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The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Home - Real Simple



Home Cleaning: Tips, Benefits, and Services




Home cleaning is more than just a chore. It is a way of taking care of yourself and your family. A clean home can make you feel comfortable, happy, and healthy. It can also save you money, time, and hassle in the long run.




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But how do you keep your home clean without spending too much time or effort? What are the best practices and products for cleaning different surfaces and areas in your home? What are the benefits of having a clean home for your physical and mental well-being? And when should you consider hiring a professional cleaner for your home?


In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will provide you with practical tips, useful benefits, and helpful services for home cleaning. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in cleaning, you will find something valuable in this article.


Home Cleaning Tips




Home cleaning can be easy and enjoyable if you follow some simple tips. Here are some of the most important ones:


How to clean different surfaces and areas in your home




Different surfaces and areas in your home require different cleaning methods and frequencies. Here are some general guidelines for each one:


Floors




  • Vacuum carpets and rugs at least once a week to remove dust, dirt, pet hair, and allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for better results.



  • Mop hard floors such as wood, tile, laminate, or vinyl once a week or as needed to remove stains, spills, and grime. Use a microfiber mop and a mild cleaner that is suitable for the type of floor.



  • Steam clean carpets and rugs once every six months or as needed to deep clean them and remove odors, bacteria, and stains. You can rent or buy a steam cleaner or hire a professional service for this task.



Kitchen




  • Wipe down countertops, stovetops, sinks, faucets, and appliances with a damp microfiber cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner or disinfectant after each use or at least once a day to remove grease, food residue, and germs.



  • Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and cutlery with hot water and dish soap after each use or load them into the dishwasher and run it once a day to prevent bacteria growth and odors.



  • Clean the inside of the microwave, oven, fridge, and freezer with a damp sponge and a mild cleaner or baking soda once a week or as needed to remove spills, stains, and smells.



  • Empty the trash bin and recycle bin regularly and wash them with hot water and bleach once a month or as needed to prevent pests and mold.



Bathroom




  • Scrub the toilet bowl, seat, lid, tank, and base with a toilet brush and a disinfectant or bleach once a week or as needed to remove stains, odors, and germs.



  • Wipe down the sink, faucet, mirror, vanity, and countertop with a damp microfiber cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner or disinfectant once a day or as needed to remove dirt, soap scum, and bacteria.



  • Clean the shower, tub, tiles, grout, and showerhead with a scrub brush and a bathroom cleaner or vinegar once a week or as needed to remove mildew, mold, limescale, and hard water stains.



  • Wash the shower curtain, bath mat, towels, and rugs with hot water and laundry detergent once a week or as needed to remove dust mites, fungi, and odors.



Bedroom




  • Make your bed every morning to keep it neat and tidy. Wash your sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters with hot water and laundry detergent once a week or as needed to remove dust mites, sweat, and oils.



  • Dust the furniture, lamps, shelves, picture frames, and other items with a microfiber cloth or a duster once a week or as needed to remove dust and allergens.



  • Vacuum the floor, carpet, rug, mattress, and upholstery with a vacuum cleaner once a week or as needed to remove dust mites, pet hair, and allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for better results.



  • Declutter your closet, drawers, nightstand, and other storage spaces once a month or as needed to remove unwanted items, organize your belongings, and create more space.



Living room




  • Dust the furniture, lamps, shelves, picture frames, and other items with a microfiber cloth or a duster once a week or as needed to remove dust and allergens.



  • Vacuum the floor, carpet, rug, sofa, and upholstery with a vacuum cleaner once a week or as needed to remove dust mites, pet hair, and allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for better results.



  • Wipe down the TV screen, remote control, gaming console, and other electronics with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner or alcohol once a week or as needed to remove fingerprints, smudges, and germs.



  • Fluff and rotate the cushions and pillows on the sofa once a week or as needed to keep them in shape and prevent sagging.



How to use the right products and tools for cleaning




Using the right products and tools for cleaning can make your job easier and more effective. Here are some of the most essential ones:


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Multi-purpose cleaners




Multi-purpose cleaners are versatile and convenient products that can be used to clean various surfaces and areas in your home. They can remove dirt, grease, stains, and odors from countertops, stovetops, sinks, faucets, appliances, floors, tiles, walls, windows, mirrors, and more. You can buy ready-made multi-purpose cleaners from the store or make your own with natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils.


Disinfectants




Disinfectants are products that can kill germs and bacteria on surfaces and areas that are prone to contamination. They can prevent infections and illnesses from spreading in your home. You can use disinfectants to clean toilets, sinks, faucets, countertops, cutting boards, door handles, light switches, remote controls, keyboards, and other high-touch areas in your home. You can buy ready-made disinfectants from the store or make your own with natural ingredients such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and alcohol.


Microfiber cloths




Microfiber cloths are soft and absorbent cloths that can be used to wipe, dust, polish, and dry various surfaces and items in your home. They can trap dust, dirt, and germs without scratching or leaving streaks. They are also reusable and eco-friendly. You can use microfiber cloths to clean furniture, lamps, shelves, picture frames, TV screens, electronics, windows, mirrors, appliances, countertops, sinks, faucets, and more.


Vacuum cleaners




Vacuum cleaners are powerful and efficient tools that can suck up dust, dirt, pet hair, and allergens from floors, carpets, rugs, mattresses, upholstery, and other surfaces in your home. They can improve the air quality and hygiene of your home. You can use vacuum cleaners with different attachments and settings to clean hard-to-reach areas such as corners, crevices, stairs, ceilings, and vents. You can also use vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter to capture more particles and allergens.


Steamers




Steamers are handy and versatile tools that can use hot steam to clean and sanitize various surfaces and items in your home. They can remove stains, odors, germs, and wrinkles from carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstery, clothing, bedding, and more. They are also gentle and safe for delicate fabrics and materials. You can use steamers with different attachments and settings to clean hard-to-reach areas such as corners, crevices, seams, and folds. You can also use steamers with a fragrance or essential oil to add a fresh scent to your home.


How to create a cleaning schedule and routine




Creating a cleaning schedule and routine can help you stay organized and motivated for home cleaning. It can also help you save time and energy by breaking down the tasks into manageable chunks. Here are some steps to create a cleaning schedule and routine:


Daily tasks




  • Make a list of the tasks that you need to do every day to keep your home clean and tidy. These may include making your bed, washing the dishes, wiping the countertops, taking out the trash, and so on.



  • Assign a time slot for each task and stick to it. For example, you can make your bed in the morning, wash the dishes after each meal, wipe the countertops before going to bed, and so on.



  • Use a timer or an app to remind you of the tasks and track your progress. You can also reward yourself with something small after completing each task or at the end of the day.



Weekly tasks




  • Make a list of the tasks that you need to do every week to maintain your home clean and fresh. These may include vacuuming the floors, mopping the hard floors, dusting the furniture, cleaning the bathroom, washing the laundry, and so on.



  • Assign a day of the week for each task and stick to it. For example, you can vacuum the floors on Monday, mop the hard floors on Tuesday, dust the furniture on Wednesday, and so on.



  • Use a calendar or a planner to mark the tasks and track your progress. You can also reward yourself with something bigger after completing each task or at the end of the week.



Monthly tasks




  • Make a list of the tasks that you need to do every month to deep clean your home and prevent problems. These may include cleaning the inside of the appliances, changing the air filters, washing the windows, decluttering the storage spaces, and so on.



  • Assign a date of the month for each task and stick to it. For example, .



  • Use a calendar or a planner to mark the tasks and track your progress. You can also reward yourself with something extra after completing each task or at the end of the season.



Home Cleaning Benefits




Home cleaning is not only good for your home, but also for yourself. Here are some of the benefits of having a clean home for your physical and mental health:


How home cleaning improves your physical health




Cleaning your home can help you prevent or reduce many health problems that are caused by dirt, dust, germs, allergens, pests, and mold. Here are some examples:


Kills germs and reduces allergens




Germs and allergens are microscopic organisms that can cause infections and allergies in your body. They can be found on surfaces, in the air, and on your skin. By cleaning your home regularly with disinfectants and vacuum cleaners, you can kill or remove most of these germs and allergens and protect yourself from diseases such as colds, flu, asthma, hay fever, and skin rashes.


Improves air quality and ventilation




Air quality and ventilation are important factors that affect your breathing and lung health. Poor air quality and ventilation can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and bronchitis. By cleaning your home regularly with dusting, vacuuming, and airing out, you can improve the air quality and ventilation in your home and prevent or relieve these respiratory problems.


Prevents pests and mold growth




Pests and mold are unwanted guests that can invade your home and cause damage and health hazards. Pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches, ants, and bed bugs can contaminate your food, bite you, and spread diseases. Mold can grow on damp surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture and produce spores that can trigger allergies and asthma. By cleaning your home regularly with taking out the trash, washing the dishes, wiping the spills, and using pest control and mold removal products, you can prevent pests and mold from entering and growing in your home and avoid their harmful effects.


Reduces injuries and accidents




Injuries and accidents can happen in your home if you have clutter, spills, cords, or sharp objects lying around. They can cause cuts, bruises, burns, falls, or electrocutions. By cleaning your home regularly with decluttering, organizing, wiping, and storing, you can reduce the risk of injuries and accidents in your home and keep yourself and your family safe.


How home cleaning improves your mental health




Cleaning your home can also help you improve your mental health by affecting your mood, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Here are some examples:


Reduces stress and anxiety




Stress and anxiety are common mental health issues that can affect your well-being and performance. They can be caused by various factors such as work, family, finances, or health. By cleaning your home regularly with making your bed, washing the dishes, wiping the countertops, and so on, you can reduce stress and anxiety by creating a sense of order, control, and accomplishment. You can also use cleaning as a form of meditation or therapy to calm your mind and release your tension.


Boosts mood and happiness




Mood and happiness are important indicators of your mental health and quality of life. They can be influenced by various factors such as hormones, neurotransmitters, environment, or social interactions. By cleaning your home regularly with dusting, vacuuming, and airing out, you can boost your mood and happiness by creating a sense of freshness, cleanliness, and comfort. You can also use cleaning as a form of exercise or hobby to stimulate your brain and release your endorphins.


Enhances productivity and creativity




Productivity and creativity are essential skills that can help you achieve your goals and express yourself. They can be affected by various factors such as motivation, focus, inspiration, or environment. By cleaning your home regularly with decluttering, organizing, wiping, and storing, you can enhance your productivity and creativity by creating a sense of space, clarity, and order. You can also use cleaning as a form of brainstorming or problem-solving to generate new ideas and solutions.


Promotes relaxation and sleep quality




Relaxation and sleep quality are vital for your mental health and physical health. They can help you recharge your energy, restore your balance, and heal your body. They can be influenced by various factors such as stress, anxiety, mood, hormones, or environment. By cleaning your home regularly with making your bed, washing the sheets, fluffing the pillows, and so on, you can promote relaxation and sleep quality by creating a sense of coziness, warmth, and tranquility. You can also use cleaning as a form of ritual or routine to prepare yourself for a good night's sleep.


Home Cleaning Services




Home cleaning can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, but sometimes you may need some extra help from a professional cleaner. Here are some situations when you may want to hire a professional cleaner for your home:


When to hire a professional cleaner for your home




There are some occasions when hiring a professional cleaner for your home can be a wise and convenient choice. Here are some examples:


Moving in or out of a house or apartment




Moving in or out of a house or apartment can be a stressful and exhausting process. You may have to pack, unpack, transport, and arrange your belongings. You may also have to clean the old place and the new place to make them ready for living. By hiring a professional cleaner for your home, you can save yourself some time and energy and focus on the other aspects of moving. You can also ensure that the old place and the new place are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.


Hosting a special event or occasion




Hosting a special event or occasion such as a birthday party, a dinner party, a wedding, or a holiday can be a fun and memorable experience. You may have to prepare, decorate, cook, and entertain your guests. You may also have to clean before and after the event or occasion to make your home presentable and comfortable. By hiring a professional cleaner for your home, you can save yourself some time and hassle and focus on the other aspects of hosting. You can also ensure that your home is spotless and sparkling before and after the event or occasion.


Dealing with a large or difficult mess




Dealing with a large or difficult mess such as a flood, a fire, a renovation, a pet accident, or a spill can be a challenging and daunting task. You may have to remove, repair, restore, or replace your belongings. You may also have to clean the affected area to remove the damage, the odor, and the risk of infection. By hiring a professional cleaner for your home, you can save yourself some trouble and stress and rely on their expertise and equipment. You can also ensure that the affected area is properly cleaned and disinfected.


Having a busy or hectic schedule




Having a busy or hectic schedule such as working long hours, traveling frequently, studying hard, or taking care of children or elderly can be demanding and exhausting. You may have little time or energy left for home cleaning. You may also have other priorities or preferences for your spare time. By hiring a professional cleaner for your home, you can save yourself some time and effort and enjoy some free time for yourself. You can also ensure that your home is always clean and tidy without compromising your schedule.


How to choose the best cleaning service for your needs




Choosing the best cleaning service for your needs can be a tricky and confusing process. There are many factors to consider such as reputation, price, quality, and communication. Here are some tips to help you choose the best cleaning service for your needs:


Check their reputation and reviews online




The reputation and reviews of a cleaning service can tell you a lot about their professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction. You can check their website, social media pages, online directories, and review platforms to see what they offer, how they operate, and what their customers say about them. You can also ask for referrals from your friends, family, or neighbors who have used their services before.


Compare their prices and packages




The price and package of a cleaning service can tell you a lot about their value, quality, and flexibility. You can compare their prices and packages with other cleaning services in your area to see what they include, how they charge, and how they fit your budget and needs. You can also ask for a free estimate or a trial service from them to see what you get for your money.


Ask about their cleaning methods and products




The cleaning methods and products of a cleaning service can tell you a lot about their effectiveness, safety, and eco-friendliness. You can ask them about their cleaning methods and products to see how they clean different surfaces and areas in your home, what products they use, and how they dispose of them. You can also ask them if they have any certifications, accreditations, or guarantees for their cleaning methods and products.


Communicate your expectations and preferences




The communication between you and the cleaning service can tell you a lot about their responsiveness, respect, and customer service. You can communicate your expectations and preferences to them to see how they listen, understand, and accommodate your requests. You can also ask them any questions or concerns that you may have about their service. You can also give them feedback or suggestions after each service to see how they improve or adjust their service.


Conclusion




Home cleaning is an important activity that can benefit your home and yourself in many ways. By following the tips, benefits, and services that we have shared in this article, you can make home cleaning easier, more effective, and more enjoyable. You can also create a clean, comfortable, and healthy environment for yourself and your family.


So what are you waiting for? Start cleaning your home today and see the difference it makes in your life. Or if you need some extra help, contact a professional cleaner near you and let them take care of your home for you. Either way, you will be glad that you did.


FAQs




  • How often should I clean my home?



The frequency of home cleaning depends on various factors such as the size of your home, the number of people and pets living in it, the level of dirtiness or messiness, and your personal preference. However, a general rule of thumb is to do the daily tasks every day, the weekly tasks every week, the monthly tasks every month, and the seasonal tasks every season.


  • What are some natural or homemade cleaners that I can use for home cleaning?



Some natural or homemade cleaners that you can use for home cleaning are vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and alcohol. You can use them alone or mix them with water or other ingredients to create effective and eco-friendly cleaners for different surfaces and areas in your home. For example, you can use vinegar and water to clean windows and mirrors, baking soda and lemon juice to clean sinks and faucets, hydrogen peroxide and water to disinfect countertops and cutting boards, tea tree oil and water to prevent mold and mildew, and alcohol and water to sanitize electronics and keyboards.


  • How can I make home cleaning more fun and enjoyable?



There are many ways to make home cleaning more fun and enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:


  • Play some music or podcasts that you like while cleaning. You can also sing or dance along to make it more lively.



  • Invite a friend or a family member to help you with cleaning. You can also chat, joke, or play games with them while cleaning.



  • Set a timer or a challenge for yourself to see how fast or how well you can clean. You can also reward yourself with something nice after completing the task.



  • Use some scented or colorful products or tools that make cleaning more pleasant and appealing. You can also add some fragrance or essential oil to your cleaners or steamers to create a soothing or refreshing aroma in your home.



  • What are some common mistakes or myths that people have about home cleaning?



Some common mistakes or myths that people have about home cleaning are:


  • Using too much or too little product or water. This can either leave residues, streaks, or spots on the surfaces or not clean them properly.



  • Using the same cloth or sponge for different surfaces or areas. This can spread germs, dirt, and odors from one place to another.



  • Cleaning from bottom to top or from inside to outside. This can cause the dust, dirt, or water to fall or drip on the already cleaned areas.



  • Cleaning only when the dirt or mess is visible. This can allow the dirt, germs, allergens, pests, and mold to accumulate and cause problems.



  • How can I save money on home cleaning?



There are many ways to save money on home cleaning. Here are some tips:


  • Make your own cleaners with natural or homemade ingredients instead of buying expensive or harmful products from the store.



  • Use reusable or washable products or tools such as microfiber cloths, mop pads, dusters, sponges, etc. instead of disposable ones such as paper towels, wipes, pads, etc.



  • Buy products or tools in bulk or on sale instead of buying them individually or at full price.



  • Hire a professional cleaner only when necessary instead of hiring them regularly or for simple tasks that you can do yourself.



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