Keeping your home clean can feel like a constant battle, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Small, simple changes to your cleaning routine can make a big difference in how clean your home feels and functions. As someone who has refined my cleaning habits over the years, here are some of my best tips for optimizing your cleaning routine.
Switch to Microfiber Cloths and Mops
Traditional cotton cloths and string mops push around dust and dirt rather than trapping it. Microfiber cloths and mop heads, on the other hand, are ultra-absorbent and attract dust and dirt through static electricity. This allows them to clean more thoroughly and effectively.
I switched all my old rags and mops to microfiber years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Microfiber cloths and mops clean better with less effort, plus they are machine washable and reusable. Just be sure to use different colored cloths for different areas (bathroom, kitchen, etc) to avoid cross-contamination.
Clean Top to Bottom
It’s tempting to start cleaning wherever is most convenient, but moving from top to bottom in each room is actually more efficient. This prevents you from re-cleaning lower areas that get dirty again as you clean above.
For example, in the bathroom I start by cleaning the mirrors and medicine cabinets, then do the sinks and counters, followed by the toilet and tub/shower. For kitchens, I go from upper cabinets down to countertops, appliances, and finally the floors. Cleaning methodically from top to bottom saves time and effort.
Declutter First, Then Clean
Trying to clean around clutter is an exercise in futility. Before cleaning any room, take 5-10 minutes to put away the clutter – stacks of mail, kids toys, piles of clothes, etc.
With flat surfaces cleared off and belongings put away properly, you’ll be able to clean much more thoroughly and efficiently. Maintaining a generally clutter-free home will also make cleaning easier on a daily basis.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Not all areas of your home get equally dirty. High-traffic spots like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms tend to need cleaning more frequently, while set-it-and-forget-it rooms like guest bedrooms stay tidy longer.
Focus your cleaning efforts where they are needed most. For me, that means quickly tidying the living room and vacuuming the hallways, but giving the kitchen and bathrooms a much deeper clean. Identify your own high-traffic areas and devote time accordingly.
Change Furnace Filters Quarterly
Many people forget about their furnace filters until they stop working properly. But changing them every 3 months helps improve air quality and prevents dirt and dust from accumulating in your HVAC system.
Mark it on your calendar to swap out your furnace filters each season. Better air quality and improved furnace function are worth the small effort. If you have central air as well, change the AC filter at the same time.
Clean Little Messes as You Go
Allowing little messes to pile up is a surefire path to a big mess later on. Get in the habit of tending to small tasks as you move through your home. Wipe up kitchen counters after cooking, pick up toys after kids are done playing, sweep up crumbs and dirt when you see them, and deal with piles of mail and paperwork rather than letting them accumulate.
Dealing with things as you go takes just moments, where letting them pile up turns into a big job later. Staying on top of mini-messes keeps your home tidy with minimal effort.
Make a Daily Cleaning List
Designate which few cleaning tasks you want to accomplish each day, and check them off as you complete them. This ensures important jobs don’t slip through the cracks.
My list includes things like wiping kitchen counters, sweeping floors, cleaning one bathroom, laundering hand towels, and tidying clutter. Choose tasks relevant for your home and lifestyle. Even getting 2-3 small cleaning jobs done per day keeps your home reasonably tidy.
Enlist the Family’s Help
Cleaning is much less overwhelming when the workload is shared. Give each family member age-appropriate cleaning tasks and expectations. Start when kids are young so it becomes ingrained habit.
For instance, I have my kids put away their toys and books before bed, wipe up their own spills, gather dirty clothes for the hamper, help sort laundry, and take turns with dishwasher emptying and loading. They handle the tasks just fine, and it teaches important life skills.
Schedule Deep Cleans
In additional to daily tidying, regular deep cleaning is essential for getting into all the nooks and crannies that daily lists don’t cover. Designate a time each week or month to do a thorough clean of the kitchen, bathrooms, dusting, windows, etc.
Many people find setting a recurring appointment on their calendar helps hold them accountable. Get the family involved and make deep cleaning a social event by playing music and doing it together. Add some reward incentives when necessary.
The right techniques and habits make cleaning far less overwhelming. Implementing even a few of these simple tips can transform the cleanliness and function of your home. Small changes really do make a big difference!
