1. Clean the whole house, not one room at time
The most efficient way to clean your house is to focus on one task at a time and do it in every room before moving on to the next task. For example, dust all rooms, then vacuum all rooms, then mop all rooms. This approach is better than cleaning each room completely one after the other because it prevents you from feeling stuck in a repetitive loop of starting the same tasks over and over.
2. Gather all your cleaning tools in a caddy
Having a portable cleaning supply organizer (like a caddy, bucket, or tote) streamlines the cleaning process. It saves time by keeping all your cleaning tools in one accessible location, eliminating the need to search for items during cleaning or gather them before each session.
3. Clear the clutter
Before starting to clean your house, go into each room and remove any unnecessary items (clutter). As you handle each item, decide whether to store it, throw it away, or donate it.
4. Dust and vacuum
To effectively dust, begin by switching off ceiling fans. Focus on dusting the tops of furniture, undersides of shelves, handrails, picture frames, decorations, and TV screens. For high or hard-to-reach areas, attach a microfiber cloth to a mop or broom. Remember to change the bedsheets before vacuuming.
5. Wipe mirrors and glass
To clean mirrors and glass surfaces, first wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, immediately wipe them again with a dry microfiber cloth. This will leave the surfaces clean and streak-free.
6. Disinfect countertops and surface areas
To clean your house, wipe down all hard surfaces like counters, appliances, cabinets, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and phones. Disinfect surfaces that people touch often to prevent the spread of germs. You can make a safe disinfectant by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white or apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
