1. Create a system
As the saying goes, “fail to plan, plan to fail.”
Clean your home in the same exact order…every time.
Work from one room to the next, beginning and ending at the exact same spot. This ensures that you won’t waste time by backtracking because you missed something.
And once you’ve done it the same way several times it becomes a habit, which automatically translates into getting the job done faster.
2. Top to bottom left to right
Start cleaning from top to bottom, beginning with the left side of the room.
For example, dust for cobwebs and dust on the walls by starting at the top of the wall near the ceiling, on down to the baseboards.
As you move from left to right follow the same pattern from top to bottom, hitting the ceiling fans, lamp shades, coffee table, etc. until you’ve dusted everything.
3. Use cleaning tools that will help you get it right the first time
There’s a reason why professional window washers use a squeegee…they work.
Add a drop of dish soap to a gallon bucket of water. Work from top to bottom, left to right, wiping the blade off after each pass and you’ll have a streak-free window…without any residue.
4. Keep your cleaning tools at hand
Wear an apron or tool belt and fill the pockets with all of the cleaning tools you’ll need to get the job done.
You’ll have everything at your fingertips which means no more walking back and forth to pick up a cleaning product from under the kitchen sink.
Rather than tote large bottles of cleaner everywhere, pour each solution into small spray bottles that can easily fit into your apron pockets or even a small supply caddy or bucket.
5. Practice dirt and grime prevention
A smart way to keep things clean is to prevent messes from happening in the first place.
For example, after every shower, spray the shower floor and walls with shower cleaner to prevent scum from building up in your shower.
Create a mud room or set aside space where everyone can remove their shoes before traipsing dirt and grime throughout the rest of the house.
6. Use dusters
A cloth and furniture spray works best for heavy dusting needs, but for routine dusting, go with an ostrich feather duster.
The feathers grab hold of dust and only let go when you shake them out. Choose a high-quality duster that won’t lose its quills to enjoy many years of dusting your nooks, pictures, blinds, etc.
7. Regular tidying and speed cleaning
Once you’ve deep cleaned your home keep everything picked up to keep it looking neat and tidy.
For example:
- ⬥ Once you’re done using something immediately return it where it goes
- ⬥ Spend 10 minutes each morning and each evening picking things up and putting them where they go
- ⬥ Wipe down the bathroom and kitchen sinks after using to keep them sparkling, then swish out the toilet with a brush
- ⬥ Wash dishes and one load of laundry every day
Finally, nothing is more relaxing after a long day than coming home to a fresh clean home…you owe it to yourself, and your family.
So what are you waiting for…let’s get started!
