Keeping your home clean and sparkling can sometimes feel like an endless task. From everyday messes to deep cleaning, it's essential to have some handy cleaning hacks up your sleeve to make the process more manageable and efficient.

1. Cleaning Hacks
That Will Help You Clean
Your Home Sparkly
Keeping your home clean and sparkling can sometimes feel like an
endless task. From everyday messes to deep cleaning, it's
essential to have some handy cleaning hacks up your sleeve to
make the process more manageable and efficient. This guide will
share practical tips and tricks to help you achieve that coveted,
sparkling-clean home.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into cleaning, gathering all the necessary supplies is
crucial. This will save you time and prevent interruptions during

2. your cleaning session. Some basic cleaning supplies you'll need
include:
1. Cleaning Solutions
Invest in quality cleaning solutions that are suitable for various
surfaces in your home. Make sure to have an all-purpose cleaner,
glass cleaner, disinfectant, and floor cleaner on hand. You can also
consider eco-friendly options for a greener approach to cleaning.
2. Cleaning Tools
Having the right cleaning tools can make a significant difference.
Stock up on microfibre cloths, scrub brushes, sponges, mop,
bucket, and a vacuum cleaner. Consider getting a duster with an
extendable handle to reach high or hard-to-reach areas.
3. Bin Liners
Always keep a good supply of bin liners in different sizes. This
makes it easy to dispose of rubbish as you go through your cleaning
routine.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning your entire home can be overwhelming, especially if you
try to do it all at once. Instead, create a schedule that divides your
cleaning tasks into manageable chunks. Here's a sample weekly
cleaning schedule to get you started:

3. Monday: Kitchen Deep Clean
Start the week by tackling your kitchen. Clean the countertops,
appliances, sink, and microwave. Don't forget to sweep and mop
the floor.
Tuesday: Bathroom TLC
Focus on the bathroom today. Clean the toilet, bathtub, shower, and
sink. Wipe down mirrors and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Wednesday: Dusting Day
Dust all surfaces in your home, including shelves, furniture, and
electronics. Use a microfibre cloth to capture dust effectively.
Thursday: Living Room Revamp
Give your living room some attention. Vacuum the carpets and fluff
cushions, and tidy up any clutter.
Friday: Bedroom Retreat
Clean and declutter your bedroom. Change bed linens, vacuum the
floor, and organise your closet.
Saturday: Laundry and Outdoor Chores

4. Catch up on laundry and tackle outdoor chores like mowing the
lawn, weeding the garden, or cleaning the patio.
Sunday: Rest and Reset
Take a break from major cleaning tasks and focus on rest and
relaxation. You've earned it!
Embrace Natural Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning your home sparkly clean doesn't mean relying solely on
commercial cleaning products. Natural cleaning solutions can be
just as effective, safer for your family, and better for the
environment.
4. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are powerhouse cleaners. Mix vinegar
and water in a spray bottle to clean glass surfaces and countertops.
Baking soda is excellent for scrubbing and deodorising.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and can help remove stains. It
also leaves a refreshing scent. Use it to clean cutting boards,
faucets, and more.
6. Essential Oils

5. Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus have natural
antibacterial properties and can add a pleasant fragrance to your
cleaning solutions. Just a few drops can go a long way.
Tackle High-Traffic Areas First
When cleaning, it's often a good idea to start with high-traffic areas
that tend to get dirtier more quickly. This ensures that the most used
spaces in your home stay clean and inviting. High-traffic areas to
prioritise include:
7. Entryways and Hallways
Entryways and hallways are the first areas guests see when they
enter your home. Vacuum or sweep these areas regularly to
prevent dirt and debris from spreading throughout your home.
8. Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a magnet
for spills and messes. Wipe down your kitchen surfaces and
appliances daily to prevent buildup.
9. Bathroom
Bathrooms can accumulate grime quickly. Regularly disinfect
surfaces and clean the toilet, sink, and shower to maintain a
sparkling bathroom.

6. 10. Living Room
Frequent use of the living room means it can gather dust and dirt.
Vacuum upholstery and carpets and dust surfaces like coffee tables
and shelves keep this space clean and inviting.
Declutter and Organise
A clutter-free home not only looks cleaner but also makes cleaning
more efficient. Here are some decluttering and organising hacks to
help you maintain a neat and tidy space:
11. One-In, One-Out Rule
Consider letting go of something old whenever you bring in a new
item. This keeps the clutter in check and prevents overcrowding.
12. Use Storage Solutions
Invest in storage solutions like baskets, shelves, and drawer
dividers to organise items. Label containers to make finding things
easier.
13. Create a Cleaning Caddy
Assemble a cleaning caddy with your essential cleaning supplies.
This portable kit makes it easy to move from room to room without
forgetting anything.

7. Don't Neglect Neglected Areas
While high-traffic areas are essential, don't forget about the often-
neglected spaces in your home. These areas may not get daily
attention but still require periodic cleaning:
14. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Dust and cobwebs can accumulate on ceiling fans and light fixtures.
To reach these areas, use an extendable duster or a microfibre
cloth attached to a long handle.
15. Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards and trim around doors and windows can collect dust
and grime over time. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge.
16. Under Furniture
Sweep or vacuum under furniture regularly. It's surprising how
much dust and debris can accumulate in these hidden spaces.
Use the Right Techniques
Efficient cleaning is not just about having the right supplies; it's also
about using the proper techniques. Here are some cleaning hacks
to help you get the best results:
17. Top-to-Bottom Cleaning

8. When cleaning, begin at the highest point in the room and then
work your way down. This way, any dust or dirt that falls will be
addressed as you clean lower areas.
18. Circular Motion
When wiping down surfaces, use a circular motion rather than a
back-and-forth motion. This helps to lift dirt more effectively.
19. Let Cleaning Solutions Sit
Let Cleaning Solutions Sit
Sometimes, a little patience goes a long way in cleaning. When
dealing with tough stains or grime, allow your cleaning solution to
sit for a few minutes before scrubbing or wiping. This gives the
solution time to break down and loosen the dirt for easier removal.
20. Oven and Microwave
For stubborn oven or microwave stains, apply baking soda and
water paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about 15-30
minutes. Then, scrub away the grime for a clean and shiny
appliance.
21. Soap Scum in the Shower

9. To combat soap scum and mineral deposits in the shower, mix
equal parts white vinegar and dish soap. Apply this solution to the
problem areas and leave it for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and
rinsing.
22. Carpet Stains
For carpet stains, blot the area with a mixture of one part white
vinegar and two parts water. Let it sit briefly before blotting again
with a clean cloth. This can help lift the stain without damaging your
carpet.
Use Old Socks and Toothbrushes
Don't toss out old socks or toothbrushes. They can be handy
cleaning tools for those hard-to-reach or intricate areas:
23. Dusting with Old Socks
Slide an old sock onto your hand to dust surfaces like blinds,
lampshades, and electronics. The sock's texture is perfect for
trapping dust.
24. Grout Cleaning with a Toothbrush
An old toothbrush can work wonders on grout lines. Apply a mixture
of baking soda and water to the grout, scrub with the toothbrush,
and watch the grime disappear.

10. Stay Consistent with Routine Maintenance
A sparkling clean home is easier to achieve when you incorporate
routine maintenance into your cleaning regimen:
25. Regularly Change Filters
Change air and HVAC filters regularly. This improves air quality and
reduces dust buildup in your home.
26. Clean as You Cook
While preparing meals, take a few moments to wipe down counters
and surfaces as you go. This minimises post-meal cleanup.
27. Daily Quick Picks
Spend a few minutes each day doing quick picks around your
home. This can include putting away clutter, emptying trash bins,
and wiping down frequently touched surfaces.
Don't Forget About Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a fresh and clean
home environment. Here's how to ensure your home is well-
ventilated:
Maintaining a sparkling, clean home doesn't have to be a daunting
task. With the right cleaning hacks and consistency, you can

11. achieve a fresh and inviting living space that you'll be proud to call
your own.
Remember to start by gathering your cleaning supplies, creating a
schedule, and embracing natural cleaning solutions. Tackling high-
traffic areas first and decluttering and organising your space will
help you stay on top of cleanliness.
Don't forget those often neglected areas, and be sure to use the
right cleaning techniques to get the best results. Allowing cleaning
solutions to sit when needed can make a significant difference, and
using old socks and toothbrushes for specific tasks can be
surprisingly effective.
Lastly, staying consistent with routine maintenance and ensuring
proper ventilation in your home will contribute to a fresh and clean
living environment.
By incorporating these cleaning hacks into your routine, you can
enjoy the benefits of a sparkling clean home. This space looks great
and promotes a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your cleaning gloves, and get ready
to transform your home into a sparkling oasis with these handy
cleaning tips and tricks. Your home will thank you for it, and you'll
enjoy living in a cleaner, more organised space.
Happy cleaning!
© FastKlean