The correct order to clean your house efficiently

Key Takeaways

• Follow the Correct Order: Cleaning from top to bottom and saving floors for last is the most efficient method to avoid re-cleaning surfaces and save time.
• Use Pro Cleaning Methods: Simple hacks like using a cleaning caddy, the “Z-stroke” technique, and lint rollers for dusting can drastically improve your results.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Knowing what not to do, like cleaning windows on a sunny day or using the same cloth everywhere, is just as important as knowing what to do.

Let’s face it, cleaning can feel like a massive task. But following the best order to clean your house can completely change the game! This guide from the pros at Simply Spotless shares the secrets to efficient house cleaning. We reveal a simple, step-by-step cleaning routine that saves you time and effort while keeping your home sparkling.

Why the Order You Clean Matters

Ever wonder why you feel like you’re cleaning the same spot twice? Here’s why following a specific order to clean your house makes all the difference. 

Why You Shouldn’t Clean Randomly 

Cleaning without a plan is a one-way ticket to frustration. You’ll find yourself re-cleaning surfaces you just finished as dust falls from above, or wasting time wiping a cluttered bench before tidying it. The best cleaning schedule is one that helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures you don’t have to double-back on your work. 

How the Right Order Saves Time 

A systematic approach to efficient house cleaning allows you to work with gravity, not against it. By dusting high surfaces and moving downwards, you ensure all dust and grime land on the floor, which is the last thing you’ll clean. This simple flow prevents you from having to re-clean surfaces and saves you valuable time and energy. 

Step-by-Step Guide: The Correct Order to Clean Your House  

On the hunt for the most efficient cleaning methods? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the correct order to clean your house, room by room.

Living Room/General Areas

• Work Top-Down: Start by dusting high surfaces like shelves and picture frames, letting the dust settle on the floor. Use a microfiber cloth to trap dust efficiently.
• Wipe Electronics First: Before you vacuum, clean TVs and other electronics with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent dust from being kicked back into the air.
• Vacuum Strategically: Then, vacuum the perimeter of the room, working your way to the middle. This ensures you cover all areas, including often-missed edges.

 Kitchen

• Soak While You Go: Start by filling the sink with hot, soapy water to soak dishes. This lets items degrease while you tackle other tasks. 
• Work Inward: Once the counters are clear, wipe them down from the edges, working toward the sink. This traps crumbs and debris, making cleanup easier. 
• The Final Polish: After the sink is scrubbed and the floor is swept, wipe down all appliances with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. 

Bathrooms

• Clear the Air: Before you start scrubbing, spray down the shower and toilet with your chosen cleaner. Let the products soak while you work on other surfaces. 
• Work from High to Low: Move on to dusting and wiping down any shelves and mirrors. After, clean the sink and counters, moving all debris into the sink. 
• Scrub and Mop: After the sink and counters are clean, scrub the toilet, followed by the bathtub and shower. Last, sweep and mop the floor to collect all remaining dirt and grime. 

Bedrooms

• Get Under the Bed and Behind Furniture: Use your vacuum’s narrow attachment to reach these often-forgotten areas first. 
• Mattress Vacuuming: When changing sheets, use your vacuum’s often-forgotten upholstery attachment to remove dust mites and keep the bed fresh. 
• Blinds and Vents: Wipe down blinds and air vents with a damp microfiber cloth to remove trapped dust that can be recirculated. 

Hallways & Staircases

• High Corners and Ceilings: Start by using a long-handled duster to clear away any cobwebs from high corners and ceiling edges. 
• Staircase Strategy: Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to work from the top step down, collecting all dirt as you go. 
• Baseboards and Walls: Finish by wiping down your baseboards and any smudges on the walls with a damp cloth. 

10 Tips for Faster and More Efficient Cleaning

Ready to clean your home in record time? It’s simple when you use these ingenious house cleaning tips and hacks.

• Use a Cleaning Caddy: Carry all your supplies from room to room to stay in the flow and avoid wasting time.
• Use Both Hands: Double your efficiency by spraying with one hand and wiping with the other, or dusting high and low simultaneously.
• Use Multi-Purpose Products: Save time by using one all-purpose product on multiple surfaces.
• Master the “Z-Stroke”: Use an S-shaped motion when wiping down surfaces to cover them completely and avoid streaks.
• Set a Timer: Give yourself a specific amount of time per room to stay focused and avoid distractions.
• Pillowcase for Fans: Use an old pillowcase to dust fan blades. Slip it over the blade and pull it off to trap all the dust inside.
• Lint Roller for Fabrics: Quickly clean dust from lampshades, curtains, or upholstered furniture with a lint roller. It’s more effective than a duster for these surfaces.
• Pull the Vacuum Slowly: The suction is most powerful when pulling the vacuum backward. Take a slow, steady pace to ensure maximum dirt and dust removal.
• Use Newspaper for Windows: Use crumpled-up newspaper to wipe windows and mirrors. The unique texture leaves glass surfaces polished and streak-free.
• Care for Your Microfibre: Wash microfiber cloths separately in warm water without fabric softener. This keeps their fibres effective and extends their cleaning power.

10 House Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Our house cleaning tips are a great starting point. But remember, avoid these common mistakes that could sabotage all your hard work.

• Not Dusting Before Vacuuming: Cleaning floors first is a common mistake! All the dirt from dusting will just fall back down.
• Using Harsh Chemicals Unnecessarily: Many natural solutions are just as effective as heavy-duty chemicals, which can damage surfaces.
• Wiping Immediately After You Spray: Most products need a few minutes of “dwell time” to properly break down grime and stains.
• Using the Same Cloth for everything: This is the fastest way to spread germs and grime from one room to another.
• Not Cleaning Your Tools: A dirty mop or full vacuum filter will simply spread dirt and dust back onto your surfaces.
• Cleaning Windows on a Sunny Day: The heat from the sun will dry your cleaner too quickly, leaving you with annoying streaks.
• Over-Scrubbing Stains: This can permanently damage fabrics and finishes; instead, blot stains gently and let the product work.
• Neglecting Hidden Spots: Grime builds up in forgotten places like under furniture and behind appliances, which affects your home’s air quality.
• Using the Wrong Duster: Feather dusters tend to just spread dust around rather than trapping it; a damp microfiber cloth is far more effective.
• Using Vinegar on Every Surface: While great, its acidity can damage natural stone, hardwood floors, and certain other finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I clean first in my house?

Start with the rooms you use the least, like bedrooms, before moving to high-traffic areas. The very first task should always be to tidy up and get clutter out of the way.

2. Can I clean floors before dusting?

No, cleaning floors before dusting is one of the biggest cleaning mistakes. You should always work from the top down, so any dust you dislodge falls onto the floor, which you’ll clean last.

3. How often should I clean my house using this order?

This systematic order is best for a weekly or bi-weekly deep clean. For daily tasks, focus on a quick tidy and wiping down high-touch surfaces.

4. How can I clean my house faster without skipping any steps?

Use a cleaning caddy to keep all your supplies in one place and avoid running back and forth. You can also listen to a podcast or music to help you stay motivated and on-task.

Your Path to an Efficient Clean

Following the correct order to clean your house is the most effective way to save time and get a deeper clean. But when life gets too busy for a thorough clean, our professional home cleaning service is the solution. Get your no-obligation quote online with Simply Spotless today.