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When it’s time to clean your house you want it done quickly and with as little effort as possible. Use these rules and you’ll be fine. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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Clean up messes as they happen. Things are usually easier to clean up when it’s taken care of right away. The only exception to this rule: mud tracked onto your carpets is easier to take clean when its dried first. Wait until the mud is dry and then vaccuum until it is gone.

Clean from ceiling to floor. Also, start cleaning the upstairs in your house and work your way down so that you are not tracking dirt through what has already been cleaned. The only exception to this rule is washing walls. Clean them from bottom to top so that the dirty drips will be easier to clean.

When attacking a room start with all the dry cleaning (like dusting, vacuuming or sweeping) then start with the wet things (cleaning windows or mopping) . This way you won’t have to vacuum again after dusting.

Manage your house cleaning time efficiently. Spray the cleaner first and then do another little job until you are ready to wipe the cleaner off.

Carry all your cleaning supplies with you. This will save you time because you won’t have to go hunting around the house to find what you need. You can use a cleaning caddy, a bucket or an apron with big pockets. Put all of you into what you have chosen. If you have more than one floor keep a caddy on each floor.

If you like to try new cleaning methods make sure you test them first. Testing first will let you know if its colorfast and whether the new technique will do damage.

When you clean items that could be harmed by a cleaning product (television, computer screen or electronic items) spray the cleaner onto a cloth and then clean. If you spray the cleaner on the item it may drip in and wreck it.

Read the directions on the cleaner you are using. The people that made the product know how they are used. So at every chance follow the directions.

Make sure you take care of yourself. Cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can damage eyes, skin, nose and your lungs. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, old long pants and an old long sleeved shirt. Most of all don’t mix the products together because they may create a poisonous gas. Also have a well ventilated room to work in.

Photo courtesy: Wazari