Save time on your next cleaning project by following these quick and easy tips!
Table of Contents
Map a Cleaning Route
Start with a corner room and work your way in when cleaning a one-story house or an apartment. If you have a two-story house, begin at the top corner of your home and work in and down. Clean each room completely before moving to the next one to save time and energy.
Break Up Chores
Instead of spending an entire day or weekend cleaning, try cleaning half the house on one day, and the other half on another day. Or, if you live in a two-story house, clean one story on one afternoon, and the other story on another afternoon. Reserve a block of time for cleaning the attic, basement, or garage.
When to Hire a Professional
If you have a two-story house or storm windows, it’s a good idea to hire a professional window cleaner once a year. In late fall, you should also hire a gutter- or roof-cleaning service. Make sure the companies you’re considering are bonded and insured, and get at least three references. If you’re going to rent carpet-cleaning equipment, you can save money by steam-cleaning all the carpets at the same time. Some companies offer discounts if you book three or more rooms.
Clean Faster
Cut down on your cleaning time with these handy tricks.
In the Kitchen
Keep your kitchen organized by designating a space for everything. Store cookware and utensils near the range or cooktop so they are within reach when cooking. Keep a spray bottle with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water or an all-purpose spray cleaner in the kitchen for cleaning up after meals. This will help keep your kitchen looking its best and make mealtime less of a hassle.
In the Bathroom
It’s always a good idea to have a spray bottle of all-in-one window and surface cleaner, as well as an extra roll of paper towels, under each sink. This way, you’ll always be prepared for any surface cleanups that need to be done!
In the Hall Closet
Storage bins with separate drawers can help keep gloves, hats, and scarves organized. Stackable see-through plastic containers are great for storing lightbulbs, batteries, and emergency candles.
Clean Less Often
Streamline your cleaning routine with these tricks that will help you go longer between cleanings.
Laundry Room
By keeping all of your laundry supplies together in a designated basket or box, you’ll save time when doing loads of laundry and help to keep your laundry area tidy.
Create a Cleaning Center
Creating an efficient cleaning center in your home doesn’t have to be difficult – by using baskets, bins, and caddies to store products and supplies, you can easily keep track of everything you need. You might also want to consider integrating your cleaning center into an existing laundry area or room to make things even easier.
Creating customized cleaning and supply checklists can also be helpful in keeping things organized, and posting daily, weekly, and monthly chores on a small bulletin board in the cleaning center will ensure that nothing gets forgotten. When a product is running low, simply note it on the shopping list so you can restock before it runs out completely.
