Adopting 14 Revolutionary Cleaning Routines to Implement Immediately
When it comes to maintaining a clean home, establishing little routines can make a significant impact. By incorporating minor tidying tasks into your daily routine, you'll find that keeping your house clean becomes less of a burden, and you won't have to spend your precious weekend hours on extensive cleaning sessions. Start with these simple cleaning habits that can help you achieve a tidier home with minimal effort and time invested.
Clear the Countertops
Take a moment at the end of each day to quickly wipe down all countertop surfaces. In the kitchen, use a damp cloth to clean the counters after cooking and eating are finished for the night. In the bathroom, do the same just before going to bed.
Organize Your Clothes
Avoid leaving your clothes scattered around the house at night by establishing a routine for sorting and putting away your clothes. Determine which items need laundering and immediately place them in your hamper or laundry basket. Hang or fold and store away any clothes you plan to wear again before washing.
Maintain Your Living Room
Take a few minutes every day to tidy up your living room. Whether it's in the morning or at night, pick up any clutter that doesn't belong in the room and move it to its proper place. Pay special attention to items on the floor or coffee table. Fold throw blankets and plump up pillows and sofa cushions to make the space look presentable.
Stock a Cleaning Caddy
Keep a container filled with cleaning essentials so that you're always prepared to tackle messes as they arise. Be sure to stock multipurpose cleaners, brushes, sponges, microfiber cloths, and other frequently used cleaning supplies within easy reach.
Attend to Cleaning Tasks Immediately
It's easier to take care of small cleaning tasks immediately rather than allowing them to pile up for later. Make it a habit to address cleaning duties as soon as they're needed. Fresh spills and splatters are also simpler to clean up than set-in stains or stubborn messes.
Keep Shoes Near the Door
Reduce the amount of dirt and debris brought into your house by asking family members and guests to leave their shoes at the door. Consider using a basket or cubbies to store shoes in a designated entryway. Provide a few sets of comfy slippers for guests so they won't feel obligated to wear dirty shoes inside.
Keep the Dining Table Clean
Adopt a strict policy against clutter on the dining table. Its cleanliness is crucial to the overall appearance of the room, so prohibit papers, projects, and miscellaneous items from piling up on its surface. A clear table ensures you're always ready for your next meal or activity.
Collect Miscellaneous Items
Set aside a basket or bin for collecting clutter during quick cleanups. Use it as a temporary holding area for random items until it's full. Regularly sort through the basket and find permanent homes for its contents.
Make Your Bed Every Morning
Taking a minute to make your bed every morning sets the tone for your room and your day. This simple task encourages you to continue being productive throughout the day and keeps your bedroom looking tidy.
Create a Dedicated Paperwork Basket
Establish a system to manage incoming paperwork. Every piece of mail, document, invitation, receipt, and other paper should be deposited in this basket as soon as it arrives in the house. This will help keep your counters and flat surfaces clear, and prevent you from wasting time looking for misplaced papers.
Clean Your Toilet Quickly
Add a denture-cleanser tablet to your toilet bowl twice a week. Keep the tablets close at hand so you can quickly drop one in whenever needed. This simple bathroom cleaning hack only takes a moment, but it saves you time compared to scrubbing a dirty toilet bowl.
Maintain a Clean Kitchen Sink
Strive to keep your sink free of dishes and debris by clearing it each night. Start cleaning up as you cook dinner to make the job easier later. Load the dishwasher and run it before going to bed, then hand-wash any remaining dishes.
Clean Your Shower Daily
Maintain your shower by wiping down tile or glass surfaces after each use. Doing so will keep your shower clean and prevent the need for deep cleanings. For glass-door showers, use a squeegee to remove water droplets that can lead to hard water deposits. Spray tiled or fiberglass surfaces with a daily shower cleaner to prevent buildup.
Perform Five-Minute Cleanups Daily
Take advantage of spare minutes throughout the day to tidy up the house. Set a timer for five minutes and work on small cleaning tasks, such as picking up toys or putting clothes from the floor into a hamper. Save larger cleaning duties for another time.
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After following these simple cleaning habits, you may find that you need less advice from sources like BHG's House Cleaning section. By consistently incorporating these tasks into your daily routine, you'll ensure your home maintains a clean and orderly state without requiring extensive weekend cleaning sessions. Regularly reference Housekeeping tips for more ways to improve your cleaning regimen and keep your living space tidy.
