1. Use a Laundry Basket for Quick Clean-Ups

When you’re short on time and need to tidy up quickly, grab a laundry basket or some other easy to carry container, and go through each room, tossing in items that are out of place. This method not only makes the process fast and efficient, but it also gives you a visual cue of what needs to be put away later. When you have time later on, just return the items to their proper places.

2. Set a Timer for Cleaning Sessions

Sometimes, the thought of cleaning can feel overwhelming, which is why setting a timer can help. Choose a specific area or task and set a timer for 5–15 minutes. Focus solely on that task until the timer goes off. Alternatively, set a timer and try and get as much done as you can in that time. Throw laundry in the basket, stick a wash on, flick the hoover round and wipe bathroom surfaces. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time!

3. Use Waiting Time as Cleaning Time
Utilising the time when you're waiting for something, even if it's just for a minute, like waiting for the kettle to boil, can make a difference. When cooking, for example, if you have a few minutes to spare while youre waiting for food to cook or a microwave to ping, spend that little time washing a few pots, wiping the odd surface, or just putting a few items back in their place. Every little bit you do, is something that won't have to be done later.

4. Watching or Listening While you Clean

Everyone likes to relax while watching some TV or listening to an audiobook. You could spend the first 5 minutes of a video (or the time when adverts are on) doing a few quick cleaning tasks. This way, it doesn't even feel like you've spent any time cleaning.

5. Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Having your cleaning supplies organized and easily accessible can save you time when you need to clean quickly. Use a caddy or tote to store your essential cleaning products and tools, and keep it in a central location in your home, I personally keep one upstairs and one downstairs. This way, you can grab everything you need in one go, making it easier to tackle messes as they arise.

6. The 2 Minute Rule

Breaking down any cleaning task into smaller steps can make it feel so much more manageable. Got a mountain of dishes? Just start with a few. Does the bathroom need cleaning? Give the surfaces a quick wipe for now. Committing to even a small amount makes a difference. Often, you’ll find yourself doing more than you planned, which is great! But even if you only stick to a couple of minutes, that’s fine too. Giving just two minutes to any task will either get a little bit done or spark you to keep going longer. Either way, progress is progress!

7. Create a Cleaning Schedule

Establishing a cleaning schedule can help you stay organized and ensure that tasks don’t pile up. Break down cleaning tasks by day or week, focusing on a different area each time. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning your entire home at once.

8. Hoovering Doesn't Have to be a Mammoth Task

Keep the hoover handy, find an easily accessible place to store it, and whip it around once a day. You don't need to move all the furniture, just a quick flick around the main traffic areas of the house takes a minute or so and keeps you on top of the daily hoovering. Save the corners and harder to reach places for another time.

9. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Easy Cleaning

Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaning powerhouses that can tackle various messes. Use baking soda to scrub sinks, bathtubs, and stovetops, and mix vinegar with water for an effective all-purpose cleaner. These ingredients are safe, inexpensive, and can help you clean almost any surface in your home.

10. Tackle One Task at a Time

Instead of trying to clean multiple areas at once, focus on completing one task before moving on to the next. This approach not only makes the process more manageable but also helps you see progress more clearly, motivating you to continue.

11. Use a Squeegee for Pet Hair

If you have pets, you know how quickly fur can accumulate on upholstery. Instead of spending hours vacuuming, use a rubber squeegee to gather pet hair. Simply run the squeegee over the surface, and watch the hair clump together for easy removal! Alternatively, use a lint roller on sofas, chairs, and even your clothes.

12. Declutter Regularly

Spending a few minutes each day decluttering can prevent messes from piling up. Create a habit of putting away items that don’t belong in a particular room. Consider designating a specific time each day or week for decluttering, so it becomes part of your routine. Even 2 minutes spent organsing post or 

 13. If You See It, Do It

If I ever walk into my kitchen and there are dry pots on the drainer, I always put them away. It takes a few seconds, and makes the tasks of cooking or washing pots seem a lot easier to start later on. This method can be used anywhere in the house. Every time you change rooms in the house, just put 1 or 2 things back in their place. It often only take a few seconds but make a rather big impact as you're much more likely to find any subsequent cleaning or tidying just that bit easier.

14. Involve the Family

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Involve family members by assigning them age-appropriate tasks. Making cleaning a family activity not only lightens your load but can also be a fun way to bond and teach kids about responsibility. Rewarding children with sweets (with limits, of course!) or even pocket money for doing certain cleaning tasks like putting away pots and cutelry, whipping the hoover round or picking up strewn clothes.

15. Motivation

As with most things, once you start a cleaning, it's a lot easier to carry on. Make a habit of doing things like wiping surfaces in the kitchen or bathroom, and if you feel like it, keep going. No one likes to clean when they're not in the mood, so if you've done these things, and you still feel unmotivated to do more, don't. At least you make a small start, and the habit of doing a few tiny things daily will add up.

Conclusion

With these quick and easy cleaning hacks, you can maintain a tidy home even with a busy schedule. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll find that cleaning becomes less of a chore and more of a manageable task. Happy cleaning!