Besides, with so much going on in your everyday life, finding the time to get around to household projects can seem overwhelming—and it doesn’t have to be that way. Conquer your cleaning list with these quick and easy projects that can be completed in just 30 minutes or less.
Do a refrigerator overhaul.
Start by tossing any expired items or leftover takeout. Using an all-purpose cleaner, clean the outside of the refrigerator, then wipe down the inside and the shelves with warm soapy water. You’ll also want to remove the drawers and wash them in soapy water. Be sure to rinse all surfaces well. When it’s time to refill the refrigerator, keep like items together for easy access.
Sanitize high-touch areas.
This cleaning task can kill a lot of often forgotten germs. Using a disinfectant (cleaner, spray, or wipe), go over some of the most frequently touched items in your home like light switches, doorknobs, and door handles. Be sure to spray cleaner on a paper towel, as too much cleaner in these areas (if not wiped off thoroughly) can be dangerous. You can also use a cotton swab for detailed areas.
Dust the floor level.
Just imagine all the dust your dog or cat must see at their eye level. To combat, put an old sock over your hand or a dryer sheet, and run your hand along the baseboards to immediately remove any dust or grime. You can also use a surface-safe all purpose cleaner to scrub away any stubborn residue. Once clean, dust once a week to prevent dust buildup.
Clean the glass.
No one likes dirty windows—let the light in! Using glass cleaner or a simple DIY solution of vinegar and water, wipe down the inside of all of the windows in one level of your home. Be sure to dry carefully to avoid streaks, using old newspaper, paper towels, or rags. If you still have time, move on to a different level in your home.
Let in light.
Lampshades catch a lot of dust and dirt. Use a vacuum’s upholstery attachment or a lint roller to remove dust from your lampshades quickly and easily. And, don’t forget to wipe down the base of the lamps to remove any excess dust. This is also a good time to replace any burned out light bulbs, if needed.
Mop the kitchen and bathroom floors.
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the most germy rooms in the house. Spend your 30 minutes wisely! Grab a bucket, a mop, and your favorite cleaner, and sanitize your floors in no time. Focus on stuck-on materials first, then start with one corner and work your way across the room.
Brighten tile grout.
A quick clean that goes a long way, brightening your tile grout can breathe life into the entire bathroom. To clean, apply a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to the grout, and let sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a brush and then rinse clean. Simple!