There’s nothing better than a spotlessly clean home. But let’s be honest, for most of us, cleaning our home isn’t exactly on our list of things we like to spend our time on.
Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be a boring and exhausting task. With the right schedule, techniques, and a few little tricks, you can keep your space organized and sparkling while saving both time and energy.
In this article, you’ll learn how to keep your home clean without spending hours on chores.
Plan Your Cleaning
Cleaning your home becomes much easier if you have a plan. Create a household chore schedule that will guide you every day and help you distribute your responsibilities evenly.
With this method, you’ll never have a ton of chores pile up, and your home will always look clean and fresh.
Below, I’ll share my plan, which you can use or adapt to your needs and time.
Monday: Bedroom Day
- Change sheets
- Dust & polish furniture
- Clean mirrors
- Sweep/vacuum floors
Tuesday: Bathroom Day
- Clean shower & toilet
- Clean sink, counter
- Sweep & mop floors
- Clean the mirror
Wednesday: Kitchen Day
- Clean out the refrigerator
- Clean counters
- Clean table & chairs
- Sweep and mop floors
- Take out trash
Thursday: Living Room Day
- Dust & polish furniture
- Clean TV
- Freshen fabrics (Febreze)
- Sweep/vacuum floors
Friday: Outside
- Clean out the car
- Straighten up the garage
- Sweep off the steps
- Yard work
Saturday: Pre-treat Stains
- Iron clothing
- Wash bedding & towels
- Fold & put away laundry
- Hand-wash delicate items
Consistency Is Key
One of the most important tips for maintaining a clean home is regular cleaning. Instead of letting clutter build up, try cleaning a little every day.
Small tasks like a quick dusting, washing the sink, or taking off the kitchen towels will reduce your workload when it comes time for general cleaning.
One of the main reasons why a home can look messy is the accumulation of small things, so picking up the dirt quickly will save you from having to clean it later.
Clean Top to Bottom
When you start cleaning, always start at the top of the room. This is very important because dust and dirt will settle on the floor as you clean.
Start by dusting shelves, lamps, and mirrors, then move on to the furniture. Finally, clean the floor. This way, you won’t have to clean the same area twice.
Natural Cleaners
Many of the cleaning products we use at home contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our health. To avoid exposure to toxic substances, you can use natural alternatives. Some of the best natural cleaning products are:
- Baking soda: Great for cleaning stubborn stains and unpleasant odors.
- Vinegar: A natural disinfectant that removes limescale and mold.
- Lemon: Great for brightening and refreshing surfaces.
For example, you can make a solution of vinegar and water to clean glass and windows, or use lemon and baking soda to polish kitchen surfaces.
My Favorite Natural Cleaners
Lemon Mop Water
Ingredients:
- Juice of 1 Lemon, freshly squeezed for natural degreasing and scent.
- ½ cup White Vinegar, breaks down grime and enhances shine.
- 1 Tablespoon Castile Soap adds gentle cleaning power without residue.
- 1 Gallon Warm Water, mix everything in a bucket until blended.
Instructions:
- Mop as usual
- Great for tile, laminate, and sealed wood floors
Washing Machine Cleaner
Mold, mildew, and bacteria lead to funky-smelling washing machines. That’s where this hack comes in:
- Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water and add it to your machine’s detergent container.
- Use 4 cups of plain white vinegar (not apple cider) in the drum of a top-load machine or 2 cups in a front-load model.
- Run a high-temperature cycle.
Fresh Towel Trick
Just run a hot wash cycle with:
- 1 cup of white vinegar (no detergent!)
- ½ cup of baking soda in a second wash
No more musty smells. Towels come out soft, fresh & fluffy!
Organize For More Space And Less Clutter
The key to maintaining a clean and tidy home lies in good organization.
Invest in boxes, shelves, and organizers that will help you sort through clutter and keep things in their place. Even small investments like baskets for storing toys, magazines, or keys can make a big difference in the visual cleanliness of your home.
Quick and Easy Room Refresh
If you don’t have time for a thorough cleaning, there are a few quick tricks that will instantly make your home look tidier and cleaner. Here’s how:
Airing Out
Open the windows for fresh air. This will instantly freshen up the room and reduce unpleasant odors.
Quick Wipe
With a damp cloth, wipe down key surfaces like tables, shelves, and kitchen counters.
Clean Up
If you have various small items scattered around your home, quickly gather them into boxes or storage baskets. This will visually make the space cleaner in no time.