If you’re in a bind for time and need to tidy up your space fast, these expert-recommended cleaning hacks will do the trick.
Despite becoming a cliché, numerous studies have proven that a clean space equals a clear mind.
This is because, to the brain, clutter represents unfinished business, which raises cortisol in the body, as well as contributes to depression and leads to decreased focus, according to Very Well Mind.
However, on the flip side, cleaning can improve physical health and mood, boost confidence and increase focus. Psychologists recommend starting small, setting a timer and asking for help, as needed.
Cleaning is a revered ritual in some cultures, including for the Swedish who say this practice improves people’s relationship with death. Similarly, the infamous Marie Kondo method is heavily influenced by Japanese philosophy. The Chinese concept of feng shui, aims at arranging objects and utilizing space to achieve harmony and balance with our environment, according to MindBodyGreen.
You can use these low-effort maintenance tasks to do so and fool you and your guests into thinking your home is spotless by creating a “semblance of neatness without the hours-long cleaning frenzy,” promises Real Simple’s cleaning editor Leslie Corona.
READ MORE: Why cleaning hacks could help you beat the winter blues: 7 jobs to try
1. Wipe down large surfaces
Cleaning experts recommend wiping down large surfaces, such as dining rooms and coffee tables, to get rid of dust, dirt and fingerprint smudges. Similarly, wiping down television screens and mirrors can also make a big difference. Experts advise using microfiber towels to achieve a streak-free finish.
2. Clean off kitchen counters
Since it is likely your guests will be hanging around the kitchen, wiping up crumbs or food spills is a quick and easy fix. Stoves are known to get dirty over time with use, so quickly wiping down the surface will make a huge difference in appearance. Leslie believes it’s more important to prioritize wiping down surfaces than doing dishes.
If you aren’t going to light a candle later, some recommend using a cleaning agent with an attractive aroma, from lavender to lemon or eucalyptus, which can improve people’s mood.
3. Hide clutter in baskets
Professional organizers say having baskets around are “essential” for a tidy home. Having them around is an easy way to clean up clutter, from blankets to kids toys, and make a space look neat. Especially if you live in a small space, opting for furniture with built-in storage is similarly essential and can be used for the same purpose of hiding away clutter and giving your space a more minimal feel while also being functional.
4. Vacuum with particular attention to corners
Vacuuming is a quick and easy task to make your space feel cleaner, which can pick up everything from crumbs to pet hair and dust. Cleaning experts recommend paying particular attention to corners because this is where unwanted particles tend to collect.
5. Wipe down bathroom
If pressed for time, cleaning experts recommend prioritizing switching out towels, which contribute to unwanted odors, and wiping off gunk in the sink and tub. Also put away any countertop clutter into a medicine cabinet or vanity drawer. Lastly, time permitting, wiping down your mirror and faucet to remove fingerprints can make a huge difference in appearance.
6. Fluff and flip your pillows
This hack is a quick and easy way to spruce up your space so that it doesn’t look shlumpy and slept in. Focus on the cushions and pillows in your shared spaces, such as your living room, to impress guests.
7. Take out the trash
If your trash is more than halfway full, Leslie Corona recommends emptying all wastebaskets throughout the home as a way to reduce unwanted odors.
8. Open the curtains
For finishing touches, Leslie recommends opening the drapes throughout your home because the natural light opens up the space and “tricks the eye” into thinking it’s cleaner than it is.
9. Light a candle
Lighting a candle – ideally one that is non-toxic and soy-based – is also a great way to make a space feel warm and inviting. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser or incense.
10. Make a fresh pot of coffee
Another way to create a welcoming aroma in your home is to put up a fresh pot of coffee. Killing two birds with one stone, it can be used to serve as well as mask unwanted smells with a familiar and comforting scent.
