Tips to Help You Speed-Clean Your Home

Tote Your Tools

Keep everything you use to clean your home ready to go in one cleaning tote, caddy, or bucket. You won't waste time gathering your necessities to start or continue -- just bring it with you from room to room. If your home is large, consider creating two or more: one for each level.

Say "Bye-Bye" to the Broom

You don't have to switch from a broom to a vacuum when you clean, says Jackie Harmon, owner of Healthy Clean green cleaning company. "Use a vacuum on all floor surfaces." It's quicker to use, plus you'll remove one lanky, awkward tool from the mix.

Extend Your Reach

Invest in a 50-foot extension cord for your vacuum, president of Better Life Maids Matthew Ricketts says. "Plug in once, in the center of the floor, and you'll be able to vacuum even a large home without wasting time un- and re-plugging," he says.

Overlook the Little Things

That thimble collection or brass animal display needn't get a complete wipedown every single week. Save time by giving yourself the OK to skip the little stuff and instead focus on the big picture. Treating wee things to a good dusting once a month is just fine.

Stick to a System

Establish a cleaning pattern to consistently shave time off your cleaning routine. Experts recommend starting each room to the left of the doorway, at the top, and moving clockwise and down. Once you get the hang of your system, you'll clean speedily on autopilot -- and never waste time backtracking.

Conquer Clutter

Cleaning goes much more quickly if you don't have to declutter along the way. Make sure each family member has a catchall spot for personal things. Cubbies, tote bags, and small laundry baskets all work. They should be emptied regularly. Make a rule: If it's full, its owner needs to trash, donate, or find a permanent home for all contents.

Stash Supplies

To save time on cleaning day, clean as you go whenever possible. To that end, stash a few key cleaning supplies in each room or on each level of your home, says Teresa Ward, owner of Teresa's Family Cleaning. When messes happen, it's a cinch to swoop in, swipe, and move on.

Focus

If you truly want to speed-clean, put the phone down. Better yet, tuck it out of sight. And keep the TV off. Focus solely on the task at hand. Multitasking while you clean adds time. Better to get your cleaning done quickly and then move on.

Get Help

"Cleaning should not be one person's responsibility," assures Molly Maid's Roberts. Permanently shorten your own clean time by assigning tasks to family members. Even young kids can pick up, make the bed, and change out hand towels. Make your expectations crystal clear, and trust them!

Clean Your Way

Tailor your cleaning routine to fit you. Take our Cleaning Personality Quiz and discover what type of cleaner you are. We'll pair you with smart tips and tricks that suit your style.