I think we can all agree that we all want to have a clean and tidy home. Coming home to a dirt free space can give us a great feeling, especially when everything is organized and in order. But honestly, the cleaning process is always a bit of a hassle (or it’s just a task we’re not up for). I mean, all the dusting, wiping and cleaning can be overwhelming!
However, it’s already a new year, so why not give yourself a chance to make cleaning a ton easier. Down below, I’ve created a list of cleaning tips that’ll help you keep on top of your home so you don’t get overwhelmed. And even if you’re reading this at a different time of the year, these tips and hacks will definitely make your cleaning chores less of a hassle. So check them out and let me know what you think!
1. Tidy Up Common Areas
Your living room is one of the most used rooms in your home so it makes sense to make sure things are straightened up.
And to begin, give your floor a nice swept. Fix the tables, sofas, throw pillows in place, and declutter anything that you won’t need. Do this once or twice a week (or more) depending on how often your living room is used.
2. Take Out the Trash
No matter how you clean your place is, if you forgot to take out the trash and garbage from your home, chances are you’ll end up smelling something off. So make it a habit to always empty your trash bins before an odor grows. Take out the trash this at least every other day.
3. Wipe Down Counters, Table, and Sink
After you’ve finished using your kitchen, make it clean by wiping down your counters, table, and sink. You can have it done in a couple of minutes and save yourself so much time in the morning when making breakfast. Make sure to do this in the evening before bed.
4. Move Dishes Into the Dishwasher
The moment you’re done eating, it’s now time to clean up those utensils, glasses, and plates. Throw them in the dishwasher as soon as you’re done with them so you don’t have to think about them later on and the mess doesn’t grow.
5. Vacuum and Mop Floors
The floor in your home attracts dust, food, dirt, and scraps that don’t make it into your bin. Consider regularly vacuuming and/or mop your kitchen floor to keep them clean 2 to 3 days a week.
6. Do the Laundry
Setting a day in the week to do your laundry will not just clean up your space but help ensure that you and your family have enough clothes to wear.
7. Dust Off Your Fan’s Blades
When dust accumulates on the blades of your ceiling fan, simply turning the fan on can cause it to kick up and spread throughout the rest of your house. So always dust off your fan blades every other week.
8. Wipe Down Appliances
Keeping your appliance dust free will not only make your place clean but it can also lengthen your machines life. Try dusting them off twice a month.
9. Scrub and Disinfect Toilet Bowl
There’s no doubt your toilet bowl is harboring a lot of germs and bacteria. So to easily prevent this from happening, regularly scrub and disinfect your toilet every week or every other week.
10. Clean and Scrub Showers and Tubs
Considering we use them every day, they deserve special cleaning attention at least once a month.
11. Do a Night Time Sweep
Before going to bed, consider doing a quick nighttime sweep over all your hard surfaces. This will keep dirt and crumbs from building up every day.
12. Clean Windows
Frequently cleaning your window’s interior and exterior is something you should do at least once a month. If you’ve neglected to clean them for a long time, you may find that dirt and dust has also accumulated on the sills.
13. Toss Any Food that Has Expired
Whether it’s from your pantry or fridge, throw out supplies that are already expired. This will not just clean up your space but keep you safe from accidentally getting sick. Consider doing this once or twice a month.
14. Vacuum Your Upholstery
Vacuuming your furniture weekly will remove surface dust and dirt that can build up over time. It can also prevent dirt from becoming embedded in the fibers that can easily ruin your upholstery. Try vacuuming your upholstery once a month.
15. Make the Beds
It may seem like a small task, but starting your day by making your bed can give you a sense of accomplishment. Taking only a few minutes of your time every morning can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
16. Disinfect Doorknobs, Light Switches, and TV Remotes
Use a sanitizing wipe or rubbing alcohol pad to wipe down switches, TV remotes, door handles, refrigerator handles and other commonly used things at home. Do this a couple times every week.
17. Scrub Stovetop, Including Burner Grates
Stovetops and burner grates are much easier to clean when maintained regularly so get in the habit of wiping down after every use.
18. Clean and Deodorize the Microwave
Another helpful kitchen appliance at home that needs your cleaning attention is the microwave. Want to know an easy way to clean and at the same time deodorize your machine?
Heat a mug of water with a lemon wedge, then wipe down. In a few minutes, you’ll have a clean and fresh smelling microwave. Try this hack every time you start to see your microwave build up residue.
19. Wash Your Curtains
Curtains may be one of the most neglected aspects of your home when it comes to cleaning. After you hang them, it is easy to forget that they require upkeep as well. It is important to wash your curtains to prevent dirt and dust from gathering. Wash your curtains once every other month.
20. Dust Lampshades
Your lampshades can easily collect dust, so a quick bit of dusting on weekends will keep your lamp from becoming off color. You can do this once a month.
21. ShakeOut Rugs
Make it a habit to regular dust your rugs to take off that top layer of settled dust and bigger pieces caught in the fibers from shoes, feet, and paws. Set a time every month or every other month to shake out your rugs.
22. Scrub Grout
The best way to clean tile grout on a regular basis is a simple water and soap mix. If there are stains, mixing in detergent can help get rid of dirt. This will keep your floor looking its best without using toxic cleaners. You can do this task 3-4 times a year.
23. Change the Bed Linens
Who wouldn’t want to sleep in a clean fresh bed right? It’ll improve your sleep and keep you from getting blemishes on your skin. Change your bed sheets at least 2 times a week.
24. Disinfect the Garbage Can
So you’ve thrown all the garbage outside. But before you sit back and relax, don’t forget to disinfect your garbage can. It’s another important aspect that’ll maintain the cleanliness of your place. If your garbage doesn’t have residue on it, you can easily spray it down with a disinfectant.
25. Clean Fireplace
Your chimney is an important ventilation system that allows smoke, toxins and other fumes to escape from the home. So it only make sense to keep it clean during the months it’s in use.
26. Vacuum Your Carpets and Rugs
To easily maintain the cleanliness and beauty of your carpets and rugs, vacuum them once a week. This way your rugs won’t become discolored over the years.
27. Clean Blinds
If your window blinds go long enough without a good cleaning, dust can settle on the slats and may irritate your nose. To get the best results, consider dusting once a week by using a microfiber cloth or a specially made window blind cleaner.
28. Wipe Your Walls
Wall cleaning is an easy way to improve the look of your home. But just be gentle when cleaning and do not rush the job for a much better result. Try doing this at least once a month
29. Throw Tupperware with Missing Lids
You probably have some Tupperware in your cupboard that don’t have lids. Why store them when you can’t use them. Declutter your space and throw them out.
30. Dust Baseboards
Even if you’ve cleaned your floors, your baseboards can still accumulate dust and dirt that can make your house look shabby and unloved. To easily clean them, use the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dirt and dust from the surface of the baseboards. Dust your baseboards once a month
31. Sweep Front and Back Steps and Porch
Make your entryway welcoming and clean by simply sweeping off the dust, spider webs, and messy pathways. Don’t forget the steps too for a totally cleaned porch. You can do this once a week or every other week.
32. Dust Wall Hangings
Keep wall hangings, calendars, picture frames and other more hanging items clean and dust free by spending a few minutes wiping them down. This will make them look so much clearer. Try making it a habit every time you dust your home.
Seriously, there’s no reason to say cleaning every room in your house is a daunting task when you have a guide to help you stay on top of these chores. Take advantage of this cleaning guide, try them out, and let me know what you think.
Now, what’s one of your favorite cleaning tips? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear about them!
Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.