To keep your home tidy all the time, try these simple house cleaning tips and tricks. With just a little effort and our time-saving ideas, your home can be better organized and easier to care for. So you'll have more time for the things you really enjoy.
Get rid of clutter. If you can't put it away, it's clutter. So divide it into three groups: junk, charity and undecided. Toss the first, give away the second and store the third in a box or bag until you can decide whether it's really worth keeping.
Remove clutter catchers. If clutter accumulates on a table near a door, remove the table so you'll be more likely to put things away.
Use entry mats. Use only one entry door into your home. Put a sturdy doormat on the outside and another on the inside. It is amazing how much dirt they catch.
Establish a command center. Designate one location (usually the kitchen) for daily mail, calendar, bulletin board, car keys, school papers, grocery lists, etc. Every family member should have a shelf for messages and an out box or folder to deal with clutter on the spot.
Clean top to bottom. Clean the house and each room from the top down. Dust first, vacuum last. Vacuum from east to west and north to south. Scrub, wipe and polish in straight lines instead of circles.
Clean windows and mirrors like a pro. Squeegee the surface with an initial horizontal stroke across the top, then vertical strokes, wiping the blade after each stroke.
Create a cleaning carry-all. Store all your basic cleaning supplies in a cleaner's apron or bucket and carry them with you from task to task.
Use the clock. Give cleaning solutions time to work. Spritz counters, mirrors and surfaces in the bath and kitchen while you scrub the sink, tub and toilet. Then wipe them clean.
Defy dust. Change furnace filter and replace vacuum bags monthly. Do not miss vents when you dust.
Use the right tools. Cotton diapers are great for most jobs, but some tasks require a specialist. Try a damp sponge to quickly remove pet hair from upholstery and pillows. A dry sponge erases grime from acoustical tiles. Wear cotton gloves and clean mini-blinds by hand.