Entryways, hallways, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas of a home tend to get dirty faster than other rooms. All the foot traffic tracks in dirt and debris from outside. Kitchen messes accumulate quickly with frequent cooking and eating. Bathrooms harbor germs and bacteria. Keeping these busy spaces clean can feel like an endless chore. However, with some simple tips and tricks, you can more easily maintain tidy high-traffic zones.
Entryway
The entryway makes the first impression on guests and sets the tone when you arrive home. Don't let it become an eyesore with piled up clutter and grime.
- Place a rug both inside and outside doorways. Outdoor mats help remove dirt, grime, and moisture from shoes before entering. Indoor rugs collect remaining debris, so it doesn't get ground into the floors throughout the house. Shake out or vacuum rugs frequently. Refresh your floors today with £600 instant spend approval from Pay As You Go Carpets! Just pay back the credit in easy £10 weekly payments.
- Install a bench or shelves near the door to hold keys, bags, shoes, umbrellas, coats, and other items that get used when coming and going. Containing these items keeps them from ending up on the floor or strewn about.
- Hang up a broom, duster, and hand vacuum on the wall or place them in a nearby closet. Do quick sweep-ups when you notice dirt building up.
- Dust entryway surfaces and clean floors at least once a week. Use an all-purpose cleaner and vacuum for hard floors or carpet cleaner for carpets.
Hallways
Hallways share some of the same traffic issues as entryways. They also tend to turn into clutter magnets, collecting random household items and junk. Keep these transitions routes tidy.
- Remove anything stored in hallways that doesn't have to be there. Donate or relocate items to more appropriate storage spaces.
- Dust surfaces and clean floors once a week. Vacuum carpeted runners or sweep and mop hard flooring.
- Watch for high-touch spots like light switches and doorknobs that accumulate grime. Disinfect these areas regularly.
Kitchen
From cooking splatters to spilled snacks, kitchen messes multiply fast. Counter appliances, sinks, and the waste bin also need frequent maintenance.
- Declutter countertops so they can be easily wiped clean. Store little-used appliances in cabinets and put away non-cooking items.
- After each meal prep or clean up, take a few minutes to wipe down appliances, counters, sinks, and spots on the floor. It prevents build up.
- Clean the inside of the microwave every other week using a microwave-safe cleaner or bowl of water with lemon and vinegar.
- Take out the garbage daily so food waste and odors don't linger. Scrub bins that get grimy before putting in a clean bag.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms require regular heavy-duty cleaning sessions to combat all the bacteria and prevent buildup of soap scum, minerals, and mold. But you can make upkeep easier with key maintenance tasks.
- Squeegee mirrors, glass doors, and windows after showering to prevent water spots.
- Spray down the shower and tub with an after-shower cleaner whenever it’s used. These help prevent soap scum and mineral deposits from forming.
- Hang up towels and bathmats so they dry out between uses and don’t get musty. Wash them at least once a week.
- Disinfect sinks, counters, and toilets several times a week. Use scrubbing bubbles spray or other antibacterial cleaner.
- Replace toilet cleaning brushes every three months. Rinse holders after each use and sanitize weekly.
Implement as many of these cleaning tips and tricks as you can manage. Even doing lighter maintenance several times a week can dramatically cut down on grimy buildup. Then a quick weekly deep clean is all you’ll need to keep every room looking fresh and sanitized. With less effort, you can win the battle against dirt in busy living spaces.