Tips on How to Clean Your House Fast

How to Clean Your House Fast: 10 Tips for Speedy Cleaning

We’ve all been there – you’ve got guests coming over, and your house is far from ready. Or maybe you just want to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your space. Either way, learning how to clean your house fast can save you a lot of stress and keep your home looking great with minimal effort. Here are some tried-and-true tips to speed up your cleaning routine:

Set a Timer

It’s amazing how much you can get done when you're racing the clock. Set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes, and tackle as much as you can in that time. Focus on the essentials, like clearing clutter and wiping surfaces. You’ll be surprised how much cleaner your home feels with just a short burst of cleaning energy!

Declutter First

One of the biggest time wasters when cleaning is moving things around. Before you start dusting or vacuuming, take a few minutes to declutter. Use a basket or box to quickly gather any items that don’t belong in the room. You can deal with organizing them later. For now, focus on clearing surfaces and floors.

Work Room by Room

Instead of jumping around the house doing a little here and a little there, focus on one room at a time. It’s more efficient and less overwhelming. Start in the room where your guests are most likely to gather or the area that bothers you the most, and work your way through the house. Choose a different room to focus on for 15 minutes every day and you will be surprised how much you can get done.

Use a Cleaning Caddy

I would be lost if I didn't have a cleaning caddy. Many professional cleaners will also use a cleaning apron to keep the most used tools close by. By keeping everything in a portable caddy or cleaning bag, you won’t waste time running back and forth to grab what you need. Include multi-surface cleaners, microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, and other basics so you’re always prepared.

Clean from Top to Bottom

Any cleaning professional will tell to always clean from top to bottom. This will avoid the frustration of dusting a surface only to have crumbs or dust from above settle on it later. When I start cleaning any room I start with high dusting (light fixtures, shelves that are hanging on the wall and corners of the ceiling) and work your way down (tables, chairs, floors). This way, you won’t have to clean anything twice. Another rule we clean by is after top to bottom you go either right to left or left to right. Follow everything along the wall in a complete circle until you have cleaned everything. By cleaning this way, you avoid missing things and you avoid doing anything twice. It can take time to get use to doing but once you start cleaning in this method you will save tons of time and get better results.

Use Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are a game changer when it comes to quick cleaning. They trap dust and dirt more effectively than traditional rags, meaning you can clean surfaces with fewer passes. Plus, they work wonders on everything from countertops to electronics.

Not all microfiber cloths are made the same—investing in high-quality ones will give you the best results. While you may spend a little more upfront, they’ll last longer and perform better. Be sure to wash them after each use, but avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as these can degrade the fibers. For affordable, high-quality microfiber cloths, I recommend checking out Microfiber Wholesale.

Focus on High-Traffic Areas

If you’re short on time, don’t try to clean every nook and cranny. Focus on high-traffic areas that get the most use, like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. These areas will make the biggest impact on the overall look of your home.

Keep Cleaning Supplies in Key Areas

Storing cleaning products in frequently used rooms can save a lot of time. For instance, keep a bathroom cleaner and microfiber cloth under the bathroom sink, or stash kitchen-specific cleaners in a kitchen drawer. This way, you can easily give these spaces a quick touch-up as needed.

Vacuum and Mop Efficiently

When it comes to floors, do all your vacuuming or sweeping first, then mop. Trying to do both in one room before moving to the next wastes time and breaks your flow.

Make sure you invest in a quality vacuum. I love and swear by Shark Vacuums. They have the best suction and you can get one for around 100.00. At Swept Away, we prefer to use the Shark Navigator. It does great on carpet and hard floor, has a light so you can see in dark places, comes with all the attachments you need, and has held up for a couple years being used every day. They also have filters that you can clean with a little soap and warm water and they are as good as new. I can't say enough good things about them.

If you have hardwood or tile floors, a microfiber mop can quickly pick up dust and dirt without needing to drag out a heavy mop and bucket.

Tidy As You Go

The easiest way to cut down on cleaning time is to tidy up regularly. Make a habit of putting things away right after you use them, wiping down counters after meals, and doing small, quick cleans daily. This will keep messes from piling up, making your fast cleaning sessions even faster! A quick way to make a room look clean is to keep your counters and table tops clear of clutter.

Have Fun With It!

Pop in your headphones, turn on a podcast or some upbeat music, and make it enjoyable. Grab the kids and have a race to see who can pick up the fastest. Cleaning doesn't have to be a drag and you can make it something everyone looks forward to. The more fun you make it, the faster the time will fly by.