Are you tired of dedicating hours to cleaning, only to see dust settle again almost immediately? The struggle to keep your home tidy can feel like a never-ending battle. From the ever-growing ‘dump zone’ near the front door to the laundry room floor that’s hidden under piles of clothes, it can be overwhelming. If you feel exhausted and frustrated by the mess, it’s time to embrace smarter cleaning strategies that can make your life easier.
What is the Quickest Way to Clean a House?
The quickest way to clean your house is to focus on speed-cleaning the visible surfaces. While this method is perfect for last-minute preparations when guests are on the way, it’s not a permanent solution for maintaining cleanliness.
Effective Cleaning Tips for a Faster Experience
To streamline your cleaning process effectively, establish a regular cleaning routine and implement these practical tips and hacks, which can help you tackle specific tasks with ease.
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1. Keep Cleaning Kits Accessible
Having cleaning kits at your fingertips can transform your cleaning routine. Create small kits with essential supplies for various central areas in your home, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. A simple kit might contain disinfectant wipes and microfiber cloths. With supplies readily available, you might even inspire family members to pitch in and clean before guests arrive!
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2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Stain Removal
If spaghetti sauce has left an unsightly orange stain in your plastic food containers, spray them with hydrogen peroxide and let them bask in the sun for a day. The combination of peroxide and sunlight will lift those stubborn stains naturally.
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3. Clear Drains with Pantry Staples
Slow-draining sinks can be frustrating, particularly in a busy household. To tackle light clogs, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and pour the mixture down the drain. After letting it sit for 10 minutes, flush with hot water to restore proper drainage.
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4. Prevent Water Spots with Wax Paper
To keep faucets free of water spots after cleaning, simply wipe them down with wax paper. The wax creates a protective barrier that repels water droplets, keeping your fixtures sparkling.
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5. Remove Pet Hair Easily
Dealing with pet hair can be a cleaning nightmare. To remove it from furniture and carpets, don a pair of rubber gloves and rub your hands over the fabric. The friction will help lift the hair off easily.
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6. Tackle Oil Stains with Dawn and Baking Soda
If you find an oil stain on your favorite clothing, apply a drop of Dawn dish soap and sprinkle with baking soda. Gently scrub the area, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse. This method can save your favorite garments from being ruined!
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7. Clean as You Go
Make it a habit to tidy up after yourself. Whether you’re cooking or getting ready in the morning, taking a few seconds to clean small messes prevents them from becoming overwhelming later.
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8. Use Bread to Pick Up Broken Glass
When you accidentally break glass, start by picking up the larger shards. Then, press a slice of bread to the area to catch any tiny shards that might be left behind.
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9. Remove Hard Water Deposits with Vinegar
Hard water can leave unsightly stains on faucets and showerheads. Soak these areas with white vinegar for several hours to loosen the mineral deposits, and then scrub away.
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10. Delegate Cleaning Tasks
Don’t bear the burden of cleaning alone. Involve your family by assigning specific tasks to each member. This not only lightens your load but also teaches responsibility.
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11. Use a Lint Roller for Dusting
Lint rollers aren’t just for clothing; they work wonders on lampshades and curtains too! They effectively pick up dust without scattering it everywhere.
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12. Dust Baseboards with a Broom
Wrap a microfiber cloth around your broom to dust baseboards easily. This quick trick can save you time and effort during deep cleaning.
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13. Start Cleaning from the Top
When cleaning, always begin at the top and work your way down. This prevents dirt from falling onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned, saving you from unnecessary work.
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14. Disinfect Sponges in the Dishwasher
Instead of tossing out old sponges, disinfect them by placing them on the top rack of your dishwasher during a normal cycle.
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15. Use Your Vacuum to Dust Blinds
Your vacuum’s upholstery attachment is perfect for cleaning blinds. It removes dust quickly and efficiently without pushing dust around.
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16. Follow a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Establishing a consistent cleaning routine will help you manage household chores effectively. Plans should be tailored to your family’s needs to ensure all areas are addressed.
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17. Wash Vent Covers in the Dishwasher
Save time by placing your vent covers in the dishwasher. They will come out clean with minimal effort from you.
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18. Use Toothpaste to Erase Crayon Marks
If your little one has left their mark on your walls, apply a dab of white toothpaste on a damp cloth and scrub gently to remove crayon marks.
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19. Conduct a Nightly Family Clean-Up
Before settling in for the evening, have each family member do a quick clean-up of their designated spaces. This helps maintain order and tidiness.
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20. Clean Lighting Fixtures in the Dishwasher
Intricate lighting covers can be tricky to clean. Instead, remove them and wash them in the dishwasher for a thorough clean.
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21. Implement a No-Shoe Policy
To reduce dirt and dust, consider adopting a no-shoe policy in your home. Provide a designated area for shoes and encourage guests to follow suit.
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22. Remove Scuffs from Vinyl Floors with Alcohol
Vinyl flooring can show scuffs easily. Use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to gently buff away those marks without damaging the surface.
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23. Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Blood Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for lifting protein-based stains like blood. Apply it to the stain, scrub gently, and rinse clean.
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24. Steam Clean Your Microwave
For a quick microwave clean, heat a bowl of water in the microwave for several minutes. The steam will loosen any grime, making it easy to wipe away.
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25. Use a Magic Eraser for Textured Surfaces
Magic Erasers are perfect for cleaning textured surfaces that are hard to scrub. They can help you tackle grime on various household items.
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26. Descale Your Coffee Maker
If your coffee is tasting off, run a mixture of white vinegar through your coffee maker to remove scale buildup, ensuring a better brew.
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27. Clean Cast Iron with a Potato
To clean cast iron, sprinkle kosher salt and scrub with a potato cut in half. This method preserves the seasoning and keeps your pan in good condition.
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28. Remove Burnt Food with a Dryer Sheet
If you have burnt food stuck in a pan, fill it with hot water and a couple of drops of dish soap along with a dryer sheet. Let it sit overnight, then wipe clean.
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29. Clean the Garbage Disposal with a Bottle Brush
For a thorough cleaning of your garbage disposal, use a bottle brush dipped in soapy water to scrub the interior walls and splash guard.
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30. Work Your Way Out of a Room
As you clean, start from the farthest corner and move toward the exit. This prevents you from walking over cleaned areas.
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31. Whiz Soapy Water in Your Blender
To clean your blender blades, fill it with warm water and a few drops of soap, then blend for a minute. This method makes cleaning safe and easy.
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32. Disinfect Your Keyboard
To keep your keyboard germ-free, spray it with compressed air to remove debris. Then, lightly wipe it down with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
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33. Clean Wood Cutting Boards Properly
To maintain your wooden cutting board, sprinkle with kosher salt and scrub with a lemon half. Rinse and let it air dry to keep it in great shape.
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34. Freshen Your Mattress
To eliminate odors, sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, let it sit, and then vacuum it off. This simple trick keeps your bed smelling fresh.
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35. Whiten Grout with Toilet Cleaner
If your grout needs extra help, apply toilet bowl cleaner directly to the grout lines, let it sit, then scrub with a stiff brush for a sparkling finish.
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36. Clean Upholstery with Shaving Cream
For stubborn spots on upholstery, apply shaving cream, let sit, and then blot with a damp cloth. This method is gentle yet effective.
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37. Prevent Mold in Your Washer
To avoid mold and mildew, leave the washing machine door open between uses to allow moisture to escape.
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38. Strip Laundry for Residue Removal
To remove detergent buildup, soak laundry in a mixture of hot water, washing soda, Borax, and detergent for several hours, then rinse thoroughly.
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39. Increase Showerhead Pressure
To boost low shower pressure, soak the showerhead in vinegar using a plastic bag. This will dissolve mineral deposits that clog the nozzles.
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40. Eliminate Fabric Odors with Vodka
For fabrics that carry odors, spray them lightly with vodka. As it evaporates, the alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria, leaving your items fresh.
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41. Use Microfiber for Effective Dusting
Microfiber cloths are essential for dusting. They trap dust without redistributing it, and they can be washed and reused for sustainability.
Cleaning Tips for Simplified Housekeeping
If you’re eager for more advice after exploring these tips, check out some of our most popular cleaning articles. What cleaning strategies do you find most effective for keeping your home spotless?
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