Simple cleaning tasks like washing dishes can be a mindful act of self-care, but they can also snowball into a massive list of things to do that requires the lion’s share of a weekend just to feel like your home is back in hand. This isn’t ideal, which is why the internet is awash with methods, rules, and routines, like the 6/10 method and the 20/10 rule, to help conquer chores. Not every cleaning strategy will work for you, but every now and again one stumbles on a tip or habit so good, you think “I can’t believe others don’t do this!”
In a thread in r/CleaningTips Redditor Styx2592 asked users to share these types of go-to tips, and many of the responses are brilliant. Read below for 10 cleaning tips you should implement now.
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2. Clean out the fridge on trash night.
It doesn’t matter how many fridge organization tips you implement. If old food isn’t getting dumped, your shelves will still feel cluttered and chaotic — and it’s one of those tasks that can easily fall through the cracks of a busy week. User Frostandtheboughs recommended a clever habit stacking strategy to avoid this, saying, “I clean out the fridge every trash night. We always have room in the fridge, and it keeps the trash from getting too stinky.”
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3. Don’t put it down, put it away.
Redditor Mustardandmangoes’s advice was summed up in a single sentence: “Don’t put it down; put it away.” This simple strategy, also known as the OHIO method (only handle it once), can nip clutter in the bud and help break habits around leaving stuff out.
4. Sort silverware before loading the dishwasher.
If you want to reduce the time it takes to unpack the dishwasher, user sprinklerarms points out that “sorting the silverware as you put it in the dishwasher makes it way easier to unload.” Granted, this is a bit of a divisive tip — some manufacturers recommend against sorting cutlery while loading, as this can cause “spooning” (where silverware sticks together and doesn’t get washed properly).
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5. Keep a couple of trash bags in the bottom of the trash can.
Few things are more frustrating than finding the trash can empty and without a new bag. Make replacing the bag less of a hassle by stashing a few empty ones on the bottom of your trash bin. MetaFore1971 says that with this method, “next time the bag gets full, there’s a new one right there. No need to have one in hand to take out the full one.”
6. Clean your cleaning tools.
If you’re diligent about busting dust, but tend to forget that your cleaning tools also need maintenance, here is your cue. User luv_marachk advises, “Occasionally deep cleaning the vacuum, especially if you have long-haired people in the household.” HandInUnloveableHand chimed in with a pro-level tip for washable vacuum filters: Stock up on extras so you can pop in a replacement while waiting for the washed one to dry.
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7. Never leave a room empty-handed.
TerribleWarthog2396 shared a tip that was life-changing for them: Never exit a room without picking up something for another. “If I’m leaving the living room to go into the kitchen, I look around to see if there are any dishes or anything else that need to go back to the kitchen. When I leave my bedroom to go to the bathroom, I look around to see if I brought any lotions or makeup out that needs to go back.” Pair this with the one-touch rule for the ultimate anti-clutter combo.
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8. Keep a dish scrub brush in the shower.
If you abhor having to scour out the shower on Saturdays, perhaps you can turn it into a clean-as-you-go task. “I keep one of those dish scrub brushes with soap in the shower and clean the glass while my conditioner soaks in,” shared Figuringitout25. Keeping a kitchen dish wand in the shower is the secret to this hack, as the built-in soap reservoir facilitates spontaneous scrubbing whenever you spot grime while showering or need to let a product sit.
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9. Boil a cup of water in the microwave before cleaning it.
Food splatters inside a microwave can be ultra-hard to budge — making this tip especially genius. “To clean your microwave put a cup of water in for three minutes, let it sit a few more after it’s done and it makes everything come off so much easier,” spacesaver2 shared. This is especially effective if you add vinegar to the water.
10. Vacuum before cleaning the bathroom.
Chasing a couple of slippery, elusive hairs all over a toilet base probably isn’t your idea of a good time. Save yourself this infuriating dynamic by sucking up hair strands and dust particles before wiping, scrubbing, or sanitizing tasks. Yes, it’s common sense to vacuum before mopping, but user AccomplishedSky7581 recommends vacuuming not only the floor, but also the “back of the toilet, counters, tub, and shower.” That way you can avoid having to wipe hairs and wet dust back and forth.
