You may think that house cleaning is boring, tedious and time-consuming. But, are you unknowingly doing things that make cleaning more difficult than it needs to be?
Take a look at this list of ten mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them. Once you address these issues, housework will become a whole lot easier.
House Cleaning Secrets To Make Life Easier
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1. Prevent Dirt From Entering Your Home
Are you inviting dirt into your home? One of the biggest mistakes you might be making is wearing shoes inside the house. Shoes track in all sorts of dirt and grime from outside so leave them at the door and enforce a “no shoes” policy. Not only does this help to prevent the build-up of dirt, it also helps to protect your floors from scuffs and scratches.
Don’t be shy about asking guests to remove their shoes when they enter your home. Create a pretty sign and place it by the front door so visitors can clearly see it.
If there’s construction going on outside or you live in a dry, dusty environment, keep the windows closed. This will block dust from blowing in and will make cleaning easier.
2. Do Activities In Dedicated Spaces
Eating in bed and working in the living room means that you’re taking items away from where they belong and into another room. Then, you have to tidy up and return everything to maintain a clean and tidy home.
It may seem like such a small thing but think about how often you see glasses and cereal bowls stacked up next to the sofa. Keeping items close to their homes makes it easier to put them back when you’re done using them.
Even if you live in a small space, where it’s not possible to have one room serve one function, you should still have a specific area dedicated to an activity. So, if your house is never as tidy as you’d like it to be, keep this in mind.
3. Create A Cleaning Schedule
Having a cleaning routine is one of my best housekeeping tips for home. It can help you to stay on top of all the chores that need to be done. No-one really enjoys housework and when life gets busy, it’ll be the first thing you’ll let slide.
Ignoring chores actually makes cleaning more difficult because dirt has more time to build up and it takes more effort to get rid of it.
Create a schedule that works for your lifestyle—whether you do a little every day or tackle the entire house over the weekend.
Delegate chores to your family so you have help. One person doesn’t need to do everything.
4. Make Cleaning Fun
Try different ways to make cleaning fun. Listen to music, podcasts or audio books.
I don’t recommend watching T.V because I just find myself looking at the television instead of what I should be doing. The important thing is to distract yourself so you’re not focusing on how boring the task is but not so much that you can’t get it done.
5. Use Quality Tools
There’s no sense in cleaning if you’re going to use crappy tools or cleaning products for the job. You’ll just be wasting time because it will take twice as long as it needs to.
A good household cleaning tip is to get sturdy, well-made tools and research cleaning hacks thoroughly to ensure they work.
6. Use Cleaning Products Properly
Always read the instructions on cleaning supplies so you’re using them correctly. House cleaning can be much easier and less frustrating if you let the products sit and work for the recommended times. I know it’s tempting to rush but it’s less efficient, so slow down!
7. Maintain Cleaning Tools
You spent a lot of money on your vacuum cleaner but you don’t take the time to maintain it. In order for your tools to work effectively, you have to take care of them.
Inspect and clean your vacuum cleaner brush. Hair and lint can wrap around bristles easily and the brush won’t pick up as much dirt over time.
Make sure to empty the vacuum canister after every use or replace the bags frequently. Clean and replace the filters on your vacuum often as well. Your Owner’s Manual will guide you as to how regularly this need to be done.
Wash cleaning cloths after every use and clean your mop too. Neglecting to do this means you’re just spreading germs everywhere.
8. Improve Cleaning Methods
Sometimes, the way you choose to clean can actually make life harder. For instance, don’t spray furniture polish directly onto surfaces. This leaves a film behind that attracts dust. Always spray your cleaner onto a cloth.
Cleaning windows on a sunny day causes them to dry faster leaving streaks and marks behind that you need to get rid of. It’s actually better to do this job on a cooler, cloudy day.
9. Clean As You Go
Take a few minutes to clean up after yourself daily. After you finish cooking, wash up the dishes and wipe down the stove, counters and sink. Spray the shower with daily cleaner after use to prevent the build-up of mildew and soap scum. Hang up clothes in your closet or put them in the hamper after you undress.
When you clean as you go, you avoid a messy house that’s harder to deal with later.
10. Make As Few Trips As Possible
Keep all of your cleaning supplies in a caddy so they’re easy to carry all at once. That way, you’re not running back and forth to collect items you need.
Also, store them where you’ll actually use them by setting up cleaning stations. So, you might keep toilet bowl cleaner in the bathroom and stainless steel cleaning products in the kitchen.
As you tidy your home, use a basket to corral items that need to be returned to their rightful places. This eliminates multiple trips and you won’t have to juggle several items in your hands at once.
You might think that chores suck and I won’t argue with you there but these ten house cleaning secrets can definitely simplify the process.
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Great ideas putting things away when you are done using them is the best thing.
Thank you! Putting things away immediately after use is one of the simplest ways to prevent your home from getting messy.