Jill Nystul
No one wants to spend longer on household chores than they have to, right? Luckily, we found some simple shortcuts to share with you that will save you time at every turn. From accomplishing common tasks in record time to reducing the amount of work you have to do altogether, these tips will free up more of your time so you can spend it however you please.
Spray Your Dishes
Dawn Powerwash is a relatively new “dish spray” product that can help make post-meal cleanup easier. You just spray it on your dishes as you place them in the sink, and the sudsy solution goes to work immediately loosening up food residues so that when you’re ready to wash or rinse them, the gunk slides right off.
But you can save yourself a few dollars by making my DIY version of Dawn Powerwash.
Hang A Pocket Organizer Near Your Door
Make it easier to find everything you need on your way out the door with an over-the-door pocket organizer. They offer plenty of space for your wallet, keys, gloves, umbrella, and just about anything else you might need on your way out the door.
Hang the organizer on the inside of a closet near the door you use most often. Everything will stay organized and easily accessible, while also staying neatly out of sight.
Give Cleaners Time To Clean
Let your cleaners do the hard work for you by spraying them on grimy surfaces and letting them sit for a few minutes before scrubbing or wiping. This gives the cleaning agents in the solution time to start breaking down grease and dirt, making it faster and easier for you to wipe up the mess and move on with your day.
Try The Faster Wash Cycles
If your dishwasher or washing machine has a “Light Wash” or “Quick Wash” cycle option, give those a try. Oftentimes you’ll find that these shorter or less intensive washes clean just as thoroughly in a lot less time.
And if that does turn out to be the case for your dishwasher or washer, you’ll save water with every use too.
Make Cleaning Caddies For Individual Tasks
Another smart way to save yourself time is to set up a few different “cleaning caddies” containing everything you need to do one particular cleaning task. For instance, you could make a caddy for dusting that includes a dusting spray, your duster of choice, and a few microfiber cloths for dusting smaller items and knickknacks.
Then it’s time to do some dusting, you can grab your dusting caddy and and then put it away when you’re done. You’ll have everything you need and won’t have to waste time gathering supplies.
Race The Clock
When an area needs tidying up, grab a basket and set the timer on your phone for 5 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in just a few minutes when you’re racing the clock.
Line Your Fridge
Line the drawers and shelves in your fridge with sheets of wax paper. When spills and messes inevitably drip onto the wax paper, you can replace it with a fresh sheet instead of having to scrub at a hardened, sticky mess.
Wash Your Blender In Seconds
Next time you need to clean your blender cup, just fill it with a little bit of water and a few drops of soap. Set it on the blender base and pulse it a few times, and the sudsy water will wash the inside of the blender cup. It even gets under and around the blades, and it’s so quick and easy!
Remove Your Shoes
Get everyone who lives with you in the habit of leaving shoes at the door. Your floors will stay a lot cleaner when you’re tracking less dirt into the house, which means less cleaning for you.
Keep Washed Clothes Fresh
If you’re starting a load of laundry and know you won’t be able to move it into the dryer right away when it’s done, add a drop or two of Freshly Washed to the wash. This essential oil blend contains oils with anti-fungal properties, which will help keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh until you can get them into the dryer.
Essential oils could stain delicate fabrics, so I suggest adding the oil to a sock or rag and adding that to the load of laundry before you start it.
Windows and Mirrors
Use old newspapers to clean mirrors and windows; they make a recyclable and disposable cleaning tool. Vinegar is an inexpensive cleaning product that can also be used on windows and mirrors to clean and shine surfaces. To prevent streaking and extra rubbing, wait for an overcast day to clean your mirrors and windows.
