The Golden Rules of Cleaning According to Experts
Keeping your home clean and tidy can sometimes feel like a never-ending chore, especially if you live in a busy city like Austin, TX.
However, by following a few key principles, you can make the process more efficient and effective. We've scoured the top golden rules that the experts swear by. Implement these into your cleaning routine and your home will be sparkling in no time!
If you find yourself short on time or energy, consider hiring an affordable cleaning service like Sparkly Maid Austin to help you maintain a clean and healthy living space.
Declutter First, Clean Second
One of the most important rules of cleaning is to declutter before you start scrubbing. Getting rid of unnecessary items will make the actual cleaning process much quicker and easier.
Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Be ruthless - if you haven't used something in the past year, chances are you don't really need it.
Once the clutter is cleared, you'll have a much better sense of what actually needs to be cleaned. Plus, there will be fewer obstacles in your way as you move from task to task. Cleaning will seem like a more manageable undertaking when you're not constantly moving piles of stuff around.
Clean from Top to Bottom
When it's time to break out the cleaning supplies, always start at the top of the room and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris that you dislodge will fall to the ground, where it can be easily swept or vacuumed up at the end.
If you start with the floors and then dust the ceiling fans, you'll just end up with a dirty floor again. Professional Round Rock cleaning services always follow this top-to-bottom approach to ensure a thorough clean.
In the bathroom, start by dusting the light fixtures and tops of cabinets. Then move on to cleaning the mirror, counters and sinks. The toilet, tub and floor should be last on your list.
In the kitchen, wipe down the top of the fridge and upper cabinets before moving on to the counters and appliances. Save the floors for last here as well.
Use the Right Tools for the Job
Having the proper cleaning supplies on hand will make your life infinitely easier. Invest in good quality microfiber cloths, which can be used for everything from dusting to wiping down counters. They're more effective at trapping dirt and dust than regular rags or paper towels. Plus they're reusable, so you'll save money in the long run.
A good vacuum is another must-have, especially if you have carpets or rugs. Look for one with strong suction and a HEPA filter to trap allergens.
For hard floors, a microfiber mop will work wonders. Don't forget to stock up on an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and bathroom and kitchen disinfectants.
With the right tools in your arsenal, you'll be ready to tackle any cleaning challenge.
Follow a Systematic Approach
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break your cleaning down into manageable chunks. Focus on one room at a time, and don't move on until it's complete. Within each room, use a systematic approach.
For example, in the bedroom you might start by stripping the sheets and putting them in the wash. While they're washing, dust all the surfaces, including the headboard, nightstands, and dressers. Then vacuum the floors and remake the bed with fresh sheets.
In the living room, start by tidying up any loose items and putting them in their proper places. Then dust the furniture, electronics, and decor. Vacuum the couch and chairs, as well as the floors and any rugs.
Finally, clean the windows and mirrors. By focusing on one area at a time, you'll be able to see your progress and avoid getting sidetracked.
Don't Forget the Details
It's easy to focus on the big ticket items like floors and counters, but don't forget about the smaller details. These little things can make a big difference in the overall appearance and cleanliness of your home.
Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and cabinet handles frequently, as these are some of the most germ-ridden spots in the house.
Dust the baseboards, window sills, and the tops of picture frames.
Vacuum upholstered furniture and lampshades, and launder throw pillows and blankets.
In the kitchen, don't forget to clean the inside of the microwave and wipe down the fronts of the cabinets.
By paying attention to these often-overlooked areas, your whole house will look and feel cleaner.
Make It a Habit
The key to maintaining a clean home is to make cleaning a regular habit. Rather than letting things pile up until they're out of control, take a little time each day to tidy up.
Make your bed in the morning, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher throughout the day, and do a quick pick-up of common areas before bed.
Set aside some time each week for deeper cleaning tasks, like vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing the bathrooms. By staying on top of these tasks regularly, you'll avoid the overwhelming feeling of a messy house.
Plus, when you do your weekly deep clean, it won't take as long because you've been maintaining things all along.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Cleaning shouldn't be a solo endeavor. Get the whole family involved in the process. Assign age-appropriate chores to kids, and make sure everyone pitches in. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also teach important life skills and responsibility.
Make a chore chart so everyone knows what's expected of them. For younger kids, make cleaning a game by setting a timer and seeing who can pick up the most toys in five minutes.
For teens, offer incentives like extra screen time or a later curfew for a job well done. When everyone works together, cleaning becomes a team effort rather than a dreaded task.
Reward Yourself
Finally, don't forget to reward yourself for a job well done. Cleaning is hard work, and you deserve to treat yourself when you've finished. Take a long bubble bath, read a book, or watch an episode of your favorite show. Or plan a fun outing as a family to celebrate your sparkling clean home.
By following these golden rules of cleaning, you'll be able to keep your home looking its best with minimal stress and effort.
Remember to declutter regularly, use the right tools, and make cleaning a habit. Involve the whole family in the process and don't forget to reward yourself for your hard work. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a cleaner, happier home.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
