Learn to Clean Faster, be More Efficient and Make Cleaning Easier.

The 10 Commandments of Cleaning

Most of you reading this article have been cleaning around the house all your life. I know I have.

My kids have joined in and have been cleaning for years now and are on their way to becoming part of the life timers cleaning club.

I know everyone has their own personal way of cleaning and what works best for you. But if you could do it a little faster, more efficient and easier would you?

Below are the 10 commandments of cleaning for Mrs. Clean house cleaners. Read on, consider, and see if these tips are helpful to you!

Clean from Top to Bottom

This applies to all aspects of housecleaning. Start on the highest floor and work your way down.

The first thing you should look at when stepping into a room is the ceiling.

If you are dusting, start at the ceiling (cobwebs), work your way down the walls, tops of picture frames, doorways, mirrors, wall lamps, mantles, etc.

This way you’re not getting dust on items you’ve already cleaned.

This rule also applies to the windows and mirrors in your house. Clean the baseboards last.

Clean from Back to Front

If you are vacuuming, start in the farthest corner from the door. Back up towards the door as you vacuum.

By vacuuming this way you leave the room without footprints and the newly vacuumed carpet looks great.

When you’re cleaning in the kitchen, start with the outside of the cabinets, moving to the back of the stove and counters throughout the kitchen, then the drawer exteriors.

Carry Your Cleaning Supplies

Organize your cleaning supplies and carry them with you; your gloves, baking soda, all-purpose cleaners, etc. This is to eliminate making too many unnecessary trips back and forth throughout the house.

If you put your supplies in a caddy or bucket you’ve just saved yourself time and you’re staying on track.

In order to keep your caddy or tote from getting too heavy, you can always keep room specific cleaning supplies close.

For instance, keep toilet bowl cleaners in the bathroom. If you can, purchase supplies when they are on sale and keep one in each bathroom.

Dust First, Vacuum Last

When you dust first, moving from top to bottom, you are swiping away the dust bunnies up high and letting them fall to the floor.

Now you can vacuum it all away and have a nice, clean floor. When you’re vacuuming, do so at a slower pace so you will effectively remove debris.

Again, work from back to front and overlap your vacuuming strokes.

Make Each Move Count

Cleaning can be tedious and get a little tiring. If you clean in one direction, you are being more efficient and are more likely to clean everything thoroughly the first time.

I suggest you either clean a room from left to right, or right to the left.

I tend to go left to right, it’s quicker for me to pick up with my left hand and clean with my right hand.

If you’re in the bathroom and say for instance the toilet is dirtier than usual, apply your cleaner, let it sit, and move on to another area of the bathroom.

Wipe it Dry

This applies to the bathrooms, kitchen, and floors. Always dry metal and wood surfaces to eliminate water spots and etching.

Use Portable House Cleaning Tools

To clean small spills up quickly, use a small whisk broom and canister vacuum.

A canister vacuum is a great tool for cleaning up pet hair and keeping things neat and tidy between regular cleanings.

Clean Your House As A Team

There are times when help is needed. Get the kids involved. Get your husband involved.

Turn on some music and have the kids clean their rooms. Your husband can empty the dishwasher. This will help get the cleaning done more quickly.

Make a cleaning checklist and assign tasks or take a look at some of the cleaning lists we have and are free for you to download.

Turn Up the Volume

Not many of us really enjoy house cleaning but it has to be done.

If you get distracted easily, cleaning house can take longer and you might not finishing the chores you have.

Turn on some music and turn up the volume, you’ll find it easier to concentrate on the tasks at hand and finish the job quickly.

Know Your Cleaning Products and Surfaces

Many commonly used cleaning products can be harmful to you and/or the cleaning surface if used incorrectly or mixed with other products.

• For instance, never use vinegar on marble or stone floors, the acid will etch and dissolve the surface and remove the beautiful shine.
• Read all product labels and instructions prior to use. Cleaning products have instructions and warnings clearly labeled on the back.
• For your health’s sake, read the warnings and instructions carefully, especially if it’s a new product you’re using.

Now that you have these great cleaning rules, make your next day a better day so you can get the job done quicker then go out and enjoy some leisure time.