Ever find yourself in your living room only to ask yourself, ‘How did my house get like this?’. Life gets away from you fast, and before you know it, dust bunnies spread, dishes stack up and laundry takes on a life of its own.
But it’s possible: you can clean your whole house in just one day. And no, you won’t be scrubbing baseboards with a toothbrush (unless that’s your style). It’s about working smart, not hard. These 10 brilliant tips will have you flying from room to room without a hitch, eliminating mess and stress in one quick swoop. Let’s transform your chaos into calm: in a flash.
1. Begin with the Dishes and Laundry
Start with loading the dishwasher (or doing it old school if you don’t have one) and tossing a load of laundry in the washer. That way, those are being done in the background while you can get the rest of the house done. It’s effective, and strangely encouraging. Clean sink = clean mind. Remember to switch loads halfway through.
2. Declutter As You Go
Before you wipe, scrub, or spray anything, tidy up. Get a bin or bag and walk around each room, throwing away rubbish and picking up things that don’t go there. If it hasn’t been touched in months, donate it. Less clutter = less to clean.
3. Clean from the Top Down
Dust migrates. So clean top to bottom always: ceiling fans, shelves, curtains, then surfaces. This prevents you from double-cleaning when crumbs and dust hit the floor. Pro tip: use a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer to capture dust rather than just moving it around. One swipe, done.
4. Clean the Bathrooms Both of You
Bathrooms are tiny but mighty when it comes to grime. Clean all the bathrooms at once. Spray disinfectant on tubs, toilets, and counters. Let it sit while you clean mirrors and wipe cabinets. Then go back to scrubbing. It works and makes you feel like a cleaning ninja. Bonus points for using eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.
5. Clear and Clean the Kitchen Counters
Clean every countertop, but begin by clearing everything off them first. Appliances, spice containers, that wilted-look fruit bowl: remove it all. This creates space to clean every surface. Spray with a multi-surface cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth. It makes a huge difference, and the kitchen smells fresher immediately.
6. Deep Clean the Fridge
This one’s easy to skip, but don’t. Throw out all the food. Toss anything expired (yes, even that mysterious sauce). Wipe down shelves with hot soapy or vinegar water. Don’t forget the drawers and door seals: grime loves to hide there. Put everything back in by category. You’ll thank yourself later.
7. Wipe Down Furniture & High-Touch Spots
Grab a damp cloth or wood polish (depending on the surface) and dust sideboards, chairs, and tables. And don’t miss light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls (germ hotspots). A quick swipe makes everything gleam and feel fresher. And it’s weirdly gratifying.
8. Vacuum, Sweep, and Mop Floors
Save the floors for last: they’ve been accumulating all the dirt from above. Vacuum carpets well, even under the couch. Sweep and mop hard floors with warm water and your favorite floor cleaner. Do one room at a time and appreciate the transformation. Floors are the grand finale.
9. Clean the Laundry Room or Entryway
Laundry rooms and mudrooms are magnets for mess. Sweep away expired detergent packets, grimy machines, and sweep the floors. Clean shoes, coat hooks, and tidy up that corner of forgotten items. It’s a tiny space, but it’ll put your mind at ease when it’s finally done.
10. Clean Up Outside (Yes, Actually)
Give your patio, deck, or balcony a quick clean. Wipe down outdoor furniture, sweep or hose the floor, and put away any clutter. If you’ve got time, spray down the garage floor or organize a shelf. It makes your entire home feel finished and revitalized.
Bonus Tip: Take Breaks, Hydrate, Reward Yourself
House cleaning is a cardio workout (so you’re getting two benefits at once). Don’t forget to drink a lot of water, rest frequently, and rock out to some tunes while cleaning. Time each room with a timer to keep yourself on schedule. And when you’re finished? Light some candles, kick back, and enjoy your new fresh sanctuary.
You Did It! Now Keep It Simple
Congratulations, you just deep cleaned the entire house in one day! The secret now is maintenance. Take 10–15 minutes a day to tidy up so you don’t have another day-long marathon. You’ve made it through the heavy lifting. Now it’s all about maintenance. A clean space = a clear mind. You’ve earned a nap. Or pizza. Or both.
Sources
10 Tips for Cleaning Your Whole House in a Day
22 Genius House Cleaning Hacks for a Tidier Space in No Time