Less than half of all homes get that annual spring clean, research by appliance manufacturer Miele revealed, while another Persil survey found a quarter of us are too busy to do all our chores, and 31 per cent of people hate dusting the house.

But loving or hating cleaning and housework may be all down to our childhood and our personality, according to psychologist Anita Morris. She said: "It is quite common to copy the approach to cleaning and the techniques instilled in you by your parents. That can of course be positive if you've got a sensible routine and are happy with it.

"But sometimes if we were made to do certain jobs as a child that we hated we can retain that feeling as a grown up.

"That may mean although you're happy to clean, but one particular chore's a problem as you constantly overlook it, and the fact it is not done preys on your mind."

Suffering from that love-hate reaction to cleaning can be solved.

""Get round it by delegating, say cleaning the bath, to someone else," she said. "Or do the job you like least first so you don't build up a feeling of dread which makes a hated chore even harder to tackle."

And if you're allergic to a spring blitz?

Anita said: "Our personality affects everything we do and that includes cleaning. If you're a dizzy, chaotic character it is unlikely you will clean methodically. "

But it is worth being disciplined and setting time aside to do a spring clean. Getting rid of clutter and giving a home a good detox is often what we all need.

"The process of tidying and clearing can really help relax us and it can provide a sense of renewal, and that positive feeling could also change your attitude towards the chores."

So find out your cleaning personality, and follow our expert's tips to the best techniques and equipment to make spring cleaning a breeze.

what type of cleaner are you?

You are probably busy with family and work, and when you have some time to spare lack the energy or motivation to spend it cleaning.

Psychologist Anita Morris says: "Often these people are so stressed and overwhelmed they find it difficult to sit down and plan and prioritise. That means they're at risk of facing a mountain of chores which de-motivates them even further."

SOLUTION: Make a list of the essential cleaning jobs for each week and try and slot a time to do just one each day. Make a house rule if you take something out, you put it away. Keep surfaces clean, and tidy away clutter.

TOP TIP: Director of Merry Maids cleaning company, Barbara Roberts, said: "For a spring clean start at the far end of the home and work your way toward the entrance. In a room always work from top to bottom, left to right - it is the most efficient way to clean."

BEST KIT FOR YOU: Pin that list of chores to a lift-your-spirits Blue Sky magnetic notice board, £40. Avoid drawer chaos with a modular drawer organiser, £7. Both from Store. Fit out a laundry room to remove chaos and effort from chores. Willow laundry basket, £18, Water Hyacinth laundry baskets from £40, and Natural storage boxes, from £10. All from The White Company. Linen bags for shoes and socks, £19.50, from Sibona and other shops, could sort out messy wardrobes.