Cleaning the House Efficiently

Keeping your home neat and tidy isn’t just about appearances – it can significantly reduce stress and create a more peaceful environment. Knowing how to clean the house efficiently helps you feel more in control and makes space for what truly matters. Even with a busy job or a packed schedule, doing a little at a time is often more effective (and sustainable) than trying to clean everything at once.

Tips for Cleaning Your House

Having a fresh, clean home can make a noticeable difference in your mindset and energy. If you’re not sure how to get started, these tried-and-true strategies from Mrs. Clean will help you get on track.

Have the Right Tools on Hand

You don’t need a closet full of fancy gadgets – just the basics to keep your home in great shape. Replace old or worn-out tools and stock up on essentials:

• Bucket or tote (to carry supplies)
• Broom
• Microfiber mop or Sh-mop
• Vacuum cleaner
• Duster, rags, microfiber cloths
• A small selection of cleaning products

Types of Cleaning Products

Not every cleaner is right for every job. Keep a few go-to products on hand, and know when to use each and the surfaces they are safe to us on:

• All-Purpose Cleaner: For general cleaning – kitchens, bathrooms, and surfaces
• Glass Cleaner: For windows, mirrors, and glass decor
• Floor Cleaner: Choose the right formula for hardwood, tile, or vinyl
• Degreaser: Use in the kitchen or garage for heavy grease
• Detergent: For dishes and laundry
• Furniture Polish: For cleaning and protecting wood surfaces
• Oxy Cleaners: A gentler bleach alternative for fabric and surfaces
• Natural Cleaners: Try vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide for safer, eco-friendly cleaning

Use Both Hands When Cleaning

You don’t have to be ambidextrous to clean like a pro! Using both hands helps you work faster and more efficiently.

• Spray with one hand and wipe with the other
• Use two hands to clean and dry surfaces like countertops
• Multitask where possible – it really adds up

Make It a Group Effort

If you’re not living alone, don’t clean alone! Getting everyone involved makes the work go faster – and creates shared responsibility. People are more likely to keep things clean if they helped clean it in the first place.

• Assign chores by room or task
• Encourage kids to help with age-appropriate jobs
• Clean together – no “you cook, I clean” trades here!

Have a Plan

Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break your home into zones or individual rooms. This way, you can see progress as you complete each space. Knowing how to clean the house room by room helps keep the task from feeling overwhelming. Use a checklist if it helps you stay on track.

• Clean one room at a time
• Work top to bottom, then back of the room to the door
• Keep your supplies with you to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth

Cleaning the Kitchen

A clean kitchen not only makes cooking easier but also keeps your space sanitary. Here’s how to clean the house starting with the kitchen:

• Use the dishwasher daily if you have one. If not, wash dishes right after use or at the end of the day.
• Get the kids involved by assigning simple chores like loading or unloading dishes.
• Wipe countertops and the sink after each use to prevent bacteria build-up.
• Clean spills right away – you’ll thank yourself later.
• Don’t forget appliances like the microwave, oven, and fridge handles. Wipe them weekly.
• Sanitize sponges or replace them regularly.

Clean under the toaster and coffee machine – crumbs and drips build up more than you think!

Cleaning the Bathroom

Keeping the bathroom clean can be easier than it seems with some regular attention:

• Rinse the tub/shower after every use and keep a squeegee in the shower to prevent hard water stains.
• Baby wipes or disinfecting wipes are handy for quick daily sink and counter cleanups.
• Clean drains weekly to prevent clogs.
• During a deep clean, spray tub, toilet, and shower, let sit for 15 minutes, and clean other areas in the meantime.
• Scrub the toilet with gloves and a toilet brush and consider using toilet cleaning tablets to maintain freshness between cleanings.

Don’t forget to clean the bathroom fan vent and light switches – dust and grime love to hide there.

Cleaning the Bedroom

Learning how to clean the house means recognizing the importance of restful spaces like the bedroom:

• Make your bed daily – it instantly makes the room look more put-together.
• Use a hamper for dirty clothes and put clean ones away immediately.
• Keep nightstands and dressers clutter-free; use trays or baskets for odds and ends.
• Dust at least twice a week, including ceiling fans and headboards.
• Vacuum or sweep weekly, especially under the bed.

Occasionally vacuum your mattress and rotate it – this extends its life and keeps it fresh.

Cleaning the Living Room

• Dust all flat surfaces weekly, including coffee tables, shelves, and electronics.
• Vacuum floors, rugs, and upholstery regularly.
• Clean under and between couch cushions monthly.

If you have movie or magazines and you don’t want these items cluttering up space, consider getting an ottoman with storage.

Cleaning Other Areas of the House

Don’t forget the shared and less-used spaces when you’re figuring out how to clean the house efficiently. These areas can quietly accumulate mess and clutter if left unattended:

Dining Room

• Wipe down the dining table daily to remove crumbs and spills.
• Vacuum or sweep underneath the chairs at least once a week.
• Polish wooden furniture monthly to keep it looking fresh.

Entryways

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to catch dirt tracked in from outside.
• Organize shoes, coats, and keys using baskets, hooks, or trays.
• Wipe down the door and doorknob weekly.

Patios and Outdoor Areas

• Sweep away leaves and debris from walkways and patios.
• Wipe down or hose off outdoor furniture once a month.

Don’t Forget to Clean These Areas

Sometimes we don’t think of some areas to clean such as:

• Clean baseboards, door frames, and light switch plates – they collect dust and fingerprints.
• Wipe down remote controls, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
• Clean windowsills and blinds – they trap allergens and dust.
• Refresh your washing machine and dishwasher interiors monthly using white vinegar.

And don’t forget to check for cobwebs around light fixtures or corners.

Get Motivated and Stay That Way

Staying consistent with cleaning takes the right mindset. Here’s how to keep yourself and your household motivated:

• Make it fun: Play music, listen to a podcast, or put on a favorite movie in the background.
• Set a schedule: A monthly or weekly routine makes cleaning second nature.
• Reward yourself: Treat yourself after a big cleaning day – relax, order takeout, or enjoy something special.

The real secret to knowing how to clean the house is consistency. Tidy as you go throughout your day – pick up after yourself, wipe surfaces after use, and don’t let messes linger. These small habits turn overwhelming chores into quick daily tasks. A clean home not only looks good but helps everyone feel more relaxed and focused.