When you move into your first home or apartment, the last thing on your mind is cleaning; you’re still new to the daily life of an adult and are just trying to master being able to live independently. While it might take you a while to learn the ropes, cleaning is just something that needs to be done—regardless of your experience level. To help, here are five essential cleaning tips to help you master domesticity:
1. Declutter before cleaning
This tip is the most important one. Before you start cleaning your space, you first need to strip your home of all your unwanted clutter. If you have any old clothes that are ripped or damaged, put them in a garbage bag and give them away to friends and family or to a thrift store. Anything that does not need to be thrown out or donated should have a designated storage area where you can place it. Try not to clean until after you tidy up everything that might get in the way.
2. Clean as you go
This tip can be slightly tricky to put into practice, but cleaning as you go is the best thing you can do to keep on top of dirt and clutter. When going through your home, if clothes are on your bed or if you have dirty dishes, take care of them right away so clutter doesn’t build up until it’s overwhelming.
3. Wet wipes are your friend
Eventually, you will be in a situation where you cannot find your cleaning products and are in a hurry. This is when wet wipes come to the rescue. It’s not a perfect alternative, but it will help you clean your bathroom or kitchen counters quickly until you find your mop and bucket or vacuum cleaner (and the motivation to mop and vacuum).
4. Get a robot vacuum
A robot vacuum is the latest must-have in the world of cleaning accessories. A robot vacuum is a device that can clean your floors and carpets independently, quietly, efficiently, and fast. It can clean hard floors, tile, carpets, and rugs, and it takes care of carpets made of artificial fibers as well. Your robot vacuum can even get around those pesky corners for you, freeing up your time to clean the rest of the house and relax.
5. Adopt a cleaning schedule
Last, but not least, it’s vital to set up a cleaning schedule by creating paper or electronic calendar alerts with reminders for weekly cleaning. List all the things you need to clean—bathroom, kitchen, laundry, dishes—and stick them on your fridge. You won’t forget your chores when they’re staring you in the face every time you go to make food or get a drink. This can help you stay on top of cleaning so clutter doesn’t take over your life.
Your new home or apartment can be a relaxing space if you know how to clean it. These tips can help you make your space liveable and enjoyable, especially if you follow them diligently. Don’t forget to buy the necessary tools and cleaning products—you can’t rely on wet wipes forever.
