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What are the Best House Cleaning Tips?

B. Miller
B. Miller

House cleaning is a chore that not many people enjoy, but that most people have to do, even if one just lives in a small apartment. One of the best house cleaning tips to keep in mind is to not leave all the cleaning to just one day; try to keep up with it throughout the week. In addition, try to make cleaning as easy on oneself as possible by planning ahead, and storing cleaning supplies right in the room in which they will be used.

Cleaning up a mess as soon as it occurs is one of the best house cleaning tips to remember. Of course, most people will clean up a messy spill as soon as it happens, but many people will let mail pile up on the table, or leave clothing scattered all over the floor for days. Instead, try to deal with these messes as soon as they happen; it will likely only take a few minutes and then it will be done.

Baking soda can be used to clean many different household items.
Baking soda can be used to clean many different household items.

Some people also find that one of the best house cleaning tips is to take a few minutes at the end of the day and simply go around the house, picking things up and putting them away. People with children often have their kids help with this process; not only does this help get more done, but it teaches children to keep their things clean and tidy. Another option is to clean things while waiting to do something else; for instance, if one is waiting on hold on the phone, take a few minutes and wipe down the counters.

A bottle of ammonia, a common household cleaner.
A bottle of ammonia, a common household cleaner.

Other house cleaning tips are often related to convenience. If one has two bathrooms in the home, for instance, keep cleaning supplies in each bathroom so they do not need to be shuttled back and forth. Keeping supplies like toilet bowl brushes within easy reach makes them more likely to be used. In addition, some simple, natural ingredients can also be used for cleaning; for example, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and lemon juice can be used for many cleaning tasks, and they are free of harmful chemicals and will not harm the environment.

Each member of a family may be expected to dust the areas of a home they use personally.
Each member of a family may be expected to dust the areas of a home they use personally.

Finally, some people find that rather than taking a few minutes here and there to clean, they prefer to set aside a few hours once a week to tackle the house cleaning. The best house cleaning tips, or any tips meant to make one's life easier, are the ones that work for you and your lifestyle. Search online for specific cleaning and stain removal tips; many people post things that have worked for them.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@spotiche5- I think that the best suggestion in this article is to do a little house cleaning each day instead of doing it all at once. Tackling house chores one at a time is much less overwhelming than setting aside an entire day to clean the whole house.

You can also group your house cleaning tasks so you can do more than one at a time. For example, you can make your bed while putting away clean laundry, clean your shower stall or bathtub while taking a shower, or do dishes while making dinner to help make the most of your time.

Heavanet

@spotiche5- If you live with family members or roommates, you should make your house cleaning a joint effort. Assign certain tasks to each person, and you will be able to keep your house clean with much less effort and time.

Raynbow

@spotiche5- I have found a unique way to accomplish two tasks at one time when I do my weekly house cleaning.

Since I work out three times a week, I use my house cleaning activities as one of my workout days. I put on music and clean, using the movements as my exercises. From running the vacuum, to dusting, to carrying laundry up and down my basement steps, house cleaning is actually one of the best workouts I get each week.

Spotiche5

I have a very busy schedule and am having a hard time fitting cleaning my house into my week. I'd love to hear from others about how they keep up with this task and all of the other things they have to do each day.

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    • Baking soda can be used to clean many different household items.
      Baking soda can be used to clean many different household items.
    • A bottle of ammonia, a common household cleaner.
      By: picsfive
      A bottle of ammonia, a common household cleaner.
    • Each member of a family may be expected to dust the areas of a home they use personally.
      By: Glenda Powers
      Each member of a family may be expected to dust the areas of a home they use personally.
    • Cleaning supplies should be kept in every bathroom of a house.
      By: david hughes
      Cleaning supplies should be kept in every bathroom of a house.
    • Mouthwash leaves toilet bowls sparkling and clean-smelling.
      By: ijacky
      Mouthwash leaves toilet bowls sparkling and clean-smelling.
    • Cleaning supplies, like disinfecting wipes, kept in each bathroom make cleaning up messes simple.
      By: Edie Layland
      Cleaning supplies, like disinfecting wipes, kept in each bathroom make cleaning up messes simple.
    • Some people wear gloves when cleaning with chemicals.
      By: flas100
      Some people wear gloves when cleaning with chemicals.
    • Portable vacuums can help with cleaning by reaching places normal vacuums can't.
      By: jackmicro
      Portable vacuums can help with cleaning by reaching places normal vacuums can't.
    • Keeping dirty laundry in a hamper is a good alternative to leaving them on the floor.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Keeping dirty laundry in a hamper is a good alternative to leaving them on the floor.
    • Baking soda is free of the harmful chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products.
      By: Vidady
      Baking soda is free of the harmful chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products.
    • Kitchen and bathroom surfaces should be disinfected to avoid the spread of germs.
      By: Tatty
      Kitchen and bathroom surfaces should be disinfected to avoid the spread of germs.
    • Washing dishes should be part of anyone's house cleaning checklist.
      By: kmiragaya
      Washing dishes should be part of anyone's house cleaning checklist.
    • A lint roller might be useful in removing dust and particles from furniture.
      By: Brooke Becker
      A lint roller might be useful in removing dust and particles from furniture.