A clean and tidy home provides comfort and reduces stress. However, with busy schedules, keeping a house clean can feel like an impossible feat. When time is limited, it’s important to focus on quick cleaning tasks that make the biggest impact.
Here are my best tips and tricks for how to clean a house fast when you need a quick clean. With a strategic approach, you can whip any room into shape in a hurry.
Supplies to Have on Hand for a Speedy Clean
Having the right supplies ready to go will make any quick cleaning session more efficient. Here are some cleaning tools and products I always keep stocked up so I’m prepared whenever time is short:
Cleaning Caddy – A portable caddy or bucket with handles that I can carry from room to room filled with cleaning supplies helps speed things up. I keep microfiber cloths, dusters, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and scrub brushes inside.
Vacuum – A cordless stick vacuum that’s easy to grab and go is a must-have for quick cleanups in any room. I look for one with strong suction power.
Multi-Surface Spray – An eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner that can be used on most surfaces saves me from having to grab multiple cleaners. Vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle also works.
Cleaning Cloths – Microfiber cloths and paper towels clean better and faster than rags. I stock up so I always have plenty available.
Dusters – Soft microfiber dusters with extendable handles are great for quickly dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards and more.
Broom & Dustpan – For fast floor tidy-ups, a broom and dustpan set you can use with one hand helps ensure floors get swept quickly.
Quick Kitchen Cleaning Tips
The kitchen tends to get messy fast, especially when cooking meals. But you can clean a kitchen quickly when needed if you focus on these key areas:
Clear Countertops – Start by clearing all items from kitchen counters and surfaces and putting things away. It instantly makes the whole room look cleaner.
Do Dishes – Fill the sink or a large bowl with hot soapy water to soak pots and pans while you clean. Then quickly wash all dirty dishes and put away.
Clean Appliances – Wipe down the outside of kitchen appliances with a multi-surface spray cleaner and cleaning cloth. Pay extra attention to handles and doors.
Spot Clean Tables/Chairs – Spray down the kitchen table and chairs and wipe away any grime, sticky spills or food debris using a damp cloth.
Sweep Floors – Use a broom and dustpan to sweep up any crumbs or dirt on the floors. Spot mop as needed.
Take Out Trash – Empty the kitchen garbage cans and replace trash bags. Take the trash outside to the bins right away to remove odor.
Tidy Counters – Give all your cleaned counters and surfaces one last wipe down at the end for disinfection and to remove streaks.
Shine Sink – Use a non-abrasive cleaner or baking soda with a damp sponge to scrub the kitchen sink basin. Rinse and wipe dry.
Speed Cleaning the Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the rooms that need cleaning most frequently, but you can tidy up a bathroom fast with this quick cleaning checklist:
Spray & Scrub Tub/Shower – Spray down tub and shower walls with an all-purpose cleaner. Let soak for a few minutes and then scrub with a cloth or brush. Rinse.
Clean Toilet Bowl – Pour a toilet bowl cleaner around the inside rim of bowl and let sit before scrubbing entire bowl with a toilet brush.
Wipe Down Sink – Spray sink basin with cleaner and wipe clean with a cloth, including the faucet. Don’t forget the counter area.
Spot Clean Mirror – Spritz mirror with glass cleaner and wipe any toothpaste spots or dirt with a paper towel.
Disinfect Handles – Wipe down the toilet handle, doorknobs, drawer pulls and faucet handles with a disinfecting wipe.
Sweep Floor – Use a broom to sweep up any hair or dust on the bathroom floor. Follow with a quick mop.
Replenish Supplies – Fill soap dispensers, replace toilet paper rolls and hang up fresh hand towels.
Take Out Trash – Empty the small bathroom trash cans and replace bags. Immediately dispose of trash.
Tidy Counters – Give the countertops one last wipe down to remove cleaner residue and make them shine.
How to Speed Clean the Bedroom
No one likes coming home to a messy bedroom. But it often ends up disorganized. Make tidying it up fast a priority with these tips:
Make the Bed – Straighten out sheets, comforter and blankets. Smooth wrinkles and fluff pillows. A made bed makes a huge impact.
Clear Clutter – Put away any clothes, shoes, books and other items lying around on the floor and furniture. Return items to their home.
Dust Surfaces – Use a microfiber duster on dressers, nightstands, ceiling fans and other surfaces to remove dust quickly.
Vacuum Floor – Vacuum carpeting using a cordless vacuum to pick up dirt, dust and hair fast. Vacuum floors too.
Wipe Down Surfaces – Use a wood polish or multi-surface spray and cloth to wipe nightstands and dressers to remove smudges and dust.
Clean Mirrors – Spray mirrors and wipe clean with a paper towel to instantly make them shine and look their best.
Take Out Trash – Empty any small trash bins and replace trash bag liners. Dispose of trash right away.
Tidy Pillows & Bedskirt – Align pillows neatly at the head of bed. Smooth out the bedskirt for a finished look.
Refresh Linens – If sheets or pillowcases are overly wrinkled or dirty, take a few extra minutes to replace them with clean linens.
Quick Living Room Cleaning Routine
The living room tends to become a catch-all for household clutter. Tackle this communal space in a hurry with these tips:
Clear Coffee Tables – Stack books, magazines and miscellaneous items cluttering up coffee tables and return them to their designated homes.
Fluff Pillows – Fluff and arrange accent pillows on sofas or chairs to freshen their appearance.
Dust Surfaces – Use a duster to remove dust from tables, bookshelves, TV screens and any other surfaces.
Spot Clean Furniture – Use upholstery cleaner and a rag to spot treat any stains or dirt on furniture.
Vacuum Floors & Rugs – Run a cordless vac over carpeted and bare floors to suck up debris. Lift and vacuum under area rugs.
Remove Dishes – Take any used glasses, mugs or plates into the kitchen and load into dishwasher.
Take Out Trash – Empty wastebaskets and replace trash bag liners. Take trash outside immediately.
Straighten Items – Neatly stack books, magazines, blankets or any miscellaneous items that have been left out.
Fluff Throw Pillows – Freshen up throw pillows on chairs or sofas by fluffing and straightening.
Wipe Down Tables – Use a multi-surface cleaner and cloth to clean and disinfect end tables and coffee tables.
How to Quick Clean Other Living Areas
Other high-traffic areas beyond the main living spaces also need regular tidying. Here are speed cleaning tips for these overlooked zones:
Entryway
- Clear out clutter on console tables, benches or shelves and put items away.
- Sweep and/or vacuum floors to remove dirt, salt or slush during wet weather.
- Disinfect doorknobs, handles and light switches.
- Use glass cleaner and cloth to wipe down mirrors and clean smudges.
- Dust ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
- Wipe down benches or seats with a cloth.
Hallways
- Pick up stray shoes, coats or other items on the floor. Return to closets or proper location.
- Vacuum carpet runners or area rugs.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down wall smudges or fingerprints around light switches.
- Dust artwork, frames and wall decor quickly using a microfiber duster.
- Disinfect doorknobs and other hardware like thermostats with a wipe.
Home Office
- File away paper clutter and documents. Return books to shelves.
- Use a duster on computer screens, keyboards, desks and other surfaces.
- Vacuum carpets and floor mats to remove dirt and debris.
- Empty small wastebaskets and replace plastic bag liners.
- Spray and wipe down desk and tabletops to disinfect.
- Dust office chair, phone and other desk items.
Kids’ Rooms
- Make beds and tidy sheets and blankets.
- Put away toys, books, clothing and other items strewn on floors.
- Use a damp cloth to spot clean walls, doorknobs, light switches and doors.
- Vacuum carpeting and area rugs thoroughly to pick up debris.
- Spray and wipe desks, tables, chairs and shelves.
- Dust ceiling fans, lamps and lighting fixtures.
Supplies to Stock Up On
Having the right cleaning tools and products on hand will make speed cleaning any room of your home much simpler. Keep your cleaning cupboard stocked up with these supplies:
All-Purpose Cleaner – Choose a non-toxic spray cleaner that can be used to clean most surfaces. Vinegar and water works too.
Disinfecting Wipes – Look for wipes that kill up to 99% of bacteria and viruses to quickly disinfect surfaces.
Dusting Spray – Keep a can of dusting spray to lift and remove dust from furniture, blinds and electronics.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Pick a cleaner that cleans and disinfects the toilet bowl and toilet tank with minimal scrubbing required.
Window Cleaner – A spray glass cleaner will leave your windows streak-free and shining.
Baking Soda – Baking soda can be used for cleaning in so many ways. It’s a great natural cleaner.
White Vinegar – Vinegar is another versatile cleaner that can be mixed with water and used to clean most hard surfaces.
Microfiber Cloths – These cloths clean quickly and remove up to 99% of bacteria when wet. Reusable and washable.
Vacuum – Invest in a lightweight cordless vacuum to tackle debris on carpets and hard floors fast.
Dusters – Microfiber dusters with extendable handles make dusting overhead areas like ceiling fans a breeze.
Broom & Dustpan – Choose a broom and dustpan set designed for quick, one-handed sweeping.
Top Quick Cleaning Tips
If you only have minimal time, focus on these fast cleaning tasks that make the biggest visual impact:
- Always start by tidying and putting away clutter.
- Make beds, arrange pillows and smooth out linens.
- Wash any dirty dishes or empty dishwasher.
- Clear off countertops, tables, dressers and other surfaces.
- Use a vacuum on floors and carpeting to remove debris.
- Wipe down mirrors, counters, sinks and kitchen appliances.
- Disinfect doorknobs, handles, faucets, light switches and toilet handles.
- Remove trash immediately to outdoor bins to eliminate odors.
- Focus on cleaning areas that are high traffic and visible.
-Have the right cleaning tools and products ready to go before you start.
- Work quickly and systematically room by room. Set a timer if needed.
- Enlist other family members to each tackle one room for faster results.
- Play energizing music to help you maintain a quick pace.
Establish a Speed Cleaning Routine
Cleaning your entire house top to bottom in record time likely isn’t realistic. But establishing set days and times for quick cleanings can help maintain tidy rooms.
Daily – Do a 10-minute tidy of high traffic areas like the kitchen, bathrooms and entrance. Address any urgent messes.
Weekly – Set aside 30 minutes to an hour once a week for a speed clean of each room focusing just on necessities.
Monthly – Deep clean areas like bathrooms, kitchen and appliances on a monthly basis. Enlist help or break up over a couple days.
Seasonal – Do a changeover clean when transitioning between seasons to refresh your home. Think spring cleaning!
As-Needed – Have an arsenal of quick cleaning tactics ready for unexpected messes that pop up or pre-guest tidying.
The secret is identifying the cleaning tasks that really matter for each room and focusing your limited time there. With a strategic speed cleaning approach, you can cut through the clutter and keep a clean and inviting home even with a packed schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Cleaning
What cleaning supplies do I need for a fast whole house clean?
Having the right portable cleaning caddy filled with multipurpose cleaners, cloths, dusters and scrub brushes will allow you to speed clean every room efficiently. A mop, broom, stack of paper towels and trash bags are also cleaning essentials.
How can I quickly declutter a room before cleaning it?
Start by giving the room a 1-minute quick tidy. Set a timer and race to put away as many out of place items back in their proper home as possible. Toss trash, do an initial straighten up and you’ve eliminated the clutter tripping you up before cleaning.
What is the fastest way to clean floors?
Sweep floors with a broom and dustpan using quick, controlled motions. Follow up by mopping using a Swiffer style mop for vinyl or linoleum floors, or a spray mop with reusable pad for harder floors. Use a lightweight cordless vacuum on carpeted stairs and rooms.
How do you speed clean the bathroom?
Focus on cleaning and disinfecting key hot spots like the toilet, sink counters, tub or shower walls, and mirror using a spray cleaner and cloth. Wipe down handles and fixtures. Sweep then spot mop the floor. Replenish toilet paper and towels at the end for a finishing touch.
What are quick daily cleaning tasks?
Daily focus on hot spots like countertops, sinks, appliance exteriors, spots on floors, and tables used often. Quickly tidy clutter, wipe down high touch surfaces like doorknobs and handles, and take out trash. Spend just 10-15 minutes keeping daily messy areas in check.
Final Thoughts
A clean home provides comfort but finding time to clean with a busy lifestyle can be a challenge. The good news is you can thoroughly tidy up your entire house in record time using targeted speed cleaning strategies.
Approach quick cleaning systematically, room-by-room. Prep cleaning supplies that allow you to work rapidly. Focus on key tasks that make the biggest visual impact. Establish a quick clean routine to maintain order on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
With the right mindset and tools, speed cleaning is an attainable way to keep your home looking its best and reduce stress, even with limited time.