It's very common knowledge that keeping on top of the housework isn't for the weak. Often, real life tends to get in the way, and as much as we want that Instagram-perfect home, it just doesn't happen.

Those small tasks can build up pretty quickly, resulting in an overwhelming mess that can be very difficult to tackle. However, taking a few miniscule jobs and making sure to do them every day can really make a massive difference. That's according to cleaning influencer Tanya Mukendi, who has shared the five things she does on the daily for a clean and tidy home always.

Make the bed

We all know how important it is to make the bed from a hygiene point of view, but it's a lot more important than that. Doing this one task as soon as you wake up can give you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning, giving you motivation to keep going.

Tanya said it's a great way to 'set the tone for the day' and it's also a great productivity tool. If you make your bed, you're less likely to get back into it.

Wash dishes

This is particularly good to do in the evening after you've finished dinner, as it means your kitchen will be fresh and clutter-free in the morning. Tanya added: "Nobody wants to wake up to a messy sink."

Or if you've got a dishwasher, put this on at night so that you can empty it in the morning.

One load of laundry 

This might sound excessive, but doing the laundry little and often is the best way to stay on top of it. After all, there's nothing worse than trying to tackle that dreaded washing pile - not to mention ironing it afterwards.

Wiping surfaces

Whether that's in the kitchen, living room or bedroom, taking a few moments to rid your surfaces of any dust or crumbs doesn't take long at all - but makes a huge difference.

It'll make your rooms look so much tidier and cared for, so it's definitely worth doing.

Sweeping or vacuuming

This is probably the most time-consuming task on the list, but one of the most effective. Doing a quick sweep or vaccuum will make your home look all the more tidier, and again stops the mess from building up.

Tanya says doing this every evening will create that 'fresh home feel' which is a goal for many.