Smart tips to make cleaning your home easier

Updated by April ,13, 2023

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Cleaning can be difficult, in part because of the spread of different surfaces and fabrics, explains Brandi Winch, owner of Homemaid Cleaning Service in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Before you start cleaning, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies, including a cleaning brush, sponges, microfiber cloths, and a bucket. Carry them in a box or apron so you don't waste time looking for the right cleanser or brush.

Cleaning products are very important. Most cleaning professionals prefer microfiber cloths and mop pads because they are reusable, don't leave lint behind, and are less abrasive than paper towels. Winch prefers the Quickie microfiber cloths, but warns that they cannot be washed or dried on high heat, as microfiber is really a type of plastic, not a cloth. A vacuum mop combo that picks up dirt while mopping the floor can also be a great 2-in-1 combo that saves time.

All deep cleaning is based on one of four things: chemicals, agitation (aka physical cleaning), time, and heat. Sometimes you may only need one of these things, and sometimes you need all four. "You don't get heavy dirt off just by wiping," says Winnie. "You're going through the dirt with strong chemicals that take time to activate." You may need to add steam or hot water to remove stubborn stains.

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Instead of focusing on one cleaning task at a time, like cleaning counters, Winch starts at one end of the room and cleans everything in the room from top to bottom—for example, in a kitchen, it could be a cabinet above the room. . a room the sink, the sink backsplash, the sink itself, the cabinet under the sink, and the baseboard-then move to the right and repeat. It's not intuitive, says Winch, but it saves a lot of time because you're not running around the room or retracing your steps.

"Most of the scrap on the floors is about four inches from the edge of the room," says Winch. Vacuums and mops are usually not available, so if you really want a spotless floor, clean the area by hand with a special floor cleaner and microfiber cloth. While you're there, clean the motherboards.

Listening to a playlist full of good cleaning songs might not make cleaning easier, but we promise it will make cleaning more fun. Now that you have the basics down, learn the secrets to cleaning your house room by room.