If you don’t see yourself as a naturally neat person, it’s common to think you’re either clean or not. But guess what? Cleanliness isn’t an inborn trait. Whether you’re misusing cleaning products or stuck in some bad habits, a bit of resourcefulness and creativity can make a difference. Grab reliable cleaning products and follow these tips for a clean house in no time.
1. Create space
Even if you’re not into collecting stuff, things seem to accumulate everywhere. Follow the “one in, one out” rule, suggests Nancy Haworth of On Task Organizing in Raleigh, North Carolina. When you buy something new, let go of an older item by tossing, selling, or donating it to make room for the new one.
2. Keep surfaces smooth
Flat surfaces tend to get cluttered with random items. People with clean homes tackle this issue promptly. Keeping large, flat surfaces clear not only looks better but also makes wiping them down easier, advises Carrie Higgins, author of Organization Hacks and founder of Making Lemonade blog. Avoid storing appliances on countertops or clutter on your desk.
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3. Establish cleaning routines
Clean homes don’t clean themselves. Neat people have a plan to maintain order. “People with neat homes tend to have a cleaning schedule and routines, so dirt and laundry don’t pile up,” says Carrie Higgins. Designate specific days for tasks like vacuuming or laundry to prevent major build-ups.
4. Prioritize cleanliness from the start
Little habits contribute to a sparkling home. Bailey Gaddis, a certified professional organizer, begins with a shoes-off policy to keep dirt and toxins outside. Small changes can make a big difference.
5. For a clean house, assign a home for everything
Having too much stuff without designated places leads to clutter. Use pegs for keys or shelves for mail to avoid making your home impossible to clean, recommends Jennifer Snyder, owner of Neat as a Pin Organizing Experts.
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6. Clean up as you go
Rather than waiting for a disaster, those with consistently clean homes have daily routines. Whether it’s rearranging pillows or folding blankets every night, maintaining order becomes a habit.
7. Find smart storage solutions
Smart organization products help keep things in order. Over-the-door organizers with clear pockets can store items neatly, suggests Paloma Baillie, a DIY expert.
8. Seek outside help to keep their house clean
While not everyone can afford regular professional cleaning, those who can often stay on top of daily maintenance. The impending cleaning day motivates them to tidy up beforehand.
9. Delegate tasks
Cleaning is a group effort in households with more than one occupant. Assigning weekly chores to everyone builds responsibility and makes maintaining a clean home easier.
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10. Make cleaning enjoyable in their clean house
If cleaning isn’t your favorite task, find ways to make it enjoyable. Listen to a podcast or use wireless Bluetooth headphones to move freely around the house.
11. Make organizing visually appealing
Consider storage and organization as part of your decor. Rachel Parcell, a style and design expert, separates and color-codes her wardrobe for both aesthetics and practicality.
12. Handle dishes promptly to maintain a clean house
Waking up to a sink full of dirty dishes sets the day on the wrong foot. Load the dishwasher and wash pots and pans before bed to avoid morning chaos.
13. Use everyday items for cleaning
Don’t let a lack of supplies deter you from cleaning. Coffee filters or old cotton shirts can clean windows without streaks, and they’re great for removing lint. Wipe vertically outside and horizontally inside to spot missed spots easily. Smart!
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