Cleaning can often feel like a time-consuming chore, but the end result, a clean and peaceful house, is definitely worth the effort. To help you get there faster, we've compiled top tips designed to cut down on the time it takes to make your home shine from top to bottom.
1. Create a Consistent Housecleaning Plan
To significantly cut down on cleaning time, start with a consistent plan that you can use every time you clean. It is most effective to work through the house one room at a time, always starting and finishing at the same spot in each room. When you follow the same path every time you clean, the process becomes a familiar routine. This eliminates time wasted on deciding what to do next and helps you work more methodically and quickly.
2. Declutter and Organize Before You Clean
Before you even think about spraying or wiping, dedicate ten minutes to a quick decluttering sweep. Go from room to room with a basket and pick up any clutter. As you handle each item, decide whether it needs to be put away in its proper home, tossed in the trash, or placed in a donation box. You cannot effectively clean surfaces that are covered in clutter, so this step is essential for an efficient process.
3. Gather All Your Cleaning Supplies First
Whether you use a caddy, a bucket, or a tote, having all the cleaning products and tools you need in one portable place makes the job much easier. A well-stocked caddy should include an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, microfiber cloths, and a scrub brush. This preparation means you won’t waste precious time walking back and forth looking for supplies, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand.
4. Clean from Top to Bottom, Left to Right
There is a science to efficient cleaning. When you start cleaning a room from the top and work your way down, you ensure that any dust and debris from higher surfaces falls onto lower surfaces that have not yet been cleaned. This eliminates the risk of redundant work. Similarly, cleaning in a circular pattern, from left to right, ensures that you cover the entire room systematically instead of jumping from spot to spot.
5. Let Your Cleaning Products Do the Work
A huge time-saving secret is to give your cleaners time to work. When you spray a surface like a countertop, shower wall, or toilet bowl, let the product sit for five to ten minutes before you start scrubbing. This allows the cleaning agents to break down soap scum, grease, and grime, which means you will use far less elbow grease to wipe it all away.
6. Use the Vacuum Cleaner to Its Fullest Potential
Your vacuum is for more than just floors. Use its various attachments to speed up your dusting routine. The brush attachment is perfect for lampshades, blinds, and bookshelves, while the crevice tool can quickly clean baseboards and along the edges of a room. When it is time to vacuum the floors, do so in long, slightly overlapping rows to ensure you clean efficiently and don't miss any spots.
7. Tackle Pet Hair Systematically
Pet hair can be persistent. For furniture and lampshades, a simple lint roller can quickly pick up stray hair. A surprisingly effective trick for carpets is to use a damp rubber squeegee before vacuuming; it pulls hair out of the fibers. You can also wear a pair of damp rubber gloves and run your hands over furniture surfaces to easily collect pet hair.
8. Wipe Mirrors and Glass for a Streak-Free Shine
The best way to get a streak-free shine on mirrors and glass is to use the two-cloth method. Use one damp microfiber cloth to clean the surface, followed immediately by a separate dry microfiber cloth to buff it dry. This technique is faster and more effective than using paper towels, which can leave behind lint.
9. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Focus on disinfecting the hard surfaces that people touch frequently. This includes doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops. Wiping these areas down helps prevent the spread of germs. A simple and effective disinfecting solution can be made by mixing one-quarter cup of white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
10. Clean the Microwave with Steam
To effortlessly clean a dirty microwave, harness the power of steam. Place a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water inside and heat it until it boils for a couple of minutes. The steam will loosen all the dried-on food splatters. Once it's done, you can easily wipe the inside clean with a damp cloth, no scrubbing required.
11. Freshen Up the Bathroom Quickly
For a quick toilet bowl clean, pour one cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda into the bowl. Let the mixture fizz for about 15 minutes, which will help break down stains, then give it a quick scrub with a toilet brush and flush. For tile surfaces, a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and two parts cold water works wonders.
12. Always Sweep Before You Mop
This is a non-negotiable rule for clean floors. Always sweep or vacuum the kitchen and bathroom floors thoroughly before you begin mopping. If you don't, you will just be pushing around dirt and debris with a wet mop, creating a muddy mess. For the most efficient mopping, start from the farthest corner of the room and work your way back toward the door so you don't have to step on your clean, wet floors.
13. Keep Your Cleaning Tools Clean
Finally, don’t forget to routinely maintain the tools you use for cleaning. You cannot clean effectively with dirty tools. Regularly wash your microfiber cloths, rinse your mop heads after each use, and make sure to empty your vacuum's bag or canister when it gets full. A clean and well-maintained tool is always more effective and ready for the next job.