For several years I worked with a janitorial service cleaning offices. From that experience I learned many tricks to make your house cleaning chores easier and faster.
First, decide on the level of disgust that makes you uncomfortable. If you don't mind a little dust but can't stand clothes on the floor, concentrate on that problem.
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Second, treat house cleaning like a job - schedule a regular time to clean, put it on a calendar as you would a business appointment and keep that appointment. Enlist your family in the project. If everyone works together, all the chores are quickly completed.
Third, assemble your tools. A pro has a cart to push around but that is not needed in a home. Buy or make a caddy that holds your cleaning supplies. Put a duster, liquid cleaner, damp rag or sponge, dry link free towel and window cleaner in it and store it in a convenient closet. If you don't have small children, keep additional supplies where they will be used - bathroom tile cleaner, toilet brush, etc. in the bathroom, cleanser in the kitchen.
Fourth, set a time limit. If you know that you have one hour to finish all your weekly cleaning, you will become efficient and organized.
Fifth, decide what is to be done on a daily, weekly, monthly and semi-annual basis. For example, daily chores could include pick up all clothes and put in proper place, dishes washed, garbage taken out, countertops wiped down and books and magazines put away. Weekly chores could include dust surfaces and window sills, wash tv, computer and windows where the dog puts his nose, vacuum carpets, mop kitchen and bathroom floors and clean toilet. Make a list of your items and choose how often they need to be done.
Okay, now you are actually ready to start. Begin in one room and put everything in its proper place. Then clean the upper surfaces by dusting the tables and window sills. Clean the tv and computer screen. Clean counter tops and sinks and toilets. Last, clean the floor surfaces. Vacuum and mop.
Voila! Your first room is done. Repeat for the other rooms of the house.
Turn on lively music, turn off the television and just do it. Set your timer and see how much you can accomplish in the alloted time.
Professional janitors know that cleaning isn't particularly fun but it needs to be done. If you treat it like a job, scheduling time, what needs to be done and a reward you will find that cleaning your house will be a lot easier.
How To Clean Your House Like a Professional
Pat Schraier has a website Cleaning-your-House.com with information and resources for cleaning and organizing your home. Sign up for the newsletter for a free House Cleaning Checklist.