Some people find cleaning therapeutic, but if you’re reading this, chances are that’s not you. If you want to maintain a spotless home without spending hours scrubbing, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered expert-backed tips that will help you keep your space neat with minimal effort.
Top Cleaning Tips for a Tidy Home
1. Tidy Up As You Go
Instead of letting clutter pile up, clean as you go. Cleaning expert Arturo Perez advises, “If you spill something, wipe it up immediately. Always put things back in their place.” This simple habit prevents messes from accumulating and makes cleaning effortless.
2. Make Your Bed Every Morning
A neatly made bed instantly makes your bedroom look cleaner. Plus, starting your day with a completed task boosts motivation for other chores.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces Daily
Dust and grime build up quickly. Take a moment to wipe down tables, shelves, and countertops. Doing this while watching TV or listening to music makes it feel like less of a chore.
4. Disinfect High-Touch Areas
TV remotes, light switches, and doorknobs collect germs. Use disinfecting wipes regularly to keep your home hygienic.
5. Vacuum or Sweep High-Traffic Areas Daily
Dirt accumulates quickly in entryways and hallways. Spending just five minutes sweeping or vacuuming these areas keeps the entire home looking fresh.
6. Wipe Down the Shower After Each Use
The steam from your shower loosens grime, making it easier to wipe away immediately. Keeping a bathroom cleaner nearby makes this step convenient.
7. Give the Toilet a Quick Scrub Nightly
Before bed, apply toilet cleaner and let it sit while you brush your teeth. A quick scrub afterward keeps the bowl fresh and stain-free.
8. Declutter Before Bedtime
A quick five-minute tidy-up each night prevents clutter from accumulating. Use a basket to gather stray items and put them in their designated places.
9. “Close Down” the Kitchen Each Night
Don’t go to bed with dirty dishes! Wipe counters, clean up spills, and sweep the kitchen floor. This small effort keeps your kitchen fresh and inviting.
10. Clean Out the Fridge Weekly
Toss expired food, wipe down shelves, and organize your groceries. This habit prevents unpleasant odors and keeps your fridge looking neat.
11. Do Laundry Throughout the Week
Instead of waiting for laundry to pile up, wash a load every few days. Professional organizer Marty Stevens-Heebner suggests spreading laundry across the week to avoid overwhelming yourself.
12. Dust Weekly
Use a microfiber cloth to dust surfaces from top to bottom. Regular dusting improves air quality and keeps your home looking polished.
13. Mop and Vacuum Weekly
Schedule one room per day to avoid spending hours cleaning at once. This way, you maintain spotless floors with minimal effort.
14. Avoid Wearing Shoes Indoors
Shoes track in dirt and germs. Keep a shoe rack by the door and encourage family members and guests to remove their footwear upon entering.
15. Donate Unused Items Regularly
Keep a donation box handy for clothes and household items you no longer need. When the box is full, drop it off at a local charity.
16. Organize Everything
Ensure that frequently used items have designated spaces. Use hooks for keys, baskets for mail, and organizers for toiletries to keep everything in order.
17. Provide a Laundry Hamper for Each Person
Laundry is less likely to pile up if everyone has their own hamper. Place hampers where people typically change clothes for easy access.
18. Store Cleaning Supplies in Each Room
Having cleaning supplies within reach makes it easier to tackle messes as they happen. Keep bathroom cleaners in each bathroom and multipurpose cleaners in the kitchen.
19. Create a Deep Cleaning Schedule
Some cleaning tasks only need attention every few months. Set reminders for tasks like deep-cleaning carpets, washing drapes, and scrubbing windows to stay on track.