Picture this: It has been a long day at work and you arrive home feeling too exhausted to do anything. All you want to do, perhaps, is take a warm shower and nap before embarking on anything else.

    But you should never be too tired to tidy up your house!

    Here are cleaning tips that will turn your house into a clean haven.


    1. Write a to-do list

    Have you heard the expression, “See it, believe it, achieve it?” We’re one step closer to doing something once we’ve written it down. That’s why a to-do list is crucial to setting a successful cleaning schedule.

    Some chores need to be performed daily, weekly or monthly. Dish-washing and making the bed are performed daily. Vacuuming can be done weekly or monthly.

    Don’t commit yourself to vacuum your floor daily, because that’s unlikely to happen. Heavy chores such as cleaning the oven and shampooing the carpet can be done annually.


    2. Set a morning and evening routine

    Mornings and evenings are the best times for 9-to-5ers to clean the house. Start your day by neatly making your bed before going to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher as you make coffee. Load your laundry and take some time to walk around the house to pick up trash. In the evenings, wash clothes and the dishes and wipe key areas such as the bathroom and tables.


    3. Wash dishes and utensils after meals

    Keeping dirty dishes in the sink will attract unwelcome smells.

    Wash dishes and utensils right after meals to leave time for other chores.


    4. Systematically clean the house

    If you are not systematic, you will find yourself cleaning the same places repeatedly. When cleaning windows or drawers, start with the top parts. Let the lower areas and the floor be the last area to clean. If you start with the floor, you would have to clean it twice because what goes up must come down, and that’s certainly true when cleaning windows and drawers!

    Use soapy water or disinfectant wipes to clean sinks and countertops. Once through with the top areas, clean the floor using a wet cotton cloth or a vacuum made for tile floors. The floor needs thorough cleaning because it can collect most of the dirt. Consider a hardwood floor vacuum to leave it sparkling.


    5. Involve others

    No law says you must do all the cleaning by yourself. Involve loved ones to take up some chores — it makes work easier and enjoyable.

    Teach your children to clean their rooms regularly. Remind them to wipe the sink and the bathroom while you are at work.

    Show them how to do laundry to make your weekend work light.


    6. Equip your cleaning caddy

    Make sure your cleaning caddy has all the supplies that you need on a daily and weekly basis. And your multipurpose cleaner should never be missing from that caddy. Preparing the caddy beforehand will save time that you could have spent looking for the supplies.


    7. Multi-task

    Wipe the sink while brushing your teeth — or better still, clean the bathroom floor as you take a shower. Clean up any mess on the kitchen floor while cooking — this will reduce the work of sweeping and mopping the kitchen later.


    8. Avoid being a perfectionist

    Nobody is going to inspect the level of cleanliness in your house.

    The important thing is to nurture a cleaning habit that fits into your daily schedule.

    Aim toward making your house clean — don’t worry about perfection. You have cleaned it and that is all that matters!


    danny lipford

    Danny Lipford is among the country’s most sought-after home improvement experts.

    The seasoned remodeling contractor and media personality served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s “The Early Show” and The Weather Channel for over a decade and has made more than 180 national television appearances on “Fox & Friends,” “Inside Edition,” “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Fox Business Channel, Rachael Ray and more.

    He travels the country making appearances as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, and each year contributes expertise to hundreds of popular magazines and online media outlets.

    Chelsea Lipford Wolf is a born-and-raised home enthusiast, adding her crafty skills and passion for DIY as co-host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” TV show.

    In addition, Chelsea maintains her own home lifestyle and décor blog and award-winning web series, “Checking in with Chelsea.”


    WATCH THE SHOW: Don’t miss “Today’s Homeowner,” which airs each week on television nationwide. Check your local listings for time and channel.

    Don’t miss out! Follow Today’s Homeowner on social media for exclusive videos, home improvement tips and behind-the-scenes photos.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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