House cleaning involves a wide variety of tasks and chores that help maintain the value of your home and create a comfortable living space for you and any guests. A clean home doesn’t just increase happiness and productivity, but also reduces stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue.
In fact, according to a 2019 study by the Journal of Environmental Psychology, people who live in well-kept homes feel less stressed than those who live in untidy spaces. In addition, a dirty house can contribute to respiratory problems House cleaning, skin issues, and even a weakened immune system.
Keeping up with the cleanliness of your house requires consistent effort and time. However, there are a few tricks and tips that can make the job much easier and faster. From little things that save time and elbow grease, such as storing a squeegee in your shower, to bigger tips like using a steamer on your microwave, these strategies can cut down your cleaning time and leave your home feeling better than ever.
Make a Cleaning Station
Having a dedicated cleaning station, such as a caddy or bucket, makes it easy to gather your supplies and products for the task at hand. You can also use it to keep track of what room you’ve been working on, so you don’t miss any areas or rooms you still need to clean. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a large trash bag nearby to throw away any dirty garbage as you go.
Break Your Marathon Cleaning Habit
Many of us have a tendency to clean in spurts, either because we procrastinate or because guests are coming over at a moment’s notice. This frantic approach is not only inefficient, but it can cause you to skip important steps or to overlook items that need to be cleaned or organized. Instead, Hoffman recommends training yourself to work in short bursts, with a set timer, and taking a break in between. “You could have a cup of tea, take the dog for a walk, mess around on social media, or just sit down and relax,” she says. Just be sure to set a reasonable timer so you know when it’s time to get back to work.”
Clean As You Go
Another way to speed up your cleaning is to wipe up spills and messes as they occur, rather than waiting until the end of your cleaning session. This helps prevent germs from spreading to other parts of the house and allows you to stay on top of your cleaning.
Make Cleaning a Team Effort
Getting your entire household involved in the housework can be a great way to make it more enjoyable and less tedious. It can also save you money by reducing the amount of time it takes to complete each task and allow everyone to pitch in where they’re most needed.
In addition to saving you time and energy, a regular cleaning routine can also save you money in the long run by keeping your home in good condition. For example, if you’re a homeowner with hardwood floors, regular cleaning and maintenance will keep them looking beautiful and prevent damage that can be expensive to repair or replace.