How to Clean Your Home Systematically

Who has time for cleaning? There is so much else to do. Yet, if you want to live in a clean space that is healthy and dirt free then you have to put in the time. This article focuses on how to create a home cleaning system to clean your home and make it sparkle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cleaning Supplies
• Time
• Music (optional)

1. Organize and Store Your Cleaning Supplies.
   
   You'll need at least the basics: something to clean mirrors, surfaces, wood, floors, sinks/tubs, blinds/ceiling fans and toilets. Plus a vacuum for floors and carpets. And a bucket and some rags. Always replenish and store your supplies in a closet of laundry room, etc. The idea is to grab and go...
   
   Hint! If you have a two or three story home consider keeping some duplicate essentials on all floors in the bathrooms including: paper towels, toilet cleaner, and something to clean sinks, vanities and tubs. Bathrooms tend to be the most used room in the home aside from kitchens - so you can do spot clean ups daily if necessary if you keep extra supplies around.
2. Pick a Starting Location.
   
   If you have a two-story home decide whether you will start upstairs or downstairs. Once you pick a floor stay on that floor until you are done -- avoid distractions and give yourself an limited but reasonable amount of time to get everything done.
3. Make It Fun!
   
   - Put on music that you can sing to or which has a driving beat that will keep you moving.
   
   - Put your phones on vibrate or answer-mode. Forget about socializing if possible, and for heaven's sake shut off the TV.
   
   - Pick your beverage of choice and keep hydrated. It's a fact that you will be less tired if you are hydrated! And... a caffeine boost may help your motivation.
4. PICK A ROOM AND BEGIN!
   
   Hint! Set time limits for each room and then award yourself a treat when you finish everything on time.
5. Take a minute and pick up anything in your path that should not be there. Example: socks in the bedroom, magazines on the floor in the bathroom, etc.
6. Trash It!
   
   Trash whatever is not needed.
   
   Hint! Move the trash can or bag from room to room, or keep it in a central location during cleaning.
7. Put It Away!
   
   Put away whatever needs to go back to it's original location.
   Example: hang clothing, store lotions and cosmetics, shelve books, etc.
8. Place It In The Laundry.
   
   Pick up anything that needs to be washed and move it to the laundry.
   Examples: towels, sheets, blankets, dirty clothing, etc.
   
   Hint! If you want to do so, start a load of laundry while there.
9. USE A TOP / DOWN THREE-TIER APPROACH
   
   Tier 1 - Ceilings... lights, fans, anything that hangs from the ceilings or windows.
   
   Tier 2 - Surfaces... counters, shelves, mirrors, doors, wall switch plates
   
   Tier 3 - Floors and carpets
10. TOP / TIER 1 - Ceilings... lights, fans, anything that hangs from the ceilings or windows.
    
    - Use a telescoping tool to clean the ceiling fans and light fixtures.
    - Use a cloth, vacuum or blind tool to clean blinds on windows.
    - Use a cloth to wipe window sills and window jams.
    - Use window cleaner and a cloth or paper towels to clean window glass inside.
11. MIDDLE / TIER 2 - Surfaces... counters, shelves, mirrors, doors, wall switch plates, dishes (if in a kitchen), toilets, showers, tile, desks, etc...
    
    Use your choice of cleaners and rags or paper towels to clean...
    
    - switch plates
    - door surfaces and knobs
    - mirrors and reflective surfaces
    - furniture surfaces
    - counters
    - showers, tubs, toilets
    - furniture surfaces
12. BOTTOM / TIER 3 - Floors... carpets, throw rugs, trash cans, chairs, base boards, under surfaces...
    
    You're almost through with the first room!
    
    - If you have throw rugs either vacuum them first or launder them (second chance)
    
    - If you have carpets then vacuum thoroughly
    - If you have tile floors - vacuum and then use your preferred method to clean them (which may be by hand or using a swifter or other tool)
    - If you have wood floors - use your recommended and preferred method to clean them (either use a dust mop or vacuum) and then wash per your usual method.
    
    Hint! Remember to clean under surfaces and move furniture instead of cleaning around whatever is movable. Also use a damp cloth to wipe base boards.
13. Replace whatever needs replacing.
    
    If you need to restock supplies in that room do so now! Also make the bed if it's a bedroom. Replace towels if in a bathroom.
14. Pick your next room and follow the same system - remove/trash/launder and use the three tier approach...
    
    Hint! Do laundry as you go - in between rooms fold and hang clothes.
15. Once you are finished take the trash out and wipe down the basket.
16. Move to the next floor, if applicable.
17. Once finished, make a list of any needed cleaning supplies.
    Store your supplies away.
    Smile, you're finally done!

Tips & Warnings

• Water any tips at the beginning of your routine!!!