows too, where you can (take care on ladders, of course). The satisfaction of looking out of clear, streak-free windows makes it totally worth it.
Once your windows and mirrors are gleaming, have a go at windowsills, ledges, shelves and furniture - anywhere that collects dust and dirt. Wipe over kitchen cabinet doors to get rid of fingerprints, and clean all door handles - metal handles in particular come up really nicely with a good polish.
1 - 2 days
You can make a real difference to your kitchen in less than a couple of days if you replace your cabinet doors. If you're looking for modern, low-maintenance kitchen doors, consider a high gloss design. Sleek, shiny and easy to wipe clean, gloss-finish doors are both practical and stylish. If you favour a more traditional look, woodgrain doors are timeless, and give your kitchen a warm, welcoming feel.
Before your new doors are delivered, take the opportunity to go through your cupboards, cleaning and getting rid of anything broken or past its use-by date. Clean up any mess, like leaky bottles of sauce and split bags of rice or pasta, and remember to recycle what you can.
With some help from our video guides, you can easily replace your kitchen doors in less than 2 days - which will give your cooking and dining space a whole new look for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. You can also download our free guide to replacing your kitchen doors, which takes you through the whole process, step by step, from measuring your current doors and drawer-fronts to fitting doors for integrated appliances.
No matter how much (or little) time you've got, it's possible to make a real difference to your home - with a good, thorough clean and some new cabinet doors, you can have a kitchen that feels brand-new in a matter of hours.