No matter the size of your home, it certainly deserves a good cleaning on a regular basis. But we don’t always feel like it.
Keeping a home neat and clean requires time and effort. The clutter, dust, and dirt that make their way into our homes seem to form a never-ending cycle of cleaning. But whether you are doing a thorough seasonal cleaning or daily chores, there are plenty of little tips and tricks experts recommend to get the job done right.
1. Before you clean any room or area of your home, remove all of the clutter. Separate the clutter into piles of items that can be recycled or tossed in the trash, items to be donated, and items to be returned to their proper spot. Your room will look tidier immediately and be easier to deep clean.
2. Before you start a cleaning session, gather all the supplies you’ll need so you won’t have to stop to go look for a product or tool. Use a bucket or cleaning caddy to keep everything handy. A cleaning kit should include a great all-purpose cleaner, microfiber towels, glass cleaners, tub/tile cleaners, dish soap, and tools like a vacuum, Swiffer or mop, sponges, scrubbing brushes, and more, just to name a few.
3. To get the chores done more effectively, always use clean tools. A dirty mop does not absorb dirt well and leaves residue on the floor. A vacuum that is filled with dust can’t clean well. Dusters filled with grit can leave scratches on surfaces. Clean your tools after each use so they are ready to go when you are.
4. When dusting or cleaning just about any vertical surface, start at the top and work your way down.
As the soil is removed, any loose particles or drips, if you’re using water, can be caught by the next cleaning movement. No need to backtrack and must reclean a freshly cleaned area.
5. We have all vacuumed quickly to get a room ready for company but to vacuum thoroughly and remove as much dirt and dust as possible, vacuum in one direction following the pile of the carpet and then again across the direction of the pile. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your carpet looks and smells.
And removing all the dirt helps the carpet last longer.
Additionally, getting a better vacuum with HEPA filtration can help, as it cleans the air as you vacuum and keeps the machine from blasting odors and allergens into the air as you clean.
Left: Gather your cleaning supplies.
