As the countdown to Diwali begins, it's time to give your home the annual overhaul. Columnist, Mrs DJ Singh, helps you work out a plan where you do more with less effort.

Despite your best efforts, after the long dusty summer and the decidedly messy monsoons, there are nooks and crannies in your house that still need a thorough clean-up. It's easy to miss dust in a corner in which a cabinet stands, or cobwebs that flourish below the sink area in your bathroom or kitchen. Get rid of these little snags to usher in a sparkling festive season.

Plan carefully so that you don't waste time, energy or resources. Classify your tasks into two categories:

Major tasks
These include repairs such as mending a broken fence, replacing cracked tiles, fixing leaky taps and getting the house whitewashed. Make sure you get workmen with valid recommendations. Ask for quotes from at least three parties so that you get the best deal. It's a good idea (if you have the time and some help) to get the raw materials yourself so you're sure of the quality.

Before the workmen come:
- "Declutter" your house of all unwanted, and seldom-used things - from clothes, to gadgets, to decor pieces. The best way is to involve the whole family. allot a carton to each in which they can put in the items they do not want.

- Prepare the area where the job is to be done beforehand. Move all valuables to your safe deposit. All furniture should be covered with thick cloth or tarpaulin. Curtains, blinds and carpets should be folded or rolled up.

- Remove paintings and hangings. Pack away all the crockery and glassware. Minor tasks Minor tasks include dusting, cleaning and polishing.

- When cleaning a room, start at the top . with the fan. Get your help to clean its blades with a rag dipped in soapy water. Spread newspapers or an old cloth beneath to protect the surroundings from stray bits of dust.

- Make sure all cobwebs are removed, walls dusted, and the tops of all cupboards and pelmets cleaned.

- On the floor level, your help needs to tackle all skirtings, areas under the beds and other heavy furniture.

- Get all electric appliances cleaned professionally.

- Handle the delicate china, glassware and crystal yourself. Gently wash with warm, soapy water and cloth. Add vinegar to the last rinse water to bring a shine.

- Make sure all the drawer liners are changed. Get your househelp to wipe all cabinets, cupboards and shelves with a damp cloth dipped in warm water into which a few neem leaves have been soaked (It helps keep silver fish, cockroaches and mites at bay.)

- Apart from the commercial polishes, you can use tamarind pulp and salt to clean brass, and baking soda or tooth powder to clean silver.

- Get all furniture upholstery professionally dry cleaned and shampooed.

- Get a pest control company to rid your house of all pests.

- Don't forget the windows! Get the frames cleaned fi rst with a cloth dipped in soapy water. Follow up with either a commercial glass cleaner or get your help to use a solution of water and ammonia, or distilled malt vinegar. Use "non-linting" cloth or pads of newspapers. Open the windows if the sunlight falls directly on them till they dry up, or you may end up with streak marks.

- Get your househelp to clean up afterwards. all paint and colour spills and debris should be removed.

- The last step is to rearrange the rooms. Take the opportunity to change the furniture placement and add new decor elements such as paintings, vases and other decor items. In the bedrooms and living rooms, add cushions, throws, bedcovers and area rugs to bring instant colour and glamour. Try ones with zardosi or sequins in bright shades such as red, golden brown, fuchsia, saffron, yellow and magenta to bring in a festive feel. If you have antique sarees that are damaged, simply use them as drapes on sofas and diwans.

Courtesy: Good Housekeeping