Neat Freaks Reveal Their Biggest Secrets To Keep Your Home Spotless
The average American spends 6 hours a week cleaning the house, and it’s no secret that most of us hate doing it. In fact, a survey by the National Cleaning Institute revealed that 70% of people feel stressed about the state of their home. And let’s face it, traditional cleaning routines can feel like an endless battle against clutter and grime. But fear not, fellow clean freaks! There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Inspired by the wisdom of renowned home organization gurus and celebrity tidying icons, here are cleaning hacks to help transform your home from chaotic to calm.
”Embrace that Spark of Joy”
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We all know Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method by now, but the magic lies in the details. Instead of a room-by-room approach, Kondo suggests tidying by category – clothes, books, papers, and so on. Hold each item and ask yourself if it “sparks joy.” If not, thank it for its service and donate or discard it. This emotional connection to your belongings helps you declutter effectively and prevents impulsive reaccumulation.
“FlyLady” Zone Cleaning
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Marla Cilenti, the organizing expert behind FlyLady.net, recommends breaking down your home into manageable zones. Each day, focus on a specific zone with a designated routine. For example, “Monday Zone” might be the bathroom, with tasks like cleaning the mirror, wiping down the sink, and disinfecting the toilet. This system prevents feeling overwhelmed and ensures all areas get regular attention.
The “Power of Habit”
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Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Power of Habit,” suggests incorporating cleaning into your existing routines. Use habit stacking – pair a small cleaning task with an already-established habit. For example, wipe down the bathroom counter while brushing your teeth or fold a load of laundry while waiting for the coffee to brew. These small actions add up to a cleaner home without feeling like a chore.
The “2-Minute Declutter” Blitz
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Dana K. White, a professional organizer and author of “Declutter at the Speed of Life,” knows the power of quick wins. Her “2-Minute Declutter” strategy is a fantastic way to tackle clutter throughout the day. Set a timer for 2 minutes and quickly scan a room, removing any clutter you see. Repeat this in different areas throughout the day for a surprisingly impactful decluttering session.
The “Unclutterer” Challenge
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Peter Walsh, known for his show “Extreme Clutter,” tackles hoarding situations head-on. But his “Unclutterer Challenge” is a great tool for anyone. Dedicate 30 minutes a day for a week to declutter a specific area. Sort through belongings, discarding or donating what you no longer need. You’ll be amazed at the progress you can make in just a week with focused effort.
“Label Everything”
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Melissa Maker, from the popular cleaning website “Clean Mama,” emphasizes the importance of clear labeling. Label shelves, bins, drawers, and containers in your kitchen, pantry, and bathroom. This not only makes it easier to find what you need but also encourages everyone in the household to return items to their designated spots, reducing clutter and streamlining cleaning routines.
The “Folding Frenzy”
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Folding clothes vertically is a game changer for organization and space-saving. Master the art of space-saving folding techniques like the KonMari Method. Fold shirts, pants, and even socks into neat rectangles that stand upright in drawers and shelves. This method allows for better organization, visibility, and easier access to all your clothes.
The “10-Minute Tidy-Up” Blitz
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Professional organizers swear by the power of a quick “10-Minute Tidy-Up” at the end of each day. Put away stray items from counters and surfaces, straighten up furniture, and load the dishwasher. This prevents clutter from accumulating and keeps your home feeling refreshed and ready for the next day.
The “Weekly Deep Clean” Warrior
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A sparkling home requires dedicated deep cleaning. Schedule a specific time each week to tackle deeper tasks – scrubbing bathrooms, mopping floors, dusting blinds, and wiping down baseboards. Professional cleaners recommend this weekly deep clean to prevent dirt and grime buildup, making cleaning easier and more efficient in the long run.
“Declutter Before You Decorate”
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Joanna Gaines, the design powerhouse behind ‘Fixer Upper,’ emphasizes the importance of decluttering before decorating. Avoid the temptation to add decorative flourishes to a cluttered space. Instead, declutter and organize a room completely before introducing decorative elements. This allows you to maximize functionality, create a clean aesthetic base, and ensure your decor truly shines.
The “Power of Routine”
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Develop a cleaning routine that works for your lifestyle, whether it’s a daily checklist or a weekly schedule with designated tasks for each day. Consistency is key! Professional organizers recommend creating a visual reminder, such as a chore chart posted in a central location, to stay on track and hold yourself accountable.
“Be a Multitasking Marvel”
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Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solitary chore. Double down on your efforts by multitasking when possible. Professional cleaners recommend strategic time management. For example, dust furniture while the vacuum cleaner is running, wipe down surfaces while waiting for the laundry to finish, or pre-treat stains on clothes while you shower. These small overlaps can significantly reduce your overall cleaning time.
“Embrace Technology”
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Technology can be your cleaning BFF! Many cleaning bloggers recommend utilizing smart home gadgets to streamline your routine. Robot vacuums can handle daily dust and crumb control. Meanwhile, smart speakers can set cleaning reminders and even control smart home devices like thermostats and lights, allowing you to focus on specific cleaning tasks.
“Delegate and Conquer”
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Don’t be afraid to delegate! Assign age-appropriate cleaning tasks to family members, creating a sense of responsibility and ownership. For larger homes or busy schedules, consider hiring occasional cleaning help. Professional organizers recommend involving everyone in the process to maintain a clean and organized home environment. Remember, a clean home is a team effort!