Malton cleaner Libby Denney reveals her ‘dirty list’

Libby Denney, 28, has been cleaning houses professionally for more than 10 years and therefore knows where dirt remains.

She created a “dirty list” of things that she believes are either extremely unsanitary or require unnecessary maintenance – something she would never do in her own home.

The list of no-go items includes any type of toilet brush, wooden toilet seats, freestanding bathtubs with “dust magnets,” “dirty” hallway carpets and even dishwashers.

Libby also warns against horizontal blinds and black taps, saying that without maintenance they can look “shabby” over time – and that cleaning them is “a pain”.

Libby Denney and Natasha Smith. Image: SWNS

Libby, mother-of-two from Malton, Ryedale, said: “I would advise against all of these items – most are just unhygienic and others require a lot of maintenance – we have enough stress in our lives.”

“I don’t recommend a wooden kitchen work surface. The maintenance effort is simply very high – you have to constantly sand.

“Plus, water and bacteria can get in – it can even get moldy if it’s near a faucet with water on it; Avoid at all costs.”

Libby also suggests staying away from wooden toilet seats as they are “incredibly unhygienic”.

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Controversially, Libby also claims that dishwashers can also be a nuisance.

“I know it’s controversial, but if it’s not cleaned or maintained properly, it starts to smell and dirt builds up on the sides – for me, soap and water does the job,” she said.

Libby also advises staying away from freestanding bathtubs and horizontal blinds, as they “accumulate a ton of dust” and need to be wiped down “every few days.”

“Keeping your house clean requires you to be hard on yourself and constantly get rid of things you don’t need,” she said.

Cleaning expert Libby Denney. Image: SWNS

“If it hasn’t been used for six months, it has to go.

“This will all help prevent dust build-up and save you time so you can relax.”

Libby started professionally as a cleaner at the age of 18.

Libby Denney had to clean up some of the mess. Image: SWNS

But after an unsuccessful career change to become a sales assistant, she realized her “passion” lay in cleaning.

Libby opened her business – The Clean Up Company – in March this year with her cousin Natasha Smith, 30, and said it was “the best decision she’s ever made”.

Libby’s “dirty list”:

• Wooden kitchen worktops – “Avoid at all costs – moldy and dirty.”
• Black Faucets – “They can chip and scratch – they stick to stainless steel.”
• Hallway carpet – “It gets dirty – stick it on laminate or tiles.”
• Wooden Toilet Seat – “Replace, replace, replace, stick to plastic.”
• Dishwasher – “If you don’t take care of it, it just gets gross – a little soap and a bucket of water clean the plates just fine.”
• Anything with a glossy finish – “I made this mistake, I need too much maintenance to stay clean – you can see every speck on the surface – stick with matte.”
• Toilet brush – “Trash away – just disgusting, let some bleach sit for a few minutes instead.”
• Freestanding bathtub – Dust forms. It’s even worse if the bathtub is near a wall and you can’t clean behind it.”
• Horizontal blinds – “They have to be dusted too often – you don’t need that hassle.”