Your home will always feel 'hotel-clean' if you use the five-zone rule

The sheer delight of a hotel stay is often the pristine cleanliness of the room, with its immaculate bed, gleaming mirrors, and spotless bathroom. It's a stark contrast to returning home, where the same level of tidiness isn't always waiting.

We lack the luxury of a dedicated cleaning crew in our own homes, which explains why they don't quite match up to that hotel-standard sheen. However, cleaning experts have revealed a straightforward tweak to your cleaning routine that can bring that sought-after hotel polish into your abode, and it's remarkably easy to implement. For those yearning for their home to emulate the meticulousness of a hotel, Zara O'Hare from Land of Rugs assures it's within reach.

She said: "You don't need a full housekeeping team. You just need a few intentional habits that create the same feeling of calm and order."

One such habit is adopting the 'five-zone rule', a strategy that simplifies home maintenance and prevents chores from becoming overwhelming as the week progresses. Here's the lowdown on this approach.

What is the five-zone rule?

Zara advises against dedicating an entire day each week to a comprehensive clean, which not only eats into valuable time but also could be better spent with family and friends.

Rather, she suggests dividing your home into five zones - sleeping, bathing, dining, relaxing, working - and focusing on one zone each weekday.

"This hotel-style routine keeps everything under control without it feeling overwhelming," said Zara.

Another simple method to achieve that 'hotel-clean' atmosphere is incorporating specific fragrances. Hotels meticulously manage scent to create a pristine, tranquil ambience, as anyone who's stayed in one will recognise.

In your own home, consider reed diffusers, linen sprays, or essential oil combinations such as eucalyptus, white tea or bergamot.

Nevertheless, you'll want to steer clear of synthetic or overpowering air fresheners - understated is key.

Adding crisp white bedding to the equation will ensure your bedroom consistently feels fresh and pristine, just like a hotel. Yet maintaining this cleanliness isn't always straightforward.

Zara suggests washing in hot water once weekly, incorporating baking soda or white vinegar into each wash, and opting for breathable, high-thread-count cotton. Complete the look with a crisp fold at the foot of the bed for that premium, hotel tuck.