It can be time-consuming and difficult to clean, but the result is worth it. Here are the 11 best tips for reducing the time required to clean your home from top to bottom.

1. Create a plan for cleaning your home.

Start with a plan that you can follow every time you clean the house. Start and finish each room in the same place. It becomes easier to clean if you repeat the same steps every time.

2. Organize and declutter.

Take 10 minutes before you start cleaning to pick up clutter. Consider whether to donate, throw away or store each item as you pick it up. You can decide whether you want to put your clothes in your closet or in the laundry basket. Or, you can wash them while you do the rest of the cleaning. It is easier to get things done if you have a designated place for each item.

3. All your cleaning products should be gathered.

It’s much easier to do the job if you have all your cleaning supplies in one place. It will save you time by not having to search for cleaning supplies as you clean. You also won’t need to gather them up before your next clean.

4. Clean the surface of your home starting at the top.

By cleaning from the top down, you can avoid doing redundant work as dust will fall off of the highest objects and land on lower surfaces. By cleaning from left to right, you can also clean the whole room rather than just a few spots. Be sure to turn off the ceiling fans before dusting.

5. Remove stray hair from your pet.

To remove any pet hair that may have gotten on your soft surfaces and lampshades, use a lint-roller. Before vacuuming, wipe the carpets down with a wet rubber squeegee. Wear rubber gloves to sweep pet hairs off furniture surfaces.

6. The vacuum cleaner should be used to its maximum potential.

A vacuum cleaner can be used to clean difficult-to-reach areas such as the kitchen cabinets. When vacuuming the floor, make sure to do it in long rows. This will help you clean more effectively.

7. Mirrors and glass should be cleaned.

To clean mirrors and other glass surfaces, use a damp microfiber cloth followed by a dry cloth.

8. Clean the counters and surfaces.

Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes, especially those that could potentially transmit germs to fingers or faces. Have you run out of wipes and sprays to disinfect? You can save money by using a simple, inexpensive and quick DIY solution. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup white or apple vinegar with 1 cup water to make a nontoxic solution.

9. These cleaning hacks will help you remove food and beverage stains.

Baking soda and water can be mixed together to remove tough stains. Heat up a coffee-cup full of water to remove stubborn grime from the microwave. Once the water is boiling, use a rag to clean the inside of your microwave. Gently wipe any spills from the couch using baby wipes.

10. Window treatments and glass should be cleaned.

Use a window squeegee to clean windows quickly and efficiently. Then, squeegee the window dry. This method is faster and prevents streaks.

11. These easy DIY projects will help you to refresh your bathroom.

• Wipe stainless steel with baby oil or hand sanitizer to remove water marks.
• Pour 1 cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of baking soda in the bowl to keep it clean. After a few minutes of fizzing, scrub the bowl and flush.
• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water and spray it over the tiles. Wait 30 seconds, then wipe them down with a damp rag.
• Scrub your grout with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 cups water, then wipe it clean.

12. After sweeping, mop.

Sweep your kitchen and bathroom floor. Mop the floor from the furthest corner and work your way backwards towards the doorway. Every time you finish a 4 by 4-foot area, rinse the mop.

13. Do not forget to wash your cleaning equipment regularly.

Maintaining your cleaning equipment is an important part of house cleaning that’s often overlooked. A dirty mop, or a vacuum that has a full bag will be less effective and take more time to clean.