CLEANING TIPS & HACKS
FOR HOME OWNERS

Cleaning a house quickly yet thoroughly requires an organized approach and some multitasking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you accomplish this efficiently:

Preparation

1. Gather Supplies: Assemble all your cleaning supplies, including:

   • All-purpose cleaner

   • Bathroom cleaner

   • Glass cleaner

   • Microfiber cloths

   • Vacuum and mop

   • Trash bags

   • Essential oils (lemon, lavender, tea tree)

   • Baking soda

   • White vinegar

2. Declutter: Go through each room and pick up items that are out of place. This will make the actual cleaning process faster and more effective.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. START WITH THE BEDROOMS

• Make Beds: Start by making the beds to give the room an instant tidy appearance.

• Dust Surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth with a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil to dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and light fixtures.

• Vacuum/Sweep and Mop: Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors. Don’t forget to clean under the bed and in the corners.

2. MOVE TO THE BATHROOMS

• Apply Cleaner: Spray bathroom cleaner on the sink, tub, and toilet. Let it sit while you clean other areas.

• Clean Mirrors and Glass: Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a refreshing scent.

• Scrub Surfaces: Return to the sink, tub, and toilet and scrub them clean. Use a brush or sponge for tougher stains.

• Wipe Surfaces: Wipe down counters, faucets, and other surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.

• Floors: Finish by mopping the floor.

3. TACKLE THE LIVING AREAS

• Dust Surfaces: Dust all surfaces, including furniture, electronics, and decorations. Use a microfiber cloth with a few drops of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil.

• Vacuum/Sweep and Mop: Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors. Move furniture slightly to clean underneath.

• Straighten Up: Arrange pillows, fold blankets, and tidy up any clutter.

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4. CLEAN THE KITCHEN

• Load Dishwasher/Hand Wash Dishes: Start by loading the dishwasher or hand washing any dirty dishes.

• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and appliances with an all-purpose cleaner. Add a few drops of citrus essential oil for a fresh scent and antibacterial properties.

• Clean the Sink: Scrub the sink with baking soda and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Rinse well.

• Stovetop and Microwave: Clean the stovetop and microwave. For the microwave, heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes to loosen grime before wiping it clean.

• Sweep and Mop: Sweep and mop the floor.

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5. CLEAN THE LAUNDRY

• Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces:

• Dust shelves, counters, and tops of appliances with a microfiber cloth and a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil.

• Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.

• Clean the Appliances:

• Washer: Wipe the exterior with an all-purpose cleaner. Clean the detergent dispenser and run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar to eliminate odours and build-up.

• Dryer: Wipe the exterior with an all-purpose cleaner. Clean the lint trap and vacuum around it to remove any lint build-up. Use a long brush or vacuum attachment to clean the dryer vent.

• Clean the Sink (if applicable):

• Scrub the sink with baking soda and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Rinse well.

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6. Finish with Entryways and Hallways

• Dust Surfaces: Dust any surfaces, including tables and light fixtures.

• Vacuum/Sweep and Mop: Clean the floors thoroughly.

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Extra Tips

• Work Top to Bottom: Always clean from the highest surfaces down to prevent dust and debris from settling on already cleaned areas.

• Use Time-Saving Tools: Use tools like cordless vacuums, microfiber cloths, and mop systems to speed up the process.

• Multitask: While waiting for cleaners to sit (e.g., in the bathroom), work on another task like dusting or cleaning mirrors.

• Keep Moving: Stay focused and keep moving from one task to the next without getting sidetracked.

By following this guide, you can clean your house quickly and thoroughly, ensuring every area is addressed efficiently.