Cleaning 101

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Woman cleaning living roomTim Evan Cook

Basic tips and tricks to get the entire house sparkling, from quick cleaning strategies to supplies to stock.

Daily Quick Cleaning Checklist

No vacuum-the-fridge-coils deep-cleaning pointers, just a basic plan to get your home neat―in under 30 minutes a day.

  • Clear out and wipe down the sink (5 minutes). No piles of dirty dishes! Move them into the dishwasher, and wipe the sink with a sponge.
  • Wipe down countertops and stove (1 minute). Clean splatters and spills with a damp cloth or sponge and an all-purpose cleanser.
  • Wipe problem spots on the floor (2 minutes). You can save a full-floor mop for the weekend, but use the same cloth (once you’ve finished with the countertops) to quickly clean any spills or sticky spots, which will attract dirt and get more noticeable if left alone.

View The Entire Checklist

How To: Clean Windows

Skip the cupboard full of newfangled glass scrubbers and potions - get squeaky-clean (and streak-free) windows in a jiffy with this quick, simple technique.

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