I asked the pros for tips on getting clean in less than 15 minutes—here’s what they recommend
Now that spring has finally arrived, it’s the perfect time to deep clean and declutter our homes to give them a much-needed refresh. If you’re like me, a huge to-do list can feel overwhelming, and it’s hard to figure out where to start. Plus, you’ll likely benefit from some quick ways to cut your spring cleaning time in half.
That’s why I decided to call cleaning experts to share their top hacks for cleaning in less than 15 minutes (minimal cleaning) and still achieve brilliant results. These tips will not only help you be more strategic in your activities, but they will also help you make the most of your time (and craft).
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1. Set a timer (and stick to it!)
First, set a timer on your watch or phone for 15 minutes. This technique involves dividing your cleaning time into three five-minute segments, with one task for each interval.
“Knowing how much time is left on the clock helps keep you focused and keeps you from thinking too much about what task you need to complete next,” says Elena Navarro, professional cleaner and organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin.
I divide my 15 minute cleaning time into three parts of about five minutes each
Elena Navarro, cleaning specialist and professional organizer
“I divide my 15-minute cleaning time into three parts of about five minutes each, usually the kitchen, bathroom, and main living area, and finish each area quickly without revisiting previous areas.”
This ‘make room’ trick prevents us from making the common cleaning mistake of trying to clean all the rooms at once. That strong desire to cover every room just adds up, and means we don’t focus enough on certain areas.
Also, don’t forget to clean this common household item.
2. Always carry a full cleaning caddy
Another simple but useful trick is to keep a cleaning caddy fully stocked as you travel. This simple but effective trick means you won’t lose focus or waste time stopping to pick up things in the kitchen or elsewhere. And I temporarily stopped my cleaning flow because I didn’t have the right glass cleaner or furniture polish nearby.
“I keep a cleaning caddy full and ready to go with me at all times,” says Navarro. “Spending the first five minutes looking for the various cleaning supplies, rags and gloves needed to clean under the different sinks will mean your 15 minutes are up.
“A card with all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, and a scrub brush goes with me from room to room.”
As with any job, having the right equipment is essential. Check that your cleaning essentials are properly maintained for best results, and discard and replace any worn or broken tools or appliances in your cleaning caddy.
“Make sure your tools are maintained and in good working order,” agrees Ashley Kidder, founder/CEO of Dashing Maids. If your tools are not working, it will just take you longer to clean them. You don’t need fancy fancy gadgets, but a handy squeegee with a smooth edge for cleaning windows will ensure they are clean/dry quickly.
Watch out for this one mistake that can ruin your vacuum cleaner, or these 5 spring cleaning culprits that are quietly ruining your floor.
3. Focus on small tasks that don’t take long
When it comes to micro-cleaning, experts recommend only cleaning in short intervals. This is especially true when time is of the essence.
“Focus on those small tasks that don’t take long to complete but are often overlooked,” advises Heather Nixon, sustainability, NPD and managing director at Bio-D. “Tasks include wiping down skirting boards, organizing your ‘junk drawer’, vacuuming your mattress, organizing the contents of your fridge, cleaning doorknobs/light switches and cleaning the inside of the microwave.”
If you need to separate and have limited time, it is wise to focus on the rooms or areas that you use most often. “The first thing is to prioritize which rooms people are going to walk into,” advises Barbara Brock, professional planner and founder of Barbara Brock Inc.
“These are the rooms you want to focus on first – especially the kitchen. Focus on the table tops or tops. If they’re clear, everything else will look clean and organized.”
Brock also advises having an empty tub nearby to put away unnecessary items, remove items and put them in a closet to be organized later – if you need to get rid of things quickly.
So if you practice this ‘small’ spring cleaning method, you will quickly develop new habits that will not only get the job done faster, but also improve your well-being and happiness this season.
You may also be interested in our deep dive spring cleaning: Experts reveal why we do it and what to expect.
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