| Many paid cleaning services say that they have | | | | Tip #6 Place the right tools and supplies in a carrier. |
| "mastered the art of speedy, efficient cleaning." This | | | | Your cleaning tools should be in separate plastic |
| may be true but you do pay them to clean so you | | | | carriers depending on where they will be used: one |
| expect fast service. Unfortunately, not everyone can | | | | for all living areas, one for the bathrooms and one for |
| afford to shell out money for maid or cleaning | | | | the kitchen. The toilet brush doesn't need to find its |
| services. So how do you do your own speed | | | | way into the bedroom or the kitchen, right? Invest in |
| cleaning? Read on and try these tips in cleaning your | | | | good quality cleaning tools that can get the job done |
| home fast and efficiently. | | | | easily instead of cheap ones that easily get worn |
| Tip #1 Schedule each cleaning job. Set up a daily, | | | | out, break or cannot absorb spills or attract dirt and |
| weekly, monthly and seasonal house cleaning | | | | dust. Go for all-purpose cleaners. You don't really |
| schedule. Write each chore down. Include the time of | | | | need fancy soap scum removers or single-use |
| the day that you will perform the chore. For daily and | | | | cleaning products. Opt for green cleaning products if |
| weekly chores, make a list of what you will do each | | | | you can. It's better for the environment. |
| day from Monday to Friday. Unless you work during | | | | Tip #7 Invest in portable tools. A portable vacuum |
| the week (which means some chores have to be | | | | cleaner is easier to tote around. You can use this for |
| done during the weekends) keep Saturday and | | | | quick vacuuming jobs like cleaning pet hair on pillows |
| Sunday free. Post this list on the refrigerator or the | | | | or lint and other small dirt that you find. A mini-dust |
| message board. You will be using this list as your | | | | pan and short broom can be of help as well. |
| cleaning guide each week. | | | | Tip #8 Have a system. Clean from top to bottom. All |
| For monthly chores, it would be better to set up | | | | the dust and dirt will travel downwards. Don't vacuum |
| reminders or alarms in your electronic calendar or | | | | or mop before you've had a chance to wipe and |
| your cellular phone. Remind yourself of a monthly or | | | | dust. Start at the top of shelves and cabinets, shake |
| seasonal chore a day or two before the actual chore | | | | the dust off curtains or spot clean the ceiling. Then |
| has to be done. This way, you can still adjust the | | | | go down to the next level - vanity tables, |
| date if necessary. | | | | nightstands, coffee tables, beds. Finally do the floors |
| Tip #2 Stick to your house cleaning schedule. Don't | | | | so you can get rid of all that dirt and dust. Aside |
| put off your cleaning chores unless there is an | | | | from moving from top to bottom, move from left to |
| emergency. Yes, you have to be flexible. But | | | | right (or vice versa). Don't crisscross to save time. |
| sometimes, when you start messing with your | | | | Tip #9 If it is not dirty, don't clean. Why waste time |
| schedules, you tend to stop following it all together. | | | | cleaning something that isn't dirty? For day to day |
| If you have to postpone a chore, assign it a | | | | cleaning, spot clean only where you find smudges, |
| different day on the same week and make sure you | | | | spots or dirt. Schedule deep cleaning whole areas or |
| accomplish it. | | | | major appliances for a different day. |
| Tip #3 Limit all distractions. Leave the television off, | | | | Tip #10 Time yourself. Take note of how much time |
| put off your computer, let the answering machine | | | | you spend cleaning each room. As you get |
| pick up and leave your cellular phone on silent mode. | | | | comfortable with your chores, you should be |
| You don't want soap operas, cooking shows, phone | | | | spending less time on each one. However, don't let |
| calls, texts or e-mails to distract you from the tasks | | | | the quality of your cleaning suffer. Don't clean |
| at hand. Otherwise, schedule your cleaning before or | | | | haphazardly just to save on time. Otherwise, you'll |
| after your favorite show. You can, however, play | | | | have more to do the next time around. |
| music to get you into the groove. | | | | Tip #11 Hire professionals. For major cleaning jobs, |
| Tip #4 Clean as a team. You don't have to put the | | | | you'll definitely need to hire someone else to do the |
| weight of speed cleaning all on your shoulders. Assign | | | | job. Air conditioners should be cleaned by a |
| chores to different members of the household, | | | | professional. If the carpet or upholstery is very dirty, |
| including young children. Everyone should at the very | | | | have someone come in to clean it. No use spending a |
| least tidy up their room daily and manage their things. | | | | lot of time on a cleaning chore that you cannot do |
| Tip #5 Clean as you go. Clean up spills immediately. | | | | properly. |
| Wash dishes right immediately after meals. Hang | | | | Speed cleaning is not exactly about cleaning your |
| clothes that can still be worn or place dirty ones in | | | | home in Roadrunner speed. It is about setting up and |
| the hamper right after taking them off. Put away | | | | keeping a house cleaning schedule, cleaning |
| books, magazine, toys, vanity table/dresser items | | | | systematically and using the right tools to accomplish |
| and toiletry items after each use. Junk mail and old | | | | the job. Follow the tips above and you will surely |
| news papers should immediately go into a bin solely | | | | have a clean and fresh smelling home in no time. |
| for this type of clutter. And, make sure all members | | | | Beep! Beep! |
| of the family do the same. | | | | |