What's your #1 tip for keeping a clean house?

Renee says:
We had "can" day one Saturday a month. I listed all the extra chores on slips of paper and placed them in a can along with .25 cent slips, .50 cent or even $1.00. The kids loved to draw out a chore and do it quickly because the other child might draw the big bucks. I also used this if I need a quick clean for company coming.
Susan says:
FINISH 1 ROOM AT A TIME AND WHEN DOING THE NEXT ROOM DON'T JUST THROW STUFF BACK INTO THE ROOM YOU JUST CLEANED PUT IT AWAY. IF NOT YOU ARE JUST SPREADING THE MESS AROUND AND THE ROOMS NEVER GET CLEANED.
wendy says:
i keep a sprayer of vinegar in the bathroom and when i am done getting ready in the morning i clean the mirror and countertop. the bathroom always looks clean that way
Lisa says:
I call my daily cleaning method, 'Full Hands'. And it comes so natural to me that I don't have to give it much though anymore. Basically throughout the day, whenever I'm going from one room to another (to use the restroom, to check on the kids, or whenever), I look around and pick up a few items around me (as many as I can hold) that don't belong there, but rather in the room I'm going to (or one along the way). As I walk to the other part of the house, I drop the items in their places. That way things get put away gradually. When the house is Really out of control, I'll take time out 20 minutes or so and use the basket method someone else already mentioned.
Megan says:
clean up as soon as the mess is made.
Vonda says:
Everybody leave, including me.
Julie says:
keep on top of all jobs
Sarah says:
I try to do small things as I go through the day. Save the big things when he is sleeping.
Corey says:
Never go to bed with a dirty kitchen -- it is so much easier to clean when the kids go to bed and it is the best way to start your day. I swear if you leave a mess at night, that mess will look 10 times more daunting in the morning light. Suck it up and clean it before bed.
Bridget says:
Don't worry about it so much. In 20 years you will look back and not remember how clean your house was, but the memories you made with your kids with the extra time you had. Just my opinion. I don't live in filth, but I don't over exert the energy anymore because it's trashed the second I get done. Until my kids get older and are able to "responsibly" help, I'm not gonna worry about it.
Tasha says:
All hands on deck! (including Daddy) We sing " Put your toys away, dont delay! Help your mommy have a happy day" And we take 45 mins before bed and put toys away, dish in the washer, sweep floors and a load of laundry in. Things dont have to be perfect but I will not break my neck if the kids need me in the middle of the night! Then once a week i do deep cleaning (bathroom, mopping and so on)
Ann says:
Teach your children to pick up what they get out, and they have to put up what they've gotten out before they get something else out. When it's time for me to clean the house I jam to the radio...the only way to clean!
Getrude says:
clean as you go
Kristine says:
I own and operate a cleaning service and would say consistency is the key to keeping your house clean. We follow a routine in every single home we clean. Once a thorough cleaning is done, it is easy to keep up with a simple checklist. Write down all duties in each room. Set an hour a day aside and just check the duties off as they are completed.
Lynn says:
do it when ur kids are sleeping
Deborah says:
Clean up behind the kids, if you do this it will be much easier when you do your good cleaning twice a week
christin says:
keep the house clean beacuse Nany i comming home from Hospatil.
Eleanor says:
Go dirty somone elses house!!!!
Venus says:
A little bit each day but floors every day. Always clean during Pack and play time or during baby watching Einstein dvd's
Patricia says:
Keep the kitchen tidy always Dettol and sink clean and free of dishes. The kids can hoover, they actually have fun while doing it and while they hoover you can mop upstairs and while they do upstairs you do downstairs. They have fun dusting and tidyinf their toys and love when you ask them to help with laundry etc... It works for me.. but the hovering and keeping kitchen and toilets clean is a must for me. i do it myself or with Hubby's help. the rest is child play when there is too much.
Terra says:
Make a "home" for everything
Gloria says:
Learning that I can live with clutter, not dirty! The kids will use their stuff again tomorrow, and the folded clothes will be ok where they are for now, but I can't take nasty! If I notice the floors are dirty, I make a quick sweep, or if the bathroom is icky, I take care of it. Dirty dishes in the sink, OK. Nasty countertops, they get a quick wipe-down. The other stuff, I can usually "let go" for a while.
Jennifer says:
take your time and dont rush..
Christy says:
I have a laundry organizer. (lights on the right, whites in the middle, darks on the left, towels, & jeans on each side) whichever one is the fullest each day gets washed! So I'm only doin 1 load a day!
Kristen says:
Get your husband involved!
Christy says:
Clean the bathroom while your watching your child in the bathtub (older ones, obviously)
Bonnie says:
fill the sink with clean,hot dish water as you cook...wash the dishes when you are done using them....than relax after dinner.
Misty says:
flylady.com This site is amazing and will set your life up and make it easy as pie....if you follow it!!
Tina says:
Pick up dirty clothes around the house daily that the children leave lying around. Clean up the kitchen as you are cooking the meal. After dinner instead of putting the dishes in the sink, rinse them off and put them immediately in the dish washer, then when it is full you can start it without having to unload a sink full of dishes.
renu says:
follow the daily routine cleaning religiously and keep the major clean ups like scrubbing the bathroom or cleaning the wardrobes, for the weekends
alejandra says:
change the routine every week ,involving and and inviting to participate every member in home
Becky says:
I find that if you shut your eyes, curl up on the sofa towards the wall, and read some magazines, that all the housework just dissappears! It's true, try it!!!! :)
Ixora says:
I wake up about 1.5 hour's earlier than the kids every morning to clean up the rooms and do the laundry.
Karina says:
As soon as my washing is dry I put it all away, so that it dose,nt build up...
Ashlea says:
I get up one hour before my kids are out of bed...it gives me time for a coffee in peace and a half hour to do a little cleaning.
Julie says:
pick up things as you go.
Kelsey says:
We set rules. About where toys go. Toys get picked up before doing another activity. My son loves t clean too so we encourage him to help us
Sharon says:
every day tidy up 10-20 minutes. put things away so doesn't pile up and every one knows where things belong.
Marnie says:
Kids' job boards. This way, they can get a quarter for each job and contribute, too!
Andrea says:
I only have one son but I have SIX TOILETS in the house. I find that if I keep cleaning supplies in every bathroom I can keep up with messes as I notice them. If I leave that bathroom in search of a bottle of cleaner there is a good chance something else is going take my attention and I won't make it back.
Belinda says:
Cleaning with Microfibre like Enjo means that the kids can be around you when you clean, and even help!, I find they love using the Spray bottle because it only contains water. No nasty chemicals to worry about!
Ashley says:
Ask for help! Men are clueless when it comes to doing housework even if something dirty is right in front of them. So by all means, if he isn't busy and you are then ask him to help you with something.
Jean says:
Do "10". Sometimes if I'm not motivated I'll tell myself to put 10 items away as 10 items from the dishwasher. Usually that is so simple to do that I'll either complete the task or unload the all of the top items, or everything. If I just "do 10" I've completed the goal I set and that's encouraging and there's a sense of accomplishment.
Dina says:
hire someone to do it
Dawn says:
what about the husbands ladies??? i ask him for help and he helps, cuts the things i have to do in half, that way i do not have to sacrifice my showers or tea and book time while naps happen and everyone is happy!
maricel says:
Be organize, sort things out, and return them in place after used.
Tara says:
Put things where they belong after using them. This is a huge time saver.
Kelly says:
with 4 kids, laundry multiplies and becomes overwhelming. to avoid this I do 1 (sometimes 2) load(s) of laundry each day. it's amazing how my life seems much more organized when the laundry isn't piled up on my couch!
MELANIE says:
always have a wet wash cloth and dry towel handy for kids spills and sticky hands.
Hope says:
The Shoe Rule! Take shoes, cleats, boots, whatever, off at the door or mud room to avoid tracking all through the house. also supposedly helps locate errant shoes later. If they're at the door, first thing they take off on arrival, last thing they put on before leaving. Goes double for adults!
Pam says:
I make "rules" for myself. 1- I never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. 2- I know it is easier to keep my house clean rather than have to do a thorough cleaning. I start my day with throwing a load in the washer and I pick up and take 15-20 minutes to do some housework task that needs to be done. 3- I do NOT let my garbage cans sit full. I take trash out every day. 4- when I see something dirty, I clean it up right away.
Sam says:
Sweeping the room with a glance.............
Bonnie says:
Keep clutter picked up as one walks thru the house.
Maricel says:
I do the laundry but i leave the folding to my husband when he gets home from work. Also, i ask my 5 yr old and 2 yr old to speed clean up (picking up clutter) and in return i lay a blanket on the floor and have a movie night.
Jane says:
Try not to do everything in one day. I am a working Mom and find that if I get at least one thing done at night (laundry or cleaning the bathroom) that is an accomplishment after working all day.
Linda says:
Constantly picking up
Susanne says:
take on one task at a time, if it dont get done today dont stress, theres always gonna be housework and tomorrow, but little ones are only that way once.
Zoe says:
Put a pvc mat under the highchair or art table, give it a shake outside and the cleaning is done.
brandi says:
Teach the kids to pick up after themselves, and don't be lazy.
MaryAnn says:
instead of putting stuff down put it away right away while its in your hand then you don't have to sdo it later.
Heather says:
I have the daycare kids help me. All the toys in the playroom need to be cleaned so I make a sink full of soapy bleach water and I wash and they rinse, dry, and put away. Then I spray them in between times to keep the germs in check. But they like helping and I appreciate any help I can get.
Billie says:
cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
Tessa says:
Pick up or wipe up as you go.
Michele says:
Instead of doing it all at once, I will grab the broom and sweep the floor in the few minutes before a favorite show starts or do some of the dishes in between other things I am getting done during the day.
sherrie says:
Do a little everyday! Teach your children to pick up after themselves!
Maria says:
Doing the small things daily helps maintain a level of cleanliness. Don't stress out about it.
pamela says:
Once am on leave I get rid of all things I don't need by giving them out,sold out papers on monthly basis and clean everyday. I don't keep junks anyway!
jordan says:
set a routine for your day...never go to sleep with dirty dishes in the sink.
Rosalea says:
Picking up and putting away before bed. I have done this for years as the boys were growing up and even now that they are grown and gone. House looks clean when there is no clutter.
Susie says:
put things away when finished, wipe up spills, clean marks as you see them....make in an on the hop thing rather than having a big task all at once.
Laura says:
Just constantly straighten up.....never stop...ever!
vicki says:
clean as you go
Leticia says:
As I make the mess I try to lean it up right then and there so too man things don't pile up and the things that do aren't overwhelming.
Oliver says:
Have bins
Rheanna says:
Don't let it get dirty is my best tip. I work about 25-30 hours a week, am a single Mom to a toddler, and attend college full-time. I don't have time to clean! I'm a neat freak but I hate deep cleaning, so I try to keep messes to a minimum all the time, and clean up spills immediately. My daughter is 15 months old and she absolutely loves helping me pick up all her toys at the end of every day, so that's become our routine before bed. She puts her toys "to bed" in their toy boxes before she goes to bed. I feel like I'm helping her understand the fact that things go places, but I'm not OCD about it. She also enjoys helping me.
Sundra says:
Clean the dishes later so there will not be another pile before you go to bed.
Joyce says:
do a bit each day
Wendy says:
I rotate cleaning jobs as well with the majority of laundry washed on Mon/Tues, dusting/vacuuming/Swiffering the kitchen floor as needed during the week, and clean bathrooms on Fridays. I like to keep my weekends free from doing the majority of cleaning and laundry as it's our family time.
Sarah says:
Clean as you go, get your children to help at the end of the day with putting the rest of the things away. I also do certain things on certain days so you are not left doing everything at the end of the week.
Julia (Julie) says:
I just signed up for flylady.com and am actually excited about the prospect of having a HOME again! Things have become so overwhelming that I avoid coming home (when my girls are with their dad for his week) in order to not have to look at the CHAOS. Unfortunately, I have done #8 FAR too long & liberally. lol Thank you for this GREAT article and links!
Elise says:
GIVE AWAYS , SINK SHINING, AND A LOAD A DAY HELPS KEEP CLUTTER AWAY!!!
Kim says:
What helps me is when I have the children help me out, They love to be little helpers and while I am cleaning the harder items the little ones are picking up their toys, I even give them a dust rag and they do get a lot of the dust. After about 20 minutes of helping they are tired of it but we did get a lot done in that 20 minutes.
Kallie says:
I seperate the house into floors. On wed I clean the upstairs (kitchen, bathroom, living room, kids rooms. On Thursday I clean the downstairs (our bedroom, family room, bathroom) leaving mon, tues, fri, sat, and sun for whatever the week brings my way.
susan says:
Go thru the mail and newspapers and discard immediately any junk mai, envelopes, and uneeded papers. Do not let newspapers stack up. Recycle each day!
Latifa says:
Don't let things pile up.
Marla says:
I don't let paper that comes into the house (newspaper, bills, ads, junkmail, etc.) down on any surface. I pick it up and as I'm walking toward the recycle bin I'm sorting what goes immediately into recycling. If there is a bill and I have two minutes, I pull it out and pay it right away (either online or by writing a check), put a stamp on it and place it in my mail box. That way I don't waste mental energy (and create mental clutter) trying to having to search for and pay an invoice that is inside a stack of useless papers. Marla Majewski, Author, The Girl I Used to Know
Micha says:
once it's clean, make the extra effort to keep it clean, so don't throw clothes anywhere but the hamper, EVEN if you are tired. It makes a world of difference!
Mila ( Ludmila ) says:
I do the number 3 to 6 ideas, but what I do the most is Night cleaning, when my husband is home. He makes dinner and play with our son and I get things done and all ready for the next day. Keeps me organized.
Dinda says:
Put everything where it belongs.
Klerly says:
TAKE ROOM BY ROOM: Because I like to look my house with a perfect clean. I decide to take room by room, so for example if I start with my room in the time that my baby take the nap, I put all the clothes out and clean the walking closeth, i take out the shooes and clean, after that i continue with my bed and the furnitures, i move all and open de windows to change the air. All this work help to the next time i just can make a fast cleaning.
Deanne says:
i like to get the 2 eldest one's involved (they look forward to helping me do the dishes) My 4 & 3 year old appreciate keeping it tidy when they know they have put the effort in aswell. If you make it fun for them, and offer a prize for who can clean the fastest or who can collect the most toys ect... Then they love to help. We have a star chart for them and at the end of the week they have $20 (you can chose how much) to buy what they want most, mine are also learnin to save while they are doing this.
Deb says:
Have a designated place for everything
Janet says:
I know it sounds crazy but I would often set my watch for just 1-3 minutes and give myself that much time in each room. That way if you get pulled away from cleaning earlier than expected every area is a little better. I can do amazing things when I have just a short time-it really feels like a game then.
janette says:
get up an hour before the kids, and get a lot of the cleaning done,then vour ready to get them off to school and you off to work,then you don,t have a messy hous to come home to.
Christina says:
teach your kids to help clean and be responsible for chores
Christina says:
When I had jst one kid, durning Mickey Mouse I would get as much done as possible. Then that left the awake moments with my kid more enjoyable. And then I would finish at nap time. Now my daughter is old enough I can continue with this tradition :)
Nakisha says:
I do what I can while my 9-year-old daughter is in the shower. When she gets out, I have something for us to do together (that will take 10-15 minutes or less) and we can't sit down to watch a movie until we get that done. It works great!
ashley says:
I never let it get out of hand. I do a little every day.
Carolyn says:
Always make the bed!
Heather says:
I do all my cleaning on Mondays and then vacuum and laundry again on Fridays. I don't make appointments, phone calls, play date or any other distractions on Mondays. I get done all the cleaning I'm able with three boys in the house. Anything that doesn't get done will generally wait 'til next Monday. I don't want to clean every day and this way I'm free the rest of the week to enjoy my boys, have play dates, appointments, etc.
Donna says:
involve the kids and make it fun (i.e. see who can pick up the most toys in 5 min. use a timer)
Darlene says:
Never put things off. Then when something comes up to do you can go because you are caught up. Ladies, you owe it to yourself, your husband and your family to keep a clean house.
Tracey says:
I treat the cleaning as part of my workout routine: vacuuming and mopping can be great cardio, especially if there's some great music on your ipod.
Joanna says:
Get a maid :-D
Jonelle says:
Emily's basket idea is great, but here is a good one for those ADD moms like me that seem to start in one room and then end up all over the house only to find you're tired but it looks like nothing has been accomplished! Keep a small basket in each room. You can get them from the dollar store. As you clean in each room, when you find things that don't belong, place them in the basket but DO NOT LEAVE the room until its clean. Then take your basket with you and put away those items. Return the basket when its empty. Also, get the kids involved in a 15 minute spruce up sprint! Have them go into each room and remove their items either from the basket or the room itself. Time them. See who finishes first and correctly puts their items away. This saves time, makes cleaning less frustrating for us mommies, and makes cleaning fun for the kids!
Justina says:
My daughter loves to "help" clean! :) Get the lil ones kid friendly cleaning supplies and you can clean for hours without them getting bored. Happy cleaning!
Angela says:
I have a dry erase calendar that keeps everything organized. Each of my five boys and I are a different color marker (makes it easier to determine who needs to be where and when). We all have a weekend chore and each week it rotates as to who does it. We have toilet and sink, tub, dust your room, and mirrors (each one can be done in about 15 minutes). Two boys share each bathroom so each chore gets done every other week. This way I know that the whole house is getting cleaned even if it is not all at one time. Every night the kids and I do a walk through making sure that all of their “stuff” is out of the main areas and in their rooms. Then they have to pick up their rooms before bed. This only leaves me the floors, dusting the main areas, and my room. Each boy’s laundry is brought down once a week and washed, folded, and put away on their laundry day.
Martina says:
We have a family "chore chart" everyday everyone does their chores and marks them off , that way theres only one "big" cleanup , hoovering etc at the weekend !!! No jobs done = no pocket money ! Even the 3 year old puts her dirty laundry in the basket and helps empty the dishwasher etc...
maria says:
Get them involved in the cleaning even if they make another mess! It is fun for them and keeps them busy.
Tiffani says:
Have a cleaning lady! It makes it that much easier to keep up!
Stacey says:
I use a robotic vacuum and floor washer. Lifesavers! I also have my kids help. They each have a cleaning chart, and at the end of the day they pick up all their toys and clothes, etc. If they get their chores done, they get a sticker on their chart. At the end of the week, if they've done a good job, the get to pick a "prize". I buy $1 or $2 items for them to choose from. I don't mind spending $4 or less for a clean house!
Stephanie says:
Pretend that someone is coming over & you only have 1 hour to clean up the house. It works everytime! Also, turn off the computer & television and work. You will find it very rewarding to think you actually accomplished something.
shannintipton says:
Get someone else to do it:)
Brandy says:
everyone in the house has a major chore that must be done
Jo says:
Keeping Paper towels, Cleaning Supplies in each bathroom.
Abby says:
Do a little every day
Izetta says:
If you have the main front room tidy, it's not quite so overwhelming. You can come home and feel relaxed right away, instead of being filled with dread at a messy house.
Marjorie says:
I do Flylady.net and it keeps me on track and there is a Flykid program also. The Fly programs build organizational skill using baby steps and what they call "well being". It is a super program ~ give it a try.
Shirley says:
Switch time with another mom to either work together on each other's houses or watch the other's child for acouple of hours while you clean
Lacey says:
For a mother of three children under 5, naptime and bedtime for me are the biggest oppurtunities to clean. My 4 year old is better about helping but most of the time one-on-one cleaning goes a lot faster and is a lot less stressful.
Diana says:
I make sure everything is cleaned up before I go to bed- I run the dishwasher and the laundry at night.
Jeanne says:
Put things away as soon as you use them.
carol says:
pick up after yourself n put thing s away before bed keep kitchen clean no d irty dishes in sink put clothes in hamper thats all to it n clean bathroom after use .an have a fun day.
Diandra says:
I prefer doing a main cleaning each day rather than trying to set aside a whole day for cleaning, nappy time was the best time for clean up the mess. Night time was the best time for organized the stuffs for next morning needs and ironing. Combine bath time with clean up the bathroom (3 in one).Do laundry early morning. Set your timer for 10 minutes enjoy your day in the dimer candle light with or with out husband, its our right to be, pampers yourself!
Rebecca says:
have everyone pitch in
Nancy says:
We have specific movie nights (to reduce the number of movies the kids request to watch during the week). The play room is cleaned, I vacuum and the kids dust. When we are all done, we sit down in a clean living room to enjoy our movie together.
Kerrie says:
If the kitchen is clean the rest soon follows, my number 1 aim is to always have a clean kitchen which doesn't take long and makes me calm enough to leave the rest if need be.
Wendy says:
use toliet duck on the join of the shower tray and shower wall. kills and keeps the funky red bacteria away and any other grime that gets in there. bleach based ones are the best
Lori says:
Staying organized. Clean as you go. If I follow these 2 steps I don't get my anxiety built up. Take those few minutes to put things where they belong when finished with them. This saves time when doing your "routine" cleaning.
Ivon says:
I just wanted to say I loved the poem
Irene says:
'these are all good tips. Love Kelly G's poem!
Aletta says:
Make the kids do it! lol
Esther Kay says:
Wipe down your bathroom mirror with your towel right after your shower. Quick and done!
Elisabeth says:
I believe the less you own the less you have to clean! The less you have to pick up, the less you have to wash, and the less you have to dust. Simplify :-)
Angela says:
Clean as often as possible
joyce says:
Going on regular holidays.!
Michelle says:
Clean up toys and declutter before you move onto the next room. Leave a clean trail so that when you are done its not so overwhelming to pick up. Set small goals of cleaning the bathrooms today. Clean an adjacent room, while your child plays with their toys (example - clean the bathroom while your child plays in the room next to the bathroom) so you can keep an eye on them and still clean.
Peggy says:
I wear a painters apron. It's a great place to put the "little things" you find while cleaning. It's also a great place for my cleaning rag or the Mr. Clean magic eraser!
Rachel says:
Hire a maid
Joanne says:
Lock the kids and animals outside.
Leah says:
The more you put off cleaning the bigger the mess will be! Clean as you cook. Put away toys children are not playing with. Pick a certain day to wash clothes. Wash out every dish you use.Vacuum once a day. Dont allow your children to eat all over the house...
Pauline says:
teach the little one how to clean themself, let your child help you after playing, to place the playing toys back to there places,
Margaret says:
Try not to jump from one room to another. I usually fail.
Hollie says:
If a show is coming on at night that I want to watch I bring along a basket of clothes to fold. I also jump up & clean other rooms on commercial breaks & during phone chats.
Erica says:
my kids love stickers! They have pulling sticks at school l(or not pulling them if they are good) but at home they get to use stickers. We have made up a chore chart and each day we do what chores need to be done. At the end of the day we get to put a sticker on that date showing that our chore has been done. The twins really love getting to choose the sticker they want to use for that day and putting it on the chart. We have had some days that we didn't get to use stickers due to our busy schedules and they look at it and they say "aw we forgot our chore yesterday". It really gives them something to look forward to.
Tam says:
The earlier you get your kids involved in helping you clean, the better. Make it fun for them. Give them responsibilities. Even at 2 my sons helped me sort the laundry and learn colors at the same time!
Maca says:
trying a bit every day and then once a week general
Angela says:
Avoid having expensive hobbies or activities and use the money saved to have a paid cleaning lady come round for 3 hours a week! Money well spent!!
Mariam says:
Definitely the kids toys,it's amazing how clean a house can look without the kids toys everywhere and, it's not easy to do, but make sure the kids sit in one place when they eat, even if its just for a snack,keeps the house crumb free.
Sirena says:
Team work
Renee says:
Pick up as you go
Beckie says:
Pick one room for each day of the week and make it your goal to do that one room.
Barbara says:
Let the children help
Lynette says:
Pick up the clutter each night before bed.
SHENG says:
I'll put a lock on the children's toy storage so they can't do clutter just whenever they want to. There's a time for playing toys. If it's time to do homework or study, surely toys are none on sight.
Claudia says:
Everything needs a home, and needs to go back to its' home after being used. Coats go in closet as soon as they're taken off, same with shoes, dirty clothes, towels, toys, etc. Putting it off until later, just means that you have to do it later. Later is usually right before company is coming and you're scrambling to tidy everything up.
Ashley says:
Do one room entirely per day
Alicia says:
It doesn't have to be perfect. do it bit by bit over a week
Deanna says:
make your kids help you every day so they can have good cleaning habits as well.
Wendy Janice says:
clean up after yourself so things do not get beyond you and get your children to help you tidy up their toys and eventually they will be Mummy's or Nanna's little helper and be proud of themselves for doing a good job and receiving extra hugs for being helpful.
Belinda says:
i learnt a lot of stuff about cleaning from this website: www.flylady.com (just check out the begginner baby steps)
jho says:
Just make sure that before you go to bed, everything is clean, even if you are a plain housewife or a working mom.
Gail says:
Use a window washing tool on your shower walls and you will practically eliminate the soap scum from your walls. I love the micro fiber cloths for cleaning.
Agnes says:
8
Gloria says:
Doing one room a day. Don't try to do all rooms in one day, it is too overwhelming.
Dally says:
Tips are awesome,early morning works best for me,and leaving notes to others,sometimes helps alot.
Kelli-AdventurezInChildRearing says:
Get the kids involved! It's great for them to learn the responsibility and it helps a mom keep her sanity!
Summer says:
After you clean your shower doors spray them with WD40 or rub baby oil and give them a quick wipe down. It help prevent soap scum build up and will make those stubborn water spots disappear.
Victoria says:
Having the kids pick up their toys.
Heather says:
CLEAN AS YOU GO... DONT WALK PAST N E THING!!!
stephanie says:
Pick up before bed. That way nothing is left out in the morning.
Stephanie says:
Do it while bubs is asleep
Jaret says:
Hire a cleaning service! ;D
Juanita says:
Sometimes,I take a little bleach and add it to a little hot water and let it boil to clean the air,some friends suggested it for me and it has worked.
mardi says:
teach the kids orderliness and show it to them by example. even if your home is not spic and span but it is orderly then you can have a rested mind unlike if everything is in clutter.
Lo'Real says:
MESS UP CLEAN UP!!!
TIFFANY KATHRYN says:
pick up as you go
Carla says:
let my husband do it!!!
betty says:
I try to do things as I see them rather then I'll get it later . If the mirrors or taps look like they need done I do it then and I never go to bed with and dirty kitchen it just starts my days off wrong if thats the first thing I see when I get to face the day.
Rachel says:
Do it as you go along. Don't miss out on life, just to clean!
Caoimhe says:
I think we've become too dependent on chemical cleaners and hence the increase of super bugs and asthma. Kids need a certain amount of dirt to build and strenghten immunity. Keep the house clean, but not all germs are bad
Leslie says:
Have a place for everything and put everything back in it's place.
Theresa says:
I find it helps to pass things on often that way they are not cluttering your house. If you ahvent used it and your just moving it form one place to another give it to another.
Bonnie says:
Tidy a room before you leave it. Example make the bed before you leave the room and pick up and tidy, look it over and then carry on with your day. Take each room as you go. Then the cleaning will take no time.
Rebecca says:
hire a house cleaner!
Nicole says:
I keep Target wipes under the sink in the bathroom and clean the toilet and sink while my kids are in the tub. This is an easy thing to do while a child is playing in the bubbles, and I am just in there to lend a hand when it is time to get out.
Tara says:
2 minute tidy ups! If your kids are old enough get them to contribute as well :)
Tina says:
do after kids in bed, Be organized
Carol Ann says:
Include the kids in the clean up but not in a "ordering around" way but as a shared time. to do this you have to let some things go and not worry if it's perfect. Help them see the joy of work and especially working together. Praise little things.
Deborah says:
Jerry says:
Stina says:
be a maid and clean up after the kids any chance you can...i dont like anything on the floor so i am that person who is always picking crap up and putting it back even though i know itll be back out in just a minute...i have 2 toddlers, expecting my 3rd in 2 weeks, full time student and i work from home and somehow i manage to always have my house picked up..im a nut for a clean floor....i dont care what their rooms look like so one room is the toy room even tho one sleeps in there..and the other is just the sleeping room..it works out nice having all the toys in one room and they try their best to keep it all in there
Carla May says:
Always make sure there's no more left for the laundry and keep the kitchen clean
Courtney says:
make the kids help u clean it all up @ the end of the week when it all dirty , make a family cleaning out of it and they learn they don't have to clean as much if they help keep it pick up through out the week
Betty says:
Lindsay says:
Put things back where they go right after you're done with them, as much as you can Also, take 15 minutes every day to tidy. It always amazes me how much I can get done in just 15 minutes.
Lisa says:
tidying up in the morning, middle of day, and at bedtime helps keep the clutter away. I'm not saying full-out chores.. just picking up toys, dishes, clothes, take out trash, etc.
nina says:
Organization is the key to everything in being a mom. Totes, bins, drawers, cabinets... and locking cabinets with shelves. Buy them, fill them, stock them, use them!
Stephanie says:
DON'T HAVE CHILDREN!!!
Reena says:
Christina says:
never let it get that dirty in the first place.
Evelyn says:
Brenda says:
MAMTA says:
Becky says:
no food in the living room, make sure all your pots are washed and hoover regurlaly i am a single mum and find it hard to keep every where clean but i spring clean once a month :)
Kari says:
Kelly says:
get a cleaner
Betty says:
Wynter says:
I try not to let it get to bad to begin with, by just keeping up with everything, that way it's easier to keep it clean. But there are times it get's away from me, lol.

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