It’s hard to imagine anyone not feeling better when they return home to a tidy, clean, and clutter-free home. Science has proven that clutter-free homes are less stressful than you think. Our homes can make us feel anxious and stressed-out. Research has shown that clutter in our homes can have a negative effect on how we perceive our home and our subjective well being. One study found that clutter can lead to depression and increase levels of stress hormone cortisol among women.
It is easy to reduce stress by keeping our homes clean and tidy. However, some people can feel anxious about the task of cleaning. It can be difficult to know where to begin or how frequently to complete certain household chores. We asked three house cleaning in north shore professionals to share their top tips. These pro-housekeeping tips will help you keep your home spotless.
These cleaning products and tools should be on hand
You can make your cleaning a success by making sure you have the right tools. You don’t have to use expensive products to clean your home. A caddy with a few reliable and basic items will be your best option.
1. You must have microfiber cloths
All of our experts voted microfiber cloths their preferred cleaning tool.
Debra Johnson, a Merry Maids home cleaning expert, says that microfiber is better than sponges and paper towels at cleaning surfaces.
Johnson suggests using distilled vinegar in combination with microfiber cloths to clean surfaces. White vinegar, when combined with water and dish liquid detergent, is a great multipurpose cleaner that can be used for general cleaning and stain removal.
Jennifer Gregory, Molly Maid’s brand manager, loves microfiber cloths too.
She says that microfiber cloths can kill up to 99 percent of bacteria using only water and are three times more effective then traditional cleaning cloths. Many hospitals have switched to microfiber towels, cloths and mops because of this.
2. Make a cleaning bag with all the supplies you need
Dawna Boone, the owner of Valet Maids also recommends microfiber cloths. She adds that you need a glass cleaner as well as mildly abrasive cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and gloves made of latex.
Cleaning tips for your kitchen
There are simple ways to prevent the kitchen from becoming a disaster.
3. Be on top of spills and other mess throughout the day
Johnson advises to clean as you go. Johnson recommends that you clean your kitchen every day to prevent it from becoming chaotic. You can avoid cross-contamination by tackling the clutter and mess that accumulates each day.
Johnson suggests keeping a microfiber cloth on hand to quickly treat spills. This will ensure that they don’t become hardened and make it ten times harder to clean.
4. Simple tasks can be completed quickly and often
“ Do your dishes after every meal,” Gregory says.
Johnson is a good example of keeping on top of the mess in the kitchen. This will prevent you from having to deal with too much later. She says that trash should be taken out as soon as it reaches the top.
Gregory says that the key to kitchen cleaning is “Don’t procrastinate.”
You can make your kitchen look clean and organized by sweeping the floor at night, keeping an eye on surface messes and building up, and tidying up any daily clutter.
5. Baking soda is a great way to clean up tough messes
A microfiber cloth can be used to quickly clean up small spillages on the kitchen counters or appliance surfaces. Boone suggests using baking soda to tackle larger food-related mess. She suggests that you keep some baking soda in your pantry to prevent grease buildup.
Use a clean cloth to wipe away grease accumulation. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any grease.
Cleaning tips for your bathroom
Your bathroom is a place where a lot happens. It’s crucial to keep it clean and germ-free. These tips can help you control this room that is so frequently used.
6. Clean highly-trafficked spots several times per week
As with the kitchen, a regular cleaning of your bathroom can help you avoid deeper and more frequent cleanings.
Johnson says, “Tackle small tasks before they become big ones.” Johnson says, “I’m referring to the toilet, the tub and shower, and the floors. Particularly behind the toilet. This is one of the most germ-ridden places in your home, so it should be cleaned at least once a week.”
Are you still not convinced that you should clean the toilet more often? Johnson says, “Just think. Every time you flush, the toilet water mixed with the waste sends plumes of microbes into your air, which in turn spreads all over the toilet.”
You can avoid tackling larger problems later by developing simple and consistent cleaning habits for your bathroom. To make it easier to clean your bathroom every week, use a shower squeegee and wash the toilet and toothbrush holders at least twice per week.
7. Attention to the smaller, less-known areas of your bathroom.
Gregory recommends that you remember to clean the bathroom and keep it spotless. The toothbrush holder and faucet aerators are two of the most overlooked areas. The toothbrush holder is actually the third most germiest place in your home. Therefore, you should make sure to clean it often.
Boone also stresses the importance of cleaning these areas. He suggests using a toothbrush and warm water to clean all nooks and crevices, including the faucet.
Cleaning tips for your living room
The living room is where people spend most of their time. You’ll want it to be comfortable, clean, and free from dust.
8. Keep dust at bay by paying attention to hidden areas of your living room
Your living room is where your family, friends, and guests spend the most time. You want it to be a place you enjoy spending time in. Johnson suggests that you move furniture around to make sure you hit every spot. You can move everything around so that you vacuum and dust the floor beneath the furniture before you move it back.
Johnson states that this will help you vacuum those places that have been collecting dust for a long time. Johnson says, “Don’t forget about vacuuming underneath the cushions.”
You should vacuum between cushions and under furniture at least once per month to stay ahead of the game in your living room. Do these tasks only if you or your family member suffer from allergies.
9. Dust can be dealt with using the right tools
Although feather dusters may look cute, they are not practical. Boone recommends using a microfiber or cloth duster to effectively remove dust from the living room. Boone states that feather dusters can only move dust around, and not remove it.
10. Clean dust-collecting textiles regularly
Gregory agrees with Gregory that the main problem in any living space is not the kitchen or bathroom. Gregory explains that regular cleaning of upholstery, carpets, and linens can help to reduce and control the population of dust mites.
Even though you might not feel like doing it, it is important for your family’s health and the cleanliness of your home.
Curtains should be cleaned at least twice per year. However, you can vacuum them with an attachment once per month. You can vacuum and dust your curtains once per week.
Cleaning tips for bedrooms
While we all want our bedrooms feel like an oasis of calm, we don’t want to spend hours cleaning them. These simple tasks will quickly transform your bedroom.
11. Laundering pillows and linens is the main focus
As in the living room and bedrooms, linens should be kept clean. While you’ll need to clean things such as baseboards and ceiling fans, Johnson says that your sheets are the most important thing in your bedroom.
She says that washing your sheets every week is more important than cleaning them. It’s the best way for germs and allergens to be kept away, especially when you consider how many hours you sleep in your bed each night.
Boone also agrees, and says that washing pillows in the washer will keep them clean and flufff up after they have been slept on for a while. Boone advises that you use the fastest spin cycle to get as much water out of the pillow as possible before you put it in the dryer.
Even with protectors, pillows should be washed at least twice per year.
12. Make your bed every night for 10 minutes and then tidy up.
Gregory shares a simple, but powerful tip to keep your bedroom clean and peaceful.
She says, “Make your bed as soon you wake up.” It may not seem like much, but it is the centerpiece of your room. Your room will look cleaner if you make your bed every day. It’s easy to get into the habit of cleaning your bed each day.
After making your bed, clean up your bedroom to keep it feeling peaceful. You can put any clothes that have been left out in the hamper or in your drawers. These simple tasks can quickly become a routine and make it easier to do your weekly cleanings.
Cleaning mistakes that are most common
You don’t have to be a saboteur if you are trying to clean. Our experts shared with us the top cleaning mistakes made by non-professionals and provided simple solutions.
13. Do not procrastinate or put off small cleaning chores
Our experts all agreed that procrastination was the biggest problem in keeping a home clean and tidy. Procrastination can lead to bigger, more complicated tasks that can feel overwhelming. This common error can be avoided by developing a daily cleaning routine. To avoid any buildup in surfaces like the bathroom and kitchen, make sure you clean them daily. Make sure to make your bed in the morning, and then spend 10 minutes cleaning up the living and bedroom areas. These small changes can make a huge difference in how you feel about your home.
14. Use the right tools and products
A second error that can be easily corrected is using the wrong tools. You should make sure your vacuum can clean more than carpets and rugs. A vacuum that can clean soft furniture, curtains, and stair treads will be a good choice. It’s safe to use microfiber cloths or mops for hard surfaces.
People often use sponges to clean. Boone says sponges can store bacteria and are generally not sanitary.
Microfiber cloths can be washed after every use to save money on cleaning supplies.
15. Give cleaning duties to others in the household
Over-simplifying your tasks is the third error. You should reconsider your strategy if you feel overwhelmed by cleaning and don’t want to get started. You should ensure that all family members are doing their part. You can employ a housekeeper .