You love a clean home – because a clean home is a happy home! But the cleaning part can definitely be a bit daunting – although it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re looking for tips on how to deep-clean your oven or how to get rid of pet hair, we’ve got you covered. So read on for some helpful advice on how to make your home shine! We’ve got 26 tips that will help you clean every room in your house from A to Z.
A – Animal Hair
If you have pets, you know that animal hair can be a challenge to remove from your furniture and floors. The best way to tackle this issue is to vacuum regularly, aiming for at least once a week. You can also use a lint roller or wet cloth to remove pet hair from fabric surfaces.
B – Bedding
Your bed should be a relaxing place, so it’s important to keep it clean and fresh. Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week in hot water. If you have a duvet, be sure to wash it every few months. And don’t forget to vacuum or sweep under your bed regularly!
C – Candle Wax
Did you get some candle wax on your clothing or fabric tablecloth? Simply place a brown paper bag over the wax and run a hot iron over it. The heat will melt the wax and the paper will absorb it.
D – Dusting
Dust can accumulate quickly, so it’s important to dust your surfaces weekly or even daily, if you have pets. The best way to dust is with a microfiber cloth, which will trap the dust instead of just pushing it around. Be sure to dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans, baseboards, and blinds.
E – Electronics
Electronics are another hot spot for dust accumulation. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down your TV screen, computer monitor, and other electronics. For keyboards and other small spaces, use a can of compressed air to blow the dust away.
F – Floors
Your floors take a beating on a daily basis so they definitely need to be cleaned regularly! For hardwood floors, sweep or vacuum regularly and mop with a damp cloth or mop. For tile floors, sweep or vacuum first and then mop with a solution of warm water and vinegar. For carpeted floors, vacuum regularly and spot-clean spills as they happen.
G – Glass Surfaces
Glass surfaces like windows and mirrors can collect dust and fingerprints. The best way to clean them is with a lint-free cloth and a glass cleaner. Be sure to clean both sides of the glass to keep it looking its best!
H – Handprints
Kids love to touch everything including walls! To remove handprints (and other smudges), use a damp microfiber cloth or “magic” eraser. For tougher stains, you may need to use a mild all-purpose cleaner or white vinegar solution.
I – In the Oven
Thankfully, most ovens now have a self-cleaning feature – which means you can turn it on and let it do its magic! Once it’s finished self-cleaning, simply wipe it out to remove any residue. And if you do need to use an oven cleaner, be sure to find one that’s specifically made for self-cleaning ovens.
J – Jewelry
Jewelry can get dirty quickly especially if you wear it every day! To clean it, mix warm water and dish soap in a bowl and soak for several minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or grime, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
K – Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink sees a lot of action – from cooking to cleaning to food prep – so it’s important to keep it clean! The best way to do this is to scrub it with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Be sure to also clean the drain, faucet, and surrounding countertops.
L – Lampshades
Lampshades are notorious dust collectors so they need to be cleaned regularly. The best way to do this is to vacuum with the upholstery attachment. You can also use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the shade. Let it air dry completely before replacing the bulb and turning on the lamp. And if you have a corrugated lamp shade, consider using a dry paint brush. A paint brush is ideal for getting in those folds.
M – Microwave
The microwave is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. To clean it, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl and microwave for two minutes. Then, use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away any food splatters or stains.
N – Nightstands
Nightstands are another hot spot for dust accumulation. The best way to clean them is with a microfiber cloth or duster. Be sure to dust all surfaces, including the top of the nightstand, the drawer pulls, and the lamp base.
O – Outside Surfaces
Don’t forget about the outside surfaces of your home! These areas can get just as dirty as inside surfaces – if not dirtier. To clean them, use a pressure washer or garden hose to remove any dirt, grime, or pollen. Then, scrub with a brush and soapy water. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely.
P – Pillows
When was the last time you cleaned your pillows? Most pillows can be cleaned in your washing machine but be sure to spot treat any stains before dropping them in.
Q – Quick
Cleaning an entire home is a big job and can feel daunting. To make the job seem more manageable, consider breaking it up into smaller quick jobs you can do throughout the week. And don’t forget to ask for help! Create a family chore chart and make a plan for when you’ll clean. You’ll find you’re done in no time.
R – Rug Cleaning
Rugs can be tricky to clean but it’s important to do it regularly. The best way to clean them is to vacuum first, then use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to test a small area first to make sure the cleaner won’t damage the rug.
S – Shower Curtain
The shower curtain is one of the most forgotten items when it comes to cleaning but it’s important to clean it regularly, as mold and mildew can build up quickly. The best way to clean a shower curtain is in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. You can also hand wash it in the tub with a mild detergent.
T – Toilet
Nobody likes to clean the toilet but it’s definitely necessary! A mixture of warm water and vinegar can do the trick! Be sure to also clean the bowl, seat, and surrounding areas, too.
U – Upholstery
The best way to clean upholstery is to vacuum first, then use an upholstery cleaner or steam cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to test a small area first to make sure the cleaner won’t damage the fabric.
V – Vacuuming
Vacuuming is one of the most important cleaning tasks and it’s not just for carpets! Be sure to vacuum all surfaces, including upholstered furniture, mattresses, and curtains. Don’t forget to vacuum under beds and other furniture as well.
W – Walls
Walls can get dirty quickly especially if you have kids or pets! To clean them, use a microfiber cloth or duster. You can also vacuum with the upholstery attachment. For tougher stains, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl and wipe down with a sponge. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely. And don’t forget about Magic Erasers! They are great for white walls and woodwork – just be sure to test a small area first.
X – X Marks the Spot
When cleaning, it’s important to focus on the areas that get the dirtiest. These are usually the “high traffic” areas, such as around doorways, in hallways, and on staircases. Be sure to give these areas extra attention when cleaning.
Y – Yellowing
Over time, surfaces can start to yellow from exposure to sunlight or other factors. To clean this type of discoloration, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl and wipe down with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely.
Z – Ziploc Bags
Ziploc bags are great for more than just storing food! They can also be used for cleaning. For example, you can use them to clean your shower head by placing the head in a sandwich bag with two teaspoons of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar and attaching it with an elastic band.
With these 26 cleaning tips, your home will be sparkling in no time! Do you have cleaning tips that you swear by? Then share them in the comments! We’d love to hear them! And remember that Mini Maid is always here to help with your residential and commercial cleaning needs.
