Cleaning Hacks for the Time-Strapped: A Guide for the Busy and the Lazy
We all desire a spotless home, but often, our busy schedules leave little room for extensive cleaning. If you’re someone who appreciates efficiency and is on the lookout for clever shortcuts, these innovative cleaning hacks are tailored for you. I’ve been immersed in the cleaning world for years, and I’ve discovered methods that allow you to work smarter, not harder. You can find more of my latest tips on my dedicated cleaning page.
Over time, I’ve sorted through countless cleaning tricks, discerning which ones truly deliver results and which are simply not worth the effort. Here are my top cleaning hacks that even the busiest individuals can easily incorporate into their routines!
1. Invest in a Robot Vacuum
This is hands down one of the best cleaning innovations ever! A robot vacuum can be programmed to clean while you’re away, so you return home to spotless floors. All you need to do is empty the collection chamber for its next run.
I set mine to operate daily while I’m at work, and it effectively keeps the cat hair from my two long-haired cats at bay. Plus, you can ask everyone in the house to keep their belongings off the floor to maximize the vacuum’s efficiency.
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2. Embrace Spot Cleaning
If robot vacuums didn’t exist, spot cleaning would take the crown as my top hack. It’s simple and quick—when you notice a dirty spot, address it immediately. Tackling a fresh stain only takes a couple of minutes, while waiting can lead to more effort and potential staining later.
When I’m pressed for time during my weekly cleaning, I often rely on spot cleaning. For instance, instead of mopping the entire kitchen floor, I might just use a wet jet on the visibly dirty areas. If my refrigerator appears clean, I may only wipe down the handle and call it a day. Spot cleaning can save you a significant amount of time while maintaining a neat and tidy appearance in your home.
3. Keep Cleaning Kits in Multiple Rooms
Having cleaning supplies readily available in each major area of your home increases the likelihood that you’ll tackle small messes as they arise. Consider transferring your cleaning solutions into smaller bottles for easy storage and access.
I maintain a cleaning kit under the kitchen sink, another in the utility closet, and one in each bathroom. This way, I have essential supplies close at hand. My basic cleaning kit includes a spray disinfectant cleaner, glass cleaner, a can of compressed air, disinfecting wipes, a couple of stiff-bristled brushes, and several microfiber cloths stored in a clear caddy. The only products I don’t transfer are the toilet cleaner and shower spray foam.
4. Brush and Blast Grimy Spots
This is one of my favorite cleaning techniques, and I’m often surprised that more people don’t utilize it. By using compressed air along with a stiff-bristled brush, you can effectively dislodge dirt from grimy areas.
Start by brushing the spot to loosen the dirt, then blast it with compressed air. Follow up by vacuuming or wiping away any remaining debris. I find a stiff-bristled paintbrush works well for vents and gridded areas, while a grout brush is perfect for small, tight spaces like remote controls, keyboards, and the bottom of shower door frames. For more insight, check out our post on How to Clean Window Tracks.
For even better results, combine this method with a spray cleaner. Just spray the hinges or the bottom of the toilet, let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub with your stiff-bristled brush, blast away the cleaner, and wipe up with a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to clean the wall behind the toilet while you’re at it!
Related Article: Dirtiest Spots You’re Forgetting to Clean
5. Tackle Grimy Grout with Toilet Cleaner
If your grout is in dire need of a refresh, apply some of The Works toilet cleaner to the affected areas. After applying, go about your other tasks for about 20 minutes. When you return, give it a gentle scrub with a grout brush, wipe off the cleaner with a damp sponge, and rinse with water. Your grout will look revitalized with minimal effort!
6. Use Vacuum Attachments for Dusting
Why waste time dusting when you can let your vacuum do the work? Utilize your vacuum’s upholstery attachment for tasks like dusting window blinds. Close the blinds completely and move the attachment from left to right and top to bottom to capture the dust. Then, flip the blinds and repeat for the opposite side. For any stubborn spots, follow up with a damp microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipe from your cleaning kit.
This method also works wonders on lampshades, speaker covers, bathroom fan covers, picture frames, and decorative furniture handles.
Related Article: Deep Clean Your Bedroom
7. Let Baking Soda Work Its Magic
To effectively clean with baking soda, mix it with the right ingredients and allow it to sit for a while. Create a paste with Dawn dishwashing detergent, baking soda, and water, and apply it to greasy surfaces. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then wipe with a damp cloth and scrub any remaining grime. The combination of baking soda and dishwashing detergent helps break down and absorb the grease, making your cleaning efforts easier.
You can see this technique in action in our post on How to Keep Your Oven Clean.
8. Utilize the Power of the Magic Eraser
While I’ve found that a Magic Eraser isn’t the best for cleaning ovens or glass stovetops, it excels on textured surfaces. It effortlessly removes dirt and grime from trim, moldings, doors, handles, and appliances when all else fails. Just be cautious when spot cleaning, as the areas treated with a Magic Eraser may look much cleaner than the surrounding surfaces!
9. Harness the Power of Steam
Steam is a powerful cleaning agent that can make your job significantly easier. Simply microwave a bowl of water with lemon wedges for two minutes, and then wipe down the inside of the microwave with a dry cloth. You can also steam up your bathroom before cleaning; the steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Cleaning Hacks to Avoid
Throughout my cleaning journey, I’ve come across several hacks that require far too much effort or simply don’t work. Here are a few to steer clear of:
Baking Soda and Vinegar for Oven Cleaning
While this combination might work for light cleaning, it requires considerable elbow grease for tougher jobs. For better results, add Dawn dishwashing detergent to the mix and let it sit overnight to ease your efforts.
Dryer Sheets for Oven Racks and Baking Sheets
Despite trying various methods with dryer sheets, including letting them sit for hours, I found little success. Instead, create a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste, apply it overnight, and wipe clean for effective results.
Newspaper for Window Cleaning
Although newspaper might help prevent streaking, it can leave ink residue and fragments on your windows. Plus, how many people still read newspapers? Stick to glass cleaner and a good microfiber cloth for the best results.
Share Your Cleaning Hacks!
I’ve shared my favorite cleaning hacks for the busy among us. What are some of yours? Feel free to share your tips and tricks!
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