Considering the fact that most of us dislike household cleaning, getting chores over and done with quickly is something we all wish to do! Of course, this does not necessarily mean cleaning hastily or rushing through each cleaning task, but rather, implementing time-saving tricks and more effective cleaning methods, as well as creating the perfect environment to focus on the job at hand. In this manner, you can clean faster and more efficiently!
The truth is that most homeowners don’t consider changing their cleaning ways because they are so comfortable with them. When you get used to doing something a certain way, it becomes a part of your routine that you don’t want to change, even if it means for the better. Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s time to reconsider the way you go about cleaning your house by guaranteeing better results in a quicker time-frame!
Read on for our top four ways to save time while cleaning your house.
1. Get Rid of Distractions – Phones, Television, etc
Think about how many distractions you have while trying to get through a single cleaning task; from pets getting in your way, to incoming text messages that tempt you to glance at your phone; the distractions are endless… if you allow them to be! By this we mean anyone that is looking for an excuse to procrastinate because they aren’t exactly having a ball of a time cleaning and tidying up. Don’t feel guilty, though, a lot of us do it too! With that said, it’s best to get rid of any distractions that will prolong a cleaning process/routine.
Phone usage is, perhaps, one of the biggest contributors to procrastination where home cleaning is concerned. Whether you hear your phone buzzing or simply get the urge to scroll through social media posts, your phone has a way of taking up a lot of time that could otherwise be used to do something productive – like household cleaning! Apart from this, watching television or streaming something on your computer while you clean are also bad ideas because you lose focus on the cleaning task you are doing and take that much longer to finish it. So, we suggest you make it a habit (or a rule) to not use any of these electronics when it’s time to clean your house.
2. Create a Better Work Environment
It’s never easy to motivate yourself (and stay motivated) when it comes to house cleaning; however, having the right environment definitely helps. When you create the perfect work environment to clean, it’s all systems go from there! Just like a fitness buff is more focused and motivated to work out in a gym, you will find yourself getting a lot more done in a shorter time when the environment is ideal.
How do you achieve the perfect cleaning environment, you ask? Well, for starters, you need to make cleaning a less ‘dreadful’ activity. One way to do this is by listening to some upbeat music. Make a playlist of songs that lift your spirit so that cleaning doesn’t seem like such a drab. You can also allot a certain amount of time to complete each task and use a talking alarm or self-timer that reminds you how many minutes you have on the clock to finish the cleaning job in question. It’s proven that a competitive environment (even if it means competing with yourself) pushes one to get things done because it leads to a sense of self accomplishment by the end of it.
3. Use the Right Cleaning Tools and Cleaners
Simply put, the use of unsuitable cleaning tools and products for a particular task can double (or triple) the amount of time it takes to complete it. What’s worse, this can also lead to unsatisfactory cleaning results. Unfortunately, not all homeowners know the correct tools and cleaners (or amounts) to use and end up disappointed and frustrated with the outcome. Nevertheless, it’s not too late to learn!
Starting with something as basic as dusting, you should know that using a feather duster is nowhere near as effective as using a microfiber dust cloth (preferably damp). This is because feather dusters only pick up a small amount of dust and merely unsettle the rest, leaving you to wipe over a surface 2 or 3 times before you can clean it thoroughly. Similarly, using the right vacuum cleaner attachment for different surfaces also influences the level of cleaning efficiency. With regard to cleaning products, it’s best to do your research on different brands and the cleaning agent in question to ensure that you are using it correctly. On top of this, it’s important to use the right amount of product for an effective clean. Follow directions on the labels of cleaning products for best results.
4. Cleaning Shortcuts Save a Lot of Time
Even though we’re mentioning this last, it’s one of the best ways to save time while cleaning your house. There are so many tips and tricks you can use to speed up a cleaning task while also achieving better results! From using a pair of old, cotton gloves to wipe window blinds quickly, to using floor cleaner in a spray bottle when mopping (as opposed to lugging around a bucket); there are several cleaning shortcuts and hacks you can find on the internet to help you get cleaning jobs over and done with faster than ever!

