Everyday House Cleaning

Cleaning chores can pile up to the point where we give up before we begin. But check out these professional tips below from the cleaning authorities at ServiceMaster Clean and Merry Maids for insight on how to clean your house more effectively.

Make a List

The first step in everyday cleaning is to look at each room and make a checklist of your priorities. Identify specific tasks and, as each job is completed, cross it off your list.

Minimize Distractions

Turn off the TV.
Let the answering machine pick up the phone.
Have all necessary cleaning tools in the room to avoid unnecessary trips to your cleaning closet.
Start at the top of a room and work your way down as you clean or straighten.

Clean as You Go

If it’s dirty – don’t wait another week to tackle the project. It takes less time to remove fresh dirt than caked-on dirt.
Have all family members make their own beds.
Keep a hamper in every bathroom for dirty clothes. Remind your family that if they make a habit of regularly putting away their clothes or belongings, that there will be more time later for enjoyable activities.
Before bedtime, pick up the family room and run the dishwasher. Get a fresh start each day.

Eliminate Clutter

Staying organized and getting rid of clutter can make even a dusty home look good. Some tips:

Regularly go through closets and cabinets to identify items that you no longer need or use.
Donate old clothes, appliances and furniture to charity.
Keep a basket in the kitchen for the mail, newspaper and car keys so that they're always in the same place.

Room-by-Room Fresheners

Even the most-cared-for home needs an occasional deep-cleaning, so here's a simple list to help you get your home in tip-top shape.

Kitchen:

Wash and wax wood floors.
Mop vinyl floors.
Clean out the refrigerator and pantry.
Change shelf liners.
Straighten out the "junk" drawer.
Wipe down cabinets.

Bathroom:

Wash windows inside and out with a squeegee and dust-free cloths.
Dust the windowsill.
Vacuum the window well.

Window treatments:

Vacuum draperies.
Wash blinds.
Replace heavy draperies with lightweight or sheer curtains for a fresh look.

Furniture:

Polish wood furniture.
Vacuum cloth upholstery. Clean and condition leather upholstery.
Vacuum between cushions.
Clean behind and under sofas and cabinets.

Closets:

Assemble seldom-worn clothes and donate to charity.
Vacuum floors.
Dust shelves.
Hang cedar blocks to freshen and prevent moths.

Clean as You Go

If it’s dirty – don’t wait another week to tackle the project. It takes less time to remove fresh dirt than caked-on dirt.
Have all family members make their own beds.
Keep a hamper in every bathroom for dirty clothes. Remind your family that if they make a habit of regularly putting away their clothes or belongings, that there will be more time later for enjoyable activities.
Before bedtime, pick up the family room and run the dishwasher. Get a fresh start each day.

Floors:

Sprinkle baking soda on your carpeting and leave it on overnight to absorb musty odors. Vacuum in the morning.
Buy industrial-style "walk-off" mats for all entrances to cut down on tracked-in dirt.

Anytime you get the urge to clean, you can use this as your basic plan. For more serious cleaning projects, contact the professionals at ServiceMaster Clean. Or, for ongoing help with your house cleaning, schedule maid service from Merry Maids.