| 1. | Get your tools together. Keep the cleaning supplies you use regularly all together in a plastic caddy in a handy spot, so you can carry it quickly to whatever you're cleaning. |
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| 2. | Act fast. Clean up spills immediately, before they turn into messy, set-in stains. A little up-front work will pay off later. |
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| 3. | Multitask. Make phone calls as you fold laundry or wipe down kitchen countertops while you wait for water to boil. You don't have to go crazy, but you can take advantage of stolen moments. |
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| 4. | Use cleaning logic. Dust first, vacuum later. Rather than starting "bottom to top," go "top to bottom." Dust moves down, so it's more effective to wipe off high shelves first, work your way down to low coffee tables and finish up with vacuuming. |
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| 5. | Clean only what's dirty. Who has time to clean an entire refrigerator that really only has a few fingerprints on it? Leave that for a deep-cleaning day. Instead, focus on areas that require daily cleaning and straightening, such as kitchen countertops and play areas. |
| 6. | Use the right tools for the task. Don't push dust around with a dry cloth — trap it with a damp one, or use Swiffer Dusters®, with thousands of soft, fluffy fibers to trap dust. Rather than toil away with a wet washcloth, trying to remove food that is stuck on counters, use a scraper to remove it with less effort. |
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| 7. | Get help! Why should you do all the cleaning yourself? Get your family involved and cleaning will go much faster and more efficiently. |
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| 8. | Put things where they belong right away. We're all guilty of putting dishes in the sink rather than in the dishwasher. But by postponing the inevitable, you end up doing twice the work! |
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| 9. | Spot clean. It doesn't take long to do and it really helps tidy up a high-traffic room, particularly the kitchen. Once a week, give the room a more thorough cleaning. |
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| 10. | Take advantage of convenience tools. Use a thick paper towel and a little water to remove scuff marks and dirt from floors, walls and doors. Then, simply toss it and forget about it. |
