Does anyone want the secret code to keeping a clean and tidy house?
I went on a quest to find the answer to keeping a clean and tidy home.
I reached out to five of the cleanest people I know and they handed me all the answers.
What was interesting?
In the end, most of their tips were similar if not identical.
Proving, that if you follow these tips…you can keep that clean house.
In a way, these cleaning tips are a “lifestyle” change. It’s basically guaranteed if you follow these tips, your house will be spotless.
Here are the the top 10 cleaning tips from the cleanest people out there:
- Every Item in the home needs a place:
Clutter and mess can be narrowed down to this–every, single item in the home has a “home.”
Even more, put those items in their designated spots. And if there are NO designated spots for items–make one.
For example, mail can pile up and add clutter. Make a designated spot and system for mail. Recycle the junk mail, have a place for bills, magazines etc. If items are properly put in their place, then naturally–the clutter is very minimal.
A huge organization tip that was mentioned time and time again, was that all items that seem to be adding clutter need to be put in their proper places.
2. Clean up after EACH meal:
Yes you heard right. After every meal clean up right away. This means plates are washed or put in the dishwasher, the counter is wiped down, the floors are swept. The entire eating area is clean and ready for the next meal to come.
The logic behind this, is that you will have MUCH less to clean at the end of the day if you clean up after each meal.
3. Make your bed as soon as you wake up:
Basically, everyone that contributed to this post mentioned the importance of making the bed everyday.
Waking up and getting the bed made provides a fresh start and makes the room look clean and tidy.
4. Prepare for the next day:
Meaning, get your kitchen and living space clean and tidy before bed so that when you wake up you have a clean and organized space.
If you can quickly clean the main living spaces before bed, your next day will be easier and you won’t be playing catch up with cleaning items.
You wake up in the morning with a clean slate, it sets a “clean tone” for the day.
Items suggested: Don’t leave dishes in the sink, run the dishwasher every night, wipe down kitchen counters, return items to their proper areas so there isn’t clutter throughout the house.
5. Make time to clean something everyday:
It was mentioned that the following cleaning tasks were completed on a weekly basis:
-Vacuuming
-Cleaning hardwood or tile floors
-Dusting
-Laundry
-Clean bathrooms
It was not mentioned that there were certain days to complete each task, but each and everyday, some type of cleaning task was completed to make the home feel more clean and organized.
6. Get the entire household involved in cleaning:
Whether you have a lot of kids or if it’s just you and your husband/roommate at home, get everyone involved in cleaning up.
I was always taught the phrase “many hands make light work,” and this holds true with cleaning the house.
And often times, kids enjoy cleaning more than most people think they do!
7. Don’t start another task or activity before cleaning up the most recent task or activity:
This holds true for kids and adults. Basically, if you folded laundry, DO NOT move onto doing the dishes or running errands etc. UNTIL all the laundry is put away.
Finish cleaning tasks and you won’t constantly be playing “catch up” on cleaning the house all day.
8. Add refreshing and rejuvenating fragrances to the home:
Many of the clean people I talked to mention that they love to have a candle warmer or a diffuser with clean and refreshing scents to add to the essence of the room.
Just that little extra detail can go along way to making the house not just feel clean, but smell clean.
9. Toss and De-clutter Items that Aren’t Being Used:
Simple and to the point, if there are items in your home that are rarely or never being used …get rid of those items!
Items that add clutter and disarray are unnecessary.
Try to de-clutter and discard items once a month so that your house stays clean and organized.
10. Don’t keep small appliances on counter tops:
Do you notice that when you go to someone’s house and their kitchen is clean and “spotless” that more often than not, there are NO small appliances stored on counter tops.
Instead, they store their small appliances such as a toaster in cupboards and shelves and pull them out as needed.
Less clutter on the counter, makes such a clean and tidy area.
I hope these ten items can be helpful and useful to you as you strive for a clean home.
What tips would you add to the list?
I would love to hear in the comments below.
xoxo,
Christy Lee