Tips for keeping your house clean

Cleaning and household chores can often feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help make cleaning and tidying up more efficient.

Work Top-to-Bottom, Left-to-Right:

When cleaning a room, start from the highest points (dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures) and work your way down to the floors. This way, any dust or debris falls downwards, and you clean it up last. Similarly, clean across a surface (e.g., a counter) from one side to the other to avoid missing spots.

Gather Your Supplies First:

Before you start a cleaning task (especially for a bathroom or kitchen), gather all the necessary cleaners, rags, brushes, and tools. This saves time and prevents interrupting your flow. A cleaning caddy is a great investment!

Use Microfiber Cloths:

Invest in good quality microfiber cloths. They are highly effective at trapping dust and dirt, streak-free cleaning, and can often be used with just water, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.

The "One-Touch" Rule:

When you pick something up, either put it away immediately, or touch it once to move it to its designated "put away" spot. Avoid putting it down "for later" in a random place. This drastically reduces clutter.

Clean as You Go:

This is especially true for the kitchen. Wipe spills immediately, clean dishes right after use, and wipe down the counter after preparing food. Small actions prevent large build-ups.

Don't Over-Clean:

Sometimes less is more. For daily tasks, a quick wipe is sufficient. Save the deep cleaning for weekly or monthly routines.

Make Cleaning Fun (or Less Dreadful):

Put on music, a podcast, or an audiobook while you clean. Break tasks into smaller chunks if it feels overwhelming.

Regular Decluttering:

A clean home is easier to maintain when there's less stuff. Regularly go through drawers, closets, and surfaces to get rid of things you don't use, need, or love. "A place for everything, and everything in its place" is much easier with less "everything."