Tricks of the Trade

I bought a robotic vacuum that’s just wonderful. It cleans one room while I clean another — or just sit and put up my feet. A recent phone message from a friend said it all: “Are you home? You’re probably having a glass of wine and watching your vacuum!”
Sande Adkins
Santa Maria, California

In a house with two dogs and two cats — and all their fur — dusting is a daily requirement. I stash microfiber cloths in drawers throughout my house so there’s always one nearby in case anything needs a quick wipe-down.
Danielle Jackson
Apex, North Carolina

Everything in my house — from paper clips to stray buttons — has a designated, dedicated place. It takes no time to put stuff back because there’s a particular basket, bowl, or box for all of it. With the clutter out of the way, the business of mopping and dusting goes really quickly.
Shelly Holmes
Van Alstyne, Texas

I keep each room stocked with cleaning supplies so that messes can be addressed immediately. Paper towels, sponges, cleanser, spray, and wipes are always at the ready. I also store lots of baskets in the rooms frequented by the kids. They can just throw in their toys when they’re done with them.
Caroline Dionisio
Hopewell Junction, New York

I hold onto all my kids’ single, mismatched socks and use them for polishing my furniture. Just slip one onto your hand, dab it with some oil, and shine away.
Colleen Derks
Cary, North Carolina

I use a steam cleaner. It has attachments for cleaning flat surfaces, like countertops; a squeegee for windows; and, best of all, an attachment for bare floors. What I really love is that the steamer replaces almost all the chemicals I used to use. Now I just convert tap water into sterilizing steam. It’s much faster, the house is cleaner, and I don’t have to worry about exposing my family to harmful chemicals.
Roberta Thornton
Kingman, Arizona

To rid my house of pet hair, I started “lint rollering” the family cat, Cat. He has never taken to brushes or combs, but Cat happily rubs against the roller, which gently removes his already loose fur. I’ve shared this silly-sounding technique with friends, and their cats also love it. Best part? We’ve all seen a reduction in the amount of fur flying around the house.
Siobhan Reynolds
Racine, Wisconsin

Mind Games

I remember that I waited a long, long time to have a husband, kids who make messes, and a house to clean. Completing each task is my way of taking care of the people I love.
Kathleen Merrill
Toledo, Ohio

I used to feel overwhelmed by housecleaning, because all I could see were the things that needed to be done — the negative side of the process. Now I visualize my house the way it looks when it’s tidy — the positive side of housecleaning — and I make that my target. Every little thing I clean puts me one step closer to my goal, and I always keep a picture in my mind of my house the way I want it to be.
Pam Raikos
Dayton, Ohio

Group Effort

My husband and I cut to the chase with 15-minute power sessions. We set the timer and then we’re off — cleaning and straightening as fast as we can. It’s amazing how much you can get done.
Julie Kirkham
Bloomington, Minnesota

I put each of my kids in charge of a room for the week. They can choose furniture placement, colors, and decorative items. Of course, they are also in charge of vacuuming, dusting, and pickup. This raises their self-worth and gives them “decorating” experience. Plus, it gets the job done.
Rose Maloney
Alva, Florida

My husband and I divide and conquer throughout the week. Whenever one of us has some time, we’ll do a little straightening up so that we don’t have to take a whole day out of our weekend playtime. Also, when it comes to cleaning, we each have our personal preferences — I handle the bathroom and kitchen; my husband vacuums, mops, and dusts. Ultimately, what makes my housecleaning easier is a very helpful and willing husband.
Jenni Bounds
New York, New York

I bought my daughter a child-size Bissell cordless rechargeable vacuum with a Barbie logo on it. The vacuum looks like a toy, but it’s the real deal. Fully charged, it will work for 12 minutes. That’s more than enough time for my daughter to clean her room or under the dining-room table. She thinks it’s so cool to have her own vacuum; I think it’s cool to have the help.
Caresa O’Connor
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

There is no reason I should have to do everything, so I delegate. My husband and two kids, ages 11 and 13, each have a list of jobs to do. The children do their chores because they know it is expected. In return, they are rewarded with relaxed parents who have more time for family fun.
Stacey Alden
West Newton, Massachusetts