Somewhere beneath the piles of clothing, the vertiginous stack of papers, and the jumble of junk is a clutter-free home that shines and dazzles. If only you had the time to unearth it. From putting the family dogs to work to cleaning the shower while taking one, Real Simple readers display ingenuity when it comes to a good speed-cleaning. So blast some music (Prince will make the time fly!) and go reveal your inner clean.

This Month’s Winner

Bless This Mess
When I start to feel overwhelmed and cranky about the never-ending battle with chaos and clutter, I try to think about all the reasons I have to be grateful — for everything from dirty dishes after a wonderful family meal to fingerprints left by curious little hands. If I stop and close my eyes for a few seconds and reflect on this, things usually look a little different once I open them again. When that fails, baby wipes! I keep them stashed everywhere for fast cleanups.
Sharon Sausville
Issaquah, Washington
Sharon will receive a copy of Real Simple Celebrations.

The Art of Clean

When I was growing up, the lemony smell of Pledge signaled that my mom was cleaning. Today, because I usually don’t have time to dust every surface and eliminate clutter, I’ve found that lighting lemon-scented candles triggers that cleaning memory and provides inspiration when I have to rush. The lemon scent has the added benefit of fooling people into thinking I’ve been dusting all day.
Trish Wethman
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

Get me mad and I’ll clean anything. Doesn’t matter what it is — doesn’t matter how dirty it is. I will turn on my headbanger radio station and go to town.
Jennifer Richard
Carl Junction, Missouri

I always clean the shower when I’m in it. I leave the cleaning products in there, and while I’m waiting for my conditioner to work its magic on my hair, I’m doing my own magic on mildew and soap scum.
Dana Saint Germain
Mount Pleasant, Iowa

To make cleaning quicker and easier, I keep supplies on each level of my home. When I notice that the mirrors on the second floor need cleaning, I don’t have to head to the basement to get what I need.
Patti Scheuman
Wheaton, Illinois

Having everyone take off their shoes cuts my floor-cleaning time in half. A basket of knit slippers sits on the landing, inviting guests and family members to make themselves at home, keep their feet warm, and keep the floors clean.
Keri Matwick
Eagle River, Alaska

Blasting Prince’s The Hits 1 and 2 on the stereo keeps me moving real fast and makes cleaning fly by.
Nicole Tate
Raleigh, North Carolina