8 Time Saving House Cleaning Tips

Crazy as it sounds, I know there are people who enjoy cleaning their house. They consider it therapeutic. I personally think they must be related to the people who think ironing is therapeutic! That being said, most of us don’t really enjoy cleaning our house. We like having a clean house, but the actual cleaning part is not so fun. And unless you have an extra couple hundred bucks per month to hire a housekeeper, you will be doing the cleaning yourself or with help if you are lucky.

If I can save you a little time on the housecleaning part so that you can enjoy other parts of you life then we will both be happier. Here are some tips to help you expedite your house cleaning.

1. Complete your least favorite task first.

This serves two purposes. First of all you will have that dreaded task out of the way and the rest of the job will seem that much easier. And second, you will get to mentally check it off your to-do list and that will give you some energy and momentum to carry on to the next tasks.

For me, it is easy to choose this task. I clean the cat boxes first. Yes, three cats equals two cat boxes at our house. Once I have accomplished this, I can easily do some other house cleaning chores.

2. Have a strict No Shoes policy.

It really isn’t that difficult to take your shoes off at the door. Have a clear place that everyone who comes in can leave their shoes. Have a basket of slippers if you want too. I find that most people who come into my house automatically take their shoes off at the door when they see the shoe tray and rack. It may seem like a small thing but it will save so much dirt from entering your home.

3. Take a Basket with you for tidying up.

Don’t try to clean around everyones mess. Find a basket (an old laundry basket will work) and go through the house before you clean, picking up everything that isn’t where it belongs. I like to make two trips around the house. The first is to put everything into the basket and the second is to deliver it back where it should live.

4. Make your bed!

 

Just do it – right after you get up in the morning. I know this isn’t really a cleaning task but it goes a long way toward making your house look clean. It also works along with #1. After you make your bed you will have a sense of accomplishment and you will start the day off right. And if you have a terrible day, at least you will come home to a neat and inviting, well-made bed to remind you that you started the day off right and you will do it again tomorrow as well.

5. Keep your cleaning products where you use them.

Why are you hiding all of your cleaning products in the hall closet or under the kitchen sink? Keep the cleaning wipes in the bathroom. Keep the toilet brush and the bowl cleaner right beside the toilet. Store the garbage bags in the kitchen pantry or under the kitchen sink. Why waste time running around collecting cleaning products? That is just another excuse not to clean.

6. Eliminate the unnecessary clutter.

We all have stuff. Look at the things in your house and decide if you really want or need them. Of course you want the pictures of the kids and the awesome artwork they bring home. Do you really need the candle shaped like a cupcake that Aunt Rose gave you 5 years ago? And what about that vase you won at the Holiday party last year? If it isn’t meaningful to you then stop dusting it and get rid of it!

7. Clean from the top to the bottom.

Start dusting up high and then work your way down. Finish with the floors. It doesn’t make any sense to clean the floors first when you are just going to dust and get them dirty again. Same goes for the counter tops. Clean them before you vacuum and mop.

8. Clean a little every day.

Use all of your down time. While your waiting for the toaster in the morning you can empty the dishwasher. If you are on the phone you can walk around and get some dusting done or walk with that basket and get the tidying up done. While you brush your teeth you can wipe down that counter top. Take advantage of those little opportunities. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish with these found moments. Then when you go to clean the whole house your job will be so much easier.

Forgive yourself for not having a spotless house.

You aren’t going to be able to maintain a perfectly clean house. Life gets in the way. The kids and the pets follow right behind you messing up what you cleaned. You can’t prevent the house from being lived in. And honestly why would you want to? When the house gets too messy that is when my inner cleany meany comes out. Just do your best to tidy up and organize and give up the idea that you have to have a spotless house. And then, let it go… you will be a happier person if you don’t have anxiety over the condition of the house. Use the tips outlined here to keep some semblance of neat and clean and to keep your inner cleany meany at bay.