As someone who’s always strived for a spotless home, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. But it wasn’t until I started chatting with the cleaning pros that I discovered a whole new world of cleaning hacks that have seriously upped my game.
Declutter, Then Dust, Then Clean
Sacha Dunn from the eco-friendly soap company Common Good shared this golden rule with me – “Declutter, then dust, then clean.” It makes perfect sense when you think about it. There’s no point in dusting and cleaning if you’ve got piles of clutter everywhere. Start by decluttering your space, then move on to the dusting, and finally the deep cleaning.
This step-by-step approach helps you maximize your time and resources. Plus, it ensures you don’t miss any nooks and crannies during the cleaning process. As Adriana Aziz from MaidForYou told me, “Since we implemented this, we’ve seen a drastic decrease in the number of re-cleans requested by customers – upwards of 80 percent.”
Plan it Out
Another great tip from the pros is to plan things out. As Alex Varela of Dallas Maids of Frisco said, “Everything works better if you plan things out.” Professional cleaners have a carefully thought-out checklist to maximize time and resources.
This approach should be applied both in the weekly or monthly planning and the actual cleaning time itself. Try to plan things out in a way that you can “leave cleaning products working on the surface or your washing machine running while you are doing something else,” Varela suggests.
Invest in the Right Tools
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I got was to invest in the right tools. As Adriana Aziz from MaidForYou put it, “Just having the right tools for the job can make a difference and make cleaning your home so much easier.”
For example, cheap melamine sponges are an amazing substitute for the Magic Eraser and work especially well on stubborn bathtub stains. And dryer sheets are a lifesaver for cleaning ceiling fans and baseboards – just wrap them around a duster or paint roller and you’re good to go.
Leverage the Power of Steam
Speaking of tools, Alessandro Gazzo from Emilys Maids in Dallas swears by the power of steam. “Steam is more powerful than you think and of course it is extremely safe for basically all surfaces,” he told me. A power steamer can soften up grime and dirt without the need for harsh chemicals or intensive scrubbing. Just wipe down with a microfiber cloth afterwards.
Gazzo believes a power steamer is a more affordable and easier cleaning solution in the long run compared to traditional methods. Plus, it’s better for the environment since you’re not relying on harsh chemicals.
Use Versatile Cleaners
One of the most common misconceptions about professional cleaners is that they have a cabinet full of specialized products. But the truth is, using all-purpose cleaners or DIY cleaners is much cheaper and easier, according to Alessandro Gazzo.
“With a multi-purpose cleaner, it’s much easier to carry and store them, and because you can buy them in bulk, they’re cheaper in the long run. Plus, you don’t need to think and keep track of how much there’s left of every cleaning product,” Gazzo explained.
Of course, there are some exceptions – organic materials like wood, leather, and natural stone require specialized products. But for the most part, a good all-purpose cleaner is the way to go.
Let Products Do the Work
Another revelation from the pros is the importance of letting cleaning products do their thing. As Steve Evans of Memphis Maids put it, “Many people don’t know this, but cleaning professionals are efficient at their job because they let products act on the surface.”
Instead of scrubbing like crazy, try letting the products sit for 15 minutes or so. This gives the active ingredients time to break down the grime and dirt so you can just wipe it away with minimal effort.
Leverage Household Items
The cleaning experts I spoke to were full of creative ways to use everyday household items for cleaning. Jennifer Rodriguez, the Chief Hygiene Officer at ProHousekeepers, shared a genius tip for cleaning grill grates – just use lemon halves and salt.
“Rub the lemon and salt together and then proceed to the grill grates. Make sure the grill is heated and swipe the halves carefully through the grates. The acid of the lemons will sterilize the grill and cut the grease off,” Rodriguez explained.
And as I mentioned earlier, dryer sheets are fantastic for dusting ceiling fans and baseboards. Just wrap them around a duster or paint roller and you’ve got a super effective cleaning tool.
Create a Trash Zone
This last tip from Adriana Aziz might seem obvious, but it’s honestly such a game-changer. “Set a rubbish bin outside. We always recommend that a small rubbish bin is left out the front entrance of your home. Make sure it’s non-conspicuous in terms of style so your home doesn’t look cluttered.”
By having a designated trash zone at the entrance, you can easily dispose of anything you bring in that needs to be thrown away. This saves you so much time and energy during the cleaning process.
Wrapping Up
Implementing these cleaning hacks from the pros has transformed the way I approach cleaning my home. From decluttering and planning to leveraging the right tools and products, there are so many simple yet effective strategies that can make a huge difference.
I encourage you to try out some of these tips and see how they work for you. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, just remember the wise words of Adriana Aziz: “Any job worth doing is worth doing well.” With the right approach, cleaning can actually be an enjoyable and empowering process.
Happy cleaning, my friends! And don’t forget to check out the cleaning services offered by Adam Cleaning if you need a little extra help.
