Basic Housecleaning Strategies

Basic housecleaning will prevent trash, mold and other icky things from overtaking your household and making your living environment more than unpleasant. Basic housecleaning involves having a method and the necessary supplies to clean each room of your home on a regular basis in a way that does not feel overwhelming to you.

Downsizing

The less things you have, the less you will have to clean, organize and move items. Some people donate clothing, shoes and accessories. Some people sell excess electronic equipment or toys on eBay and Craigslist. Removing excess kitchen items as well as this will reduce the amount of dishes needed to be done on a regular basis.

Supplies

Basic household cleaners can include mixing baking soda and water into a cleaning paste, using vinegar or lemon juice as disinfectants and off the shelf cleaners such as disinfecting sprays or bathroom cleaners found at local grocery stores. One or two all-purpose cleaners that cut grease and disinfect can reduce the amount of cleaning items you need to store. A broom, mop, mop bucket, sponges, optional paper towels or rubber gloves are good supplies to have. The type of bathroom cleaner will vary depending on the type of tub you have.

Services

Maid and housecleaning services are available throughout the nation to assist with both basic and more specified housecleaning projects. You should discuss references and or background checks for anybody you hire to come clean your home. Costs vary depending on company and services the company provides.

Methods

Some people clean room by room and try to accomplish it all in one or two days and some use a schedule and break apart rooms for each day of the week. Splitting chores between family members or roommates can even the workload. Some use a "top-down" method where cleaning begins at upper levels of a room, cleaning countertops, dusting and so on, before cleaning any of the floor areas.

Considerations

Each home situation is different. Don't feel pressured to have to do it all in one day or if the housecleaning is not done what you feel is "perfect." The goal of basic housecleaning is to get the bathrooms and kitchen fully cleaned, scrubbed and disinfected once a week. Floors can be done every two weeks if needed. Laundry can be done while other housework is taking place. Consider making the housecleaning more enjoyable by playing your favorite music while cleaning.