Keeping a clean home can feel like an overwhelming task. As a busy person, I’m always looking for ways to speed clean so I can get the chore done faster. Here are my best tips for speed cleaning your way to a spotless home.
Set a Timer
Timing yourself as you clean helps you stay focused and work efficiently.
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and see how much you can get done in that time frame.
- Challenge yourself to beat the clock. Working against a timer will help you avoid getting distracted.
- Start by setting a timer for one task, like cleaning the bathroom. Once you get used to working quickly, time your whole cleaning routine.
Tackle One Room at a Time
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you try to clean the whole house at once. Instead, focus on one room at a time.
- Start with the room that needs cleaning the most. Seeing a visibly cleaner space will motivate you to keep going.
- Gather all your cleaning supplies and bring them into the room with you. This prevents wasting time running back and forth.
- Give each room your full attention until it’s completely cleaned. Checking tasks off your list one room at a time keeps you focused.
Streamline Your Process
Develop an efficient system so you’re not wasting time figuring out what to clean next.
- Always start by tidying and decluttering – put items away, clear surfaces, and take out the trash.
- Move from top to bottom – clean ceiling fans first, then do countertops, sinks, etc.
- Clean in a pattern that flows logically around the room.
- End with floors so you’re not walking over them and dirtying them again.
Use Cleaning Hacks
Look for shortcuts that save you time without sacrificing quality.
- Mix your own cleaning solutions instead of buying premixed cleaners. A vinegar/water combo works for most tasks.
- Use microfiber cloths – they pick up dirt without needing cleaning products.
- Attach a squeegee to your vacuum – it speeds up window and mirror cleaning.
- Invest in effective tools like a powered vacuum and spin mop.
Enlist Help from Others
Get your family members to pitch in so you don’t have to do it all yourself.
- Make a shared cleaning schedule and assign tasks to different people.
- Offer incentives for help, like getting to choose dinner or a special treat.
- Make it fun by putting on music and turning it into quality bonding time.
- Hire a cleaning service just for heavy duty tasks like carpets and oven cleaning.
Maintain as You Go
Doing quick clean ups regularly prevents messes from building up.
- Wipe kitchen surfaces while waiting for the coffee to brew.
- Straighten pillows when walking through a room.
- Always put items back where they belong after using them.
- Do a 10 minute tidy of each room at the end of the day.
When you break cleaning down into smaller, more manageable tasks, it becomes faster and less overwhelming. With these speed cleaning strategies, I can get my whole house spotless in just an hour or two. What are your favorite tips for speed cleaning your home?
