Life gets hectic, and finding time to clean your home can sometimes feel like an impossible task.
But a clean and organized space doesn’t have to require hours of effort.
With a focused approach and a smart plan, you can tackle essential cleaning tasks quickly and effectively.
RCH Cleaning, located right here in Springfield, MO, knows this quite well! This is why we’ve created this simple, yet powerful checklist of 7 cleaning tasks that will leave your home looking fresh and tidy—all in under an hour.
1. Pick Up and Remove Trash – 5 Minutes
Start by grabbing a large trash bag and doing a quick sweep of your entire home. Walk through each room and collect any visible trash—discarded mail, food wrappers, empty bottles, and anything else that doesn’t belong. This immediate removal of waste not only declutters your space but also gives you a psychological boost by seeing instant results.
Why it matters: Removing trash prevents odors and pests, and it sets a clean slate for the rest of your quick cleaning session. It’s amazing how much cleaner a room feels once the obvious clutter is gone.
Tip: Keep an eye out for recyclables and have a separate bag handy. You’ll be tidying up and helping the environment at the same time.
2. Take Out the Trash – 5 Minutes
Now that you’ve gathered all the trash, don’t let it sit inside. Take a few minutes to empty all the trash cans in your home, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Then, take the garbage bags outside to your main trash bin.
Why it matters: Removing trash from your living space prevents unpleasant smells from developing, especially from food waste. It also reduces the risk of attracting pests like ants or fruit flies.
Tip: Line your trash cans with fresh bags immediately after emptying them. This saves time later and keeps your bins clean. A quick spray of deoderizer will also help freshen up.
3. Declutter Surfaces – 10 Minutes
Clutter can make even a clean home feel messy. Spend ten minutes focusing on decluttering the main surfaces in your living areas:
- Living Room: Tidy up coffee tables and media centers. Put away remote controls, books, and magazines.
- Kitchen: Clear off countertops by storing away appliances you’re not using and organizing utensils.
- Dining Area: Remove any non-dining items from the table.
- Entryway: Organize shoes, coats, and bags that may have accumulated.
Why it matters: Decluttering surfaces creates a sense of order and makes your home feel more spacious and inviting. It also makes it easier to clean these areas effectively.
Tip: Use baskets or decorative boxes to quickly store those random items that don’t have a designated place. This keeps things organized and can enhance your décor.
4. Wipe Down Important Surfaces – 10 Minutes
With clutter out of the way, take a disinfectant wipe or a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution and wipe down key surfaces:
- Kitchen Counters: Remove crumbs and spills to prevent bacteria growth.
- Dining Table: Clean up any food residue to keep it ready for the next meal.
- Bathroom Sinks and Counters: Wipe away toothpaste splatters and water spots.
- Doorknobs and Light Switches: High-touch areas that often harbor germs.
Why it matters: Regularly cleaning these surfaces helps maintain a healthy environment and keeps your home looking polished.
Tip: Work from top to bottom to prevent dust or crumbs from falling onto already cleaned areas. Use different cloths for the kitchen and bathroom to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Sweep or Vacuum Floors – 15 Minutes
Floors collect dirt, dust, and debris quickly, especially in high-traffic areas. Spend fifteen minutes focusing on:
- Hard Floors: Sweep or use a dust mop in the kitchen, hallways, and entryways.
- Carpets and Rugs: Vacuum the living room, bedrooms, and any area rugs.
Why it matters: Clean floors make a significant impact on the overall appearance of your home. Removing dirt and allergens also contributes to a healthier living space.
Tip: Start from the farthest corner of each room and work your way towards the exit to avoid stepping on freshly cleaned areas. If time is tight, focus on the most commonly used areas.
6. Mop the Floors – 10 Minutes
After sweeping, give your hard floors a quick mop:
- Kitchen and Bathrooms: These areas are prone to spills and stains, so a quick mop can make them shine.
- Entryways: Clean up tracked-in dirt to keep your home welcoming.
Why it matters: Mopping removes the finer particles left behind after sweeping and gives your floors a polished look.
Tip: Use a microfiber mop with a swivel head for faster cleaning. Quick-drying solutions or spray mops can save you time and prevent slippery floors.
7. Freshen Up the Bathroom – 5 Minutes
Bathrooms may be small, but they can make a big impression:
- Replace Towels: Swap out used hand towels for fresh ones.
- Clean the Mirror: A streak-free mirror brightens up the space.
- Quick Toilet Clean: Use a toilet brush and cleaner to scrub the bowl, and wipe down the seat and handle with a disinfectant wipe.
- Wipe the Sink: Remove toothpaste spots and water stains.
Why it matters: A clean bathroom is essential for hygiene and leaves a positive impression on guests.
Tip: Keep a set of cleaning supplies in the bathroom to make quick touch-ups more convenient.
Total Time: 60 Minutes
By following this efficient checklist, you’ve addressed the most critical areas of your home—all in just one hour. You’ve managed to declutter, disinfect, and freshen up your space, making it more comfortable for you and welcoming for anyone who visits.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Let RCH Cleaning Help!
While these quick tasks can help maintain your home between deep cleans, sometimes you need a little extra help. That’s where RCH Cleaning comes in. We offer a range of cleaning services tailored to fit your busy lifestyle.
So if you need a bit of help controlling that clutter, don’t hesitate to let us know!
