Keeping our living spaces clean is one of life’s fundamental frustrations. Perhaps that is why there is such an enormous amount of information available to help us with our housekeeping woes.  These ten basics are a foundation upon which you can build.

Clean From Top to Bottom

This applies to every facet of housecleaning. Start on the highest floor and work your way down.

The first thing you should look at when stepping into a room is the ceiling. When dusting, start at the ceiling (cobwebs), work your way down the walls, tops of picture frames, doorways, mirrors, wall lamps, mantles, etc. This way you do not get dust on items you have already cleaned. This rule also applies to the windows and mirrors in your house. Clean the baseboards last.

Clean From Back to Front

If you are vacuuming, start in the corner farthest from the door. Back up towards the door as you vacuum. This technique allows you leave the room without footprints and the newly vacuumed carpet looks pristine.

In the kitchen, start with the outside of the cabinets, moving to the back of the stove and counters throughout the kitchen, then the drawer exteriors.

Carry Your Cleaning Supplies

Organize your cleaning supplies and carry them with you, thus eliminating unnecessary trips back and forth throughout the house. Putting your supplies in a caddy or bucket will save yourself time. In order to keep your tote from getting too heavy to carry around, keep room specific items where they belong. For instance, keep toilet bowl cleaners in the bathroom and have a separate toilet bowl brush for each bathroom. This is a sanitary approach to bathroom cleaning.

Dust First, Vacuum Last

Dust first, again, moving from top to bottom. The dust will fall to the floor so you can vacuum it away.

Make Each Move Count

Clean in one direction only, either from left to the right, or right to the left, always from back to front. Be efficient and clean each thing you come to, moving on to the next.

Wipe It Dry

This applies to the bathrooms, kitchen, and floors. Windows, mirrors, and framed pictures need to be dried to prevent streaking. Always dry metal and wood surfaces to eliminate water spots.

Use Portable House Cleaning Tools

To clean small spills up quickly, use a small whisk broom and canister vacuum (like a dustbuster). A canister vacuum is an excellent tool for cleaning up pet hair and all those little things that accumulate at the end of the day.

Clean Your House as a Team

There are times when help is needed. If you have them, get the children involved. Get your husband involved. You can even ask a friend for some help.

Turn Up the Volume

If you get distracted easily, turn on some music and turn up the volume, you will find it easier to concentrate on the tasks at hand and to finish the job quickly.

Know Your Cleaning Products and Surfaces

Many commonly used cleaning products can be harmful to you and/or the cleaning surfaces if used incorrectly or mixed with other products. For example, never use vinegar on marble or stone floors as the acid will etch and dissolve the surface and remove the shine.

Read all product labels and instructions prior to use. Cleaning products have instructions and warnings clearly labeled on the back. For your health’s sake, read the warnings and instructions carefully, especially if it is a new product you are using.

The surfaces have been cleaned. Next to tackle will be the insides. More to come!