February 3, 2015
How to Speed Clean Your House in Less Than 30 Minutes + FREE PRINTABLE
Everyone wants to know the best way to clean the house in the least amount of time. Time is precious and the last thing that anyone wants to do is spend time cleaning (right?). There’s an art to cleaning up the house efficiently and effectively. I think that the secret to speed cleaning the house is having daily cleaning tasks and a simple cleaning routine. And you might be interested in the 6 things I do every day to keep the house clean. Having a simple daily cleaning routine is a huge timesaver. Better yet, it makes speed cleaning an easy and effective way to get your whole home clean in minutes. When I need the whole house clean at once, these are the steps I follow. I’ll be sharing more tips for speed cleaning in the next few months – I hope you find it helpful. I think it’s great to think about the process and make it as streamlined as possible! This checklist isn’t for every time your house needs to be cleaned. My speed cleaning method is for when you have someone stopping by unexpectedly, need the house cleaned in a hurry, or just for those times when you need a little momentum/direction to clean house.
How about a couple simple and easy speed cleaning shortcuts you can use today? Start with number one and work your way through the process, print the free printable if you need a reference sheet.
- GATHER YOUR TOOLS
Keep your favorite cleaning tools and cleaners in a caddy or container so you can grab them and clean anytime. My must-have caddy tools? Feather duster (faux or microfiber), microfiber cloths, lint roller, all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting cleaner (bath), cleaning wipes, and window/mirror cleaner. Check out my whole line of cleaning products in Clean Mama Home. - SET A TIMER
If you only have 15 minutes, set the timer and see how much you can get done. I think that the most realistic timeframe is 30 minutes. - START WITH A LAUNDRY BASKET AND A GARBAGE BAG
Start by collecting anything that can be tossed and throw it in the garbage bag. Items that need to be relocated toss in the laundry basket. Once the room is clean you can stash the laundry basket in a closet if you have someone dropping by, if not, take a couple minutes to return the items to their proper places. - DO A QUICK DUST
A feather duster is a great tool to quickly dust surfaces. Shake your duster out frequently and move quickly to remove visible dust. - WIPE SURFACES
Spray down any hard surfaces (counters, toilets) and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Wiping down counters and cleaning sinks is on my daily routine so this is fairly simple. Disinfecting wipes also work great for quick cleaning. - WIPE MIRRORS
A quick spray and swipe over bathroom mirrors goes a long way. Don’t miss this step! - QUICK VACUUM
If your floors need to be vacuumed, concentrate on high traffic areas, corners, and visible dirt. - FLUFF PILLOWS AND STRAIGHTEN THROW BLANKETS
A quick tidy and straightening up of pillows and throw blankets will give your room a completed and clean appearance. - PUT OUT FRESH TOWELS
Don’t underestimate the clean look of fresh towels. Replace your kitchen and bathroom towels with clean towels as you’re making your final sweep.
The simple step-by-step:
I’d love to know how this method works for you the next time you need to do a little speed cleaning!
If you like this free printable, you’ll love my shop, Clean Mama Printables!
Morgan Says
This is a great list! I do some of these but need to incorporate the rest and pick up a duster. Thanks for the beautiful printable!
Amelia Says
What do you use for disinfectant wipes?
Becky Says
Post authorI make my own or use Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes 🙂
Amelia Says
Thank you u saw one in your book! Just got the book and a bunch of stuff from amazon, can’t wait to try the products :-).
Grimm Says
I am having trouble accessing the printable. Is there a google docs link?
Jen in Oz Says
I have tried several times to get the printables and never had any luck. I hope there is another way.
Becky Says
Post authorAll fixed!
Renee Says
I too am having trouble accessing the printable.
Becky Says
Post authorAll fixed!
Kim Says
Where did you get the feather duster?
Debra Says
FYI: spraying mirrors with window cleaners can damage the silver on the mirror backing. If using a cleaner it is best to spray your cloth and then clean the mirror. I have found wiping the mirror down with a cloth that has been wetted with hot water removes the toothpaste spots, etc. Let it dry (while you are wiping down the counters and toilet) and then go over the mirror with a little glass cleaner wetted cloth and follow up with a microfiber works best. Really doesn’t take long and the results are worth it. You could skip the glass cleaner step as well and just do the microfiber cloth.
Mia Says
I noticed you have a new basket to hold the supplies. Where can I get that basket?
Becky Says
Post authorIt’s from West Elm 🙂
Julia Dudding Says
I love your webste
tam Says
it’s great in theory & I’m learning lots from your blog on ways to better organize my cleaning. but the truth is i have a pretty big 2 story house and it takes me a solid 30 mins just to vacuum the floors!
Hillary Says
I just bought your book on Amazon and it came yesterday. Can’t wait to start purging my home of all those horrible chemicals! Where can I find those spray bottles you have pictures in this post and the adorable tags. I love all the mint accents!! Thank you!
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Hillary! The glass spray bottles can be found here:
https://clean-mama-home.myshopify.com/collections/spray-bottles-1
and the tags were from Staples in the Martha Stewart line 🙂
Patricia Russell Says
This is such a excellent post for! Thanks for sharing.
Patricia Russell Says
I like to buy this Vacuum cleaner. How I can buy it?
Leslie Dey Says
The last tip… Close doors. Closed doors will hide a multitude of sins !
Kerry Says
This was so helpful. Thank you!
b r Says
Post authorYou’re very welcome Kerry!