Daily cleaning tips
This quick list of daily cleaning tips will help you to have a neat and relaxing home without walking around with a dust rag in your hand. Shortcut hacks that will keep your rooms more put away with less mess greeting you at the door.
Your guide to simple living that gives you a space that is a joy to be in.
There is nothing quite as stressful as walking into a room that is cluttered and chaotic. Rather than doing what you entered a room for, you end up distracted by the mess, and before you know it, you are off doing something else, forgetting what your first task was.
Clutter and mess are distractions and our goal today is to get you back on track with a few simple tips you can do in the top rooms of your home.
What is the source of the mess?
Before we get started, let’s first look at what is making the mess. Is it actual dirt or is it more like clutter, things that are lying out that simply need to be put away.
If it’s dirt, then a dust and mop will do the trick. If it is clutter, then a new routine and ensuring there are easy homes for the things that are lying out will solve that problem.
Yes, it is easier said than done, but with a few tips and a new outlook on the stuff, you can create easier rooms throughout your home.
The true definition of clutter.
Clutter is anything that is lying out. Whether that be piles of papers on a counter or shoes left on the hallway floor. If you can create a habit of putting items away, you will reduce the number of things you see lying out.
The less you see lying out, the neater a room will look.
The difference between neat and clean.
Neat and clean may sound like the same words, but actually they are quite different. Neat means everything is put away, while clean means things are actually free from dirt and dust.
It is important to remember that a neat room does not necessarily mean a clean room. It’s okay to have some items out as long as they are in their designated spaces and not causing clutter. However, it’s still important to regularly dust and mop your home for a truly clean living space.
Daily Cleaning Tips for Your Home
On this list, you will see a few of the same tips for some of the rooms, and that’s because most messy rooms have the same source. Recurring tasks are a clue you may want to create a new habit or routine to help keep a space cleaner.
Cleaning Tips for the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home—a room where quite a few things happen throughout the day. The more you can compartmentalize the activities, the easier it will be to keep this room neat and clean.
#1. Clean as You Cook: Instead of letting dishes pile up, wash them as you cook. This reduces the overall mess and makes cleaning up after a meal much easier.
Tip: Fill your sink with soapy water and put dirty items in to soak making it easier to wash later.
#2. Wipe Down Surfaces Daily: Make it a habit to wipe down countertops and stovetops at the end of each day. This prevents grease and grime from building up.
Tip: Keep a rag and spray cleaner in your kitchen so you can quickly wipe things down as needed.
#3. Empty Trash Bins Regularly: Take out the trash daily to prevent odors and overflows. Keep the trash area tidy and wipe it down weekly.
Tip: Keep bags near to the trash can to make swapping out bags quicker.
#4. Sweep and Mop Floors Regularly: Sweep the kitchen floor daily and mop it once a week to keep it free from crumbs and spills that can make the kitchen look messy.
Tip: Invest in a robot vacuum and set a daily routine to get this task on autopilot. For mopping, use a spray mop to be kind to your back.
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#5. Tidy the Fridge: Take a few moments each week to check the fridge for expired items and wipe down any spills.
Tip: Use bins and dividers in your fridge to keep it organized and make finding things easier. Label leftovers with dates to avoid wasting food.
#6. Don’t Neglect the Sink: Keep on top of dirty dishes by washing them daily or loading them into the dishwasher right away. Make sure to clean out the sink regularly as well.
Tip: Use a lemon or vinegar solution to freshen up your sink and remove any lingering odors. A small scrub brush can also be handy for cleaning tough spots.
Get our best DIY cleaning recipes!
Cleaning tips for the family room
Whether you have a large family or are an empty nester, having a clean family room will keep dust and dirt to a minimum.
#1. Declutter Regularly: Designate a specific place for items such as toys, books, and magazines to prevent the family room from becoming cluttered. Encourage family members to put away their own belongings.
Tip: Keep baskets or bins in the room for easy organization and cleanup of small items.
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#2. Vacuum Often: Make it a habit to vacuum the family room at least once a week to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair.
Tip: Invest in a durable and lightweight vacuum that is easy to use. Use a tall basket to hold things, keeping it part of the room.
#3. Dust Surfaces Weekly: Dusting not only keeps surfaces looking clean but also helps improve indoor air quality. Wipe down shelves, tables, and electronics to remove dust and allergens.
Tip: Use a microfiber or damp cloth for more effective dust removal. Make a DIY cleaner that removes dust and helps keep more from gathering.
DIY Dust Spray Recipe:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Mix together in a spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth for dusting.
#4. Do a Room Reset: At the end of each day, spend a few minutes to reset this room. Toss any trash, take dishes and food to the kitchen, and put blankets and pillows back where they belong.
Tip: Keep a large basket in the room to toss in extra pillows and warm blankets.
Cleaning Tips for the Entryway
Whether you have an entryway or a full mudroom, having tips to keep this area clean will stop dirt at the door.
#1. Use an Entry Mat: Place a durable entry mat at the front door to catch dirt and debris from shoes before it gets tracked into the house.
Tip: Choose a washable mat for easy cleaning. Shake out or vacuum regularly to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
#2. Keep Shoes Organized: Have a designated spot for shoes in your entryway to prevent them from being scattered across the floor.
Tip: Use shoe racks and benches with storage underneath, or even repurpose a bookshelf as a shoe organizer.
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#3. Wipe Down Surfaces Regularly: Just like in the family room, dusting surfaces in the entryway will help keep it clean and free of dust.
Tip: Use a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces such as tables, cabinets, and shelves. Don’t forget to clean doorknobs and handles regularly as well.
#4. Clean Out the Entryway Regularly: Take some time each week to declutter and clean out your entryway. Remove any items that don’t belong there and put away any items that do.
Tip: Use a small basket or bin for things like keys, mail, and other miscellaneous items that often end up cluttering the entryway. This will help keep it tidy and organized.
Get even more tips for a neater entryway with our Mudroom Organizing Plans.
Cleaning tips for the bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most used and sometimes most neglected rooms in the house. Here are some tips to help keep it clean and fresh.
#1. Use a Squeegee: After showering or bathing, use a squeegee to quickly wipe down walls and glass doors to prevent water spots and mildew buildup.
Tip: Keep a squeegee handy in the shower for easy access. Hang one on a hook in the shower or tub area.
#2. Clean Surfaces Regularly: Wiping down surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and mirrors regularly will help prevent grime and buildup of bacteria.
Tip: Whenever you are washing your hands, use the soap to wipe things down and dry with a cleaning cloth.
#3. Don’t Forget the Toilet: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the toilet is essential for a clean and hygienic bathroom.
Tip: Use a disposable toilet brush for quick cleaning as needed. Use a tank cleaner to keep the bowl neater and smelling fresh.
#4. Control Dirty Clothes: Place a hamper or laundry basket in the bathroom to avoid dirty clothes piling up on the floor. This will also make it easier for everyone to remember to toss their dirty clothes in the hamper.
Tip: Use Command Hooks to hang wet towels. If you have a large family, you can color code the hooks so each member has their own towel to use multiple times in a week cutting down on laundry.
#5. Keep it Clutter-Free: Clutter in the bathroom can make it look messy and also make cleaning more difficult. Make sure to put away any products or items that are not being used.
Tip: Consider using storage solutions such as baskets or shelves to keep things organized and off of countertops.
Cleaning tips for the bedroom
Finally, a clean place to sleep will ensure you get the rest you need. Rest is important for overall health so you can enjoy what’s ahead each day.
#1. Make the Bed Each Morning: Start your day off with a clean and tidy bed by making it each morning.
Tip: Pull up the comforter or duvet and fluff pillows for a quick and easy way to make the bed look neat.
#2. Wash Sheets Regularly: It’s important to wash your sheets regularly, at least once a week, to remove sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells that accumulate while you sleep.
Tip: Use hot water and a mild detergent for best results. Don’t forget to also wash pillowcases, blankets, and other bedding regularly as well.
#3. Declutter Surfaces: Keep surfaces such as bedside tables and dressers free of clutter. This will not only make the room look neater, but it will also make it easier to dust and clean.
Tip: Use storage solutions such as bins or baskets to organize and store items on surfaces. This will help keep them tidy and easily accessible.
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#4. Vacuum Regularly: Carpets and flooring should be vacuumed regularly to remove dust, dirt, and allergens that can accumulate over time.
Tip: Invest in a robot vacuum for your bedroom and run it daily for a dust-free, clean environment that is perfect for sleeping.
Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be an all-day job. Just a few simple daily cleaning tips are all you need for a neater and cleaner space.
Create a routine for each room that allows you to make the most of your time. Finally, use bins and baskets to help keep clutter out of site giving an overall neater look to the rooms in your home.
More Simple Living Tips for the Home
Shortcuts are what I love, and you can find more gems for other areas of your home. Create a space that you love to be in, no matter what stage of life you are in.
