1. House Cleaning Tips: Organise the Cleaning Cupboard
Every task is easier when you have the right tools and supplies ready for the job. Organise your cleaning cupboard so you have everything you need to hand. You really don’t need a “Mrs Hinch” sized “Narnia” cupboard, as the more products you have the harder it will be to find the product you need. I think it’s best to only have two at the most- one on the go and one ready for when you run out.
Keep products and microfibre cloths in baskets tidy in the cupboard, so they’re easy to get to. You need to organise your cleaning supplies in a way that works for you. If you live in a house, you may have a cleaning basket for each floor. It’s important to have a cleaning basket or cupboard permanently in the bathroom too. Remember to keep all products out of reach or locked away from children. Always keep your cleaning tools tidy and in good condition, so they can clean your home efficiently and last a long time. Initially organising your cleaning cupboard will take time, but it will ensure speedier cleaning.
2. Have a Cleaning Schedule
3. Prevent mess
One of my favourite tips to cut down on cleaning time is to prevent a mess! It’s actually easier than it sounds. Here are four tips to prevent mess:
- Putting an absorbent doormat , such as a Turtle Mat, by each entrance can prevent up to 95% more dirt, dust and moisture from entering your home, keeping your floors cleaner. Removing shoes before you enter the house can equal less housework too!
- Popping a non-stick oven liner at the bottom of your oven will mean you never have to scrub your oven floor again. Give it a wipe after each use, pop it in the dishwasher or soak it in the sink when needed. If you have a gas oven make sure you buy one that is suitable and apply it correctly- don’t cover any holes.
- Cover up: to keep your sofas clean and tidy cover them with a stylish throw. Buy at least two sets so you can regularly pop them in the wash to save having to scrub clean stains off your sofa.
- Get outdoors! A great tip to prevent mess, especially when you have children and pets is to get outdoors. Even while we’re experiencing local lockdowns, we’re still allowed outdoors in the garden and for exercise. Every hour spent outdoors is an hour not making a mess- and the fresh air will do you all good!
4. Daily House Cleaning Routines
We’ve mentioned a schedule but you also need to make daily routines and stick to them. If cleaning the house regularly is new to you- start a daily routine and add to it every day. Simple ideas such as spraying the shower with daily shower cleaner after each use will prevent soap scum and keep everything sparkling until your weekly deep clean.
5. Clean the House from Top to Bottom
Being organised saves time. Always clean each room from the top to the bottom. That way the dust or crumbs falling from shelves and surfaces end up on the floor before you vacuum or sweep.
6. Give Products Time to Work
Save time by giving products the time they need to work. While the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar is fizzing and working into the dirt, get on with another job and then go back to that cleaning once the chemicals have done the hard work for you.
7. Keep a Clean Sink
Even when you have a dishwasher, the kitchen (or utility room) sink often ends up as the hub of most cleaning activities. It’s where you soak things, fill up cleaning bowls and mop buckets and wet your clothes. Being in the habit of keeping a clean, tidy and decluttered sink area makes all these jobs easier and speedier.
8. Have a Clutter Basket
During daily tidying, we come across lots of clutter. instead of dealing with it at the time, have a clutter basket to place it all in until your ready to put everything back in its correct home- or better still, if most of it is toys, ask the kids to put away. A smart box with a lid hides your clutter away nicely, but I find an open basket is easier to use.
9. Get the Whole Household Involved in Cleaning
If more than one person lives in the house then it’s important that more than one person is involved in the house cleaning. Plan this in the way that works best for your household. You may assign jobs to different people or like to take things in turns. My most important rule is “Everyone should clean up after themselves.” If you have children, as soon as they are old enough, get them involved with keeping the house clean and tidy. Encourage them to keep their bedrooms tidy. It’s important to give them specific jobs and to model what you expect from them. If you just give out vague statements like “Tidy your room” you may not see results to your standard.
10. Multi-Task When Cleaning
Lastly, to save time, multi-task while you are cleaning. You could pop on a podcast or audiobook. This will make the most of your cleaning time and distract you from the tedious tasks too!
What are your top tips for home cleaning?
