Learn how to “cheat” at cleaning and get back to the fun quicker with these tips.

“Rather than perpetually marching toward perfection, we need real-world approaches to cleaning,” says Jeff Bredenberg, author and cleaning guru. "Corner-cutting, time-saving and minimal-effort techniques are great ways to 'cheat' at cleaning."

Who wants to spend their whole weekend cleaning the house? It’s your free time, so spend it wisely. Check out these hot tips for cleaning your home fast — so you can get back to the fun!


1. Clean top to bottom. Start cleaning items above your head and work your way down to the floor. This prevents having to re-clean items, saves time and gives you a method for dealing with the madness.


2. Give plants and blinds a shower. “Place your blinds or plants, two or three at a time, in the bottom of your bathtub with the drain open, turn on the cold water shower and let the water stream do the work. No scrubbing or detergent is necessary," Bredenberg suggests. Then, let them air-dry. 

3. Use a multi-surface cleaner. Forget about switching cleaners and using multiple dust rags. Use a cleaner made for various types of surfaces.

4. Steam your microwave clean. Save time; work less. “Pour two cups of water into a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for five minutes. The steam generated will soften any cooked-on food splatters. Then, wipe down the interior with a damp sponge,” Bredenberg says. 

5. Banish shoes indoors. Sneakers and boots are notorious for tracking mud and dirt into the house. Have all family members take off their shoes before entering the house. You'll sweep and scrub less often. 

6. Wash patio furniture when it is already wet. Grab a sponge and give your patio furniture a quick scrub after the next rainstorm or morning dew. 

7. Clean as you go. Take a few minutes each day to clear the counters, file away papers and wipe up small splatters and stains.

8. Don't wait for the weekend! If you can do it in a few minutes, do it now.