by Margaret Butterfield

Created on: November 13, 2009

When staring at a large room crammed full of household treasures, it can sometimes feel like a bomb has gone off in the area. You want to tape it off and never look again. But after awhile, when you begin to notice the clutter and smell the mess, its fairly unavoidable. Keeping your house clean is healthy and can even improve your mood.
That being said, there are even some ways to start with cleaning your home is before it even gets messy! Keep things organized and have a quick dusting routine every week. Designate a day for laundry, take out the trash, and at least soak your dirty dishes. The more you do right after the mess is made, the less you will have to do later!

But if you feel overwhelmed by the monster of mess, then never fear. Arm yourself with this succinct list and then set to work.

Trashbags
Always a must. Get some strong hefty bags and start in every room by just blowing through and grabbing all the trash. It makes a huge difference just getting the trash out of the space.

Clorox wipes
Probably the most important thing on this list. These can be used on almost any surface, pick up dirt and grime easily, and leave the area disinfected and very clean. Make sure to invest in a large canister.

Dry swiffer (pole and hand)
This is the new age broom, and I find it very helpful for picking up dust before I wipe down surfaces with a wet cloth or wipe. Also invest in a handheld for shelves and the TV.

Qtips
For those hard to clean tiny objects, Qtips are very useful

Towels
Cloth and paper, can always be used for a quick dry.

Vacuum
Invest in a good one that will last for awhile, especially if you have a great deal of carpet.

Laundry basket
This helps keep the laundry together. I'd suggest 2, 1 for whites and 1 for colors

Laundry supplies: detergent, oxy clean, softener, dryer sheets, and iron with spray starch
Pick something that wont irritate your skin and keep all items near the washer/dryer, or in the linen cabinet

Febreeze
For the finishing touch, spray a biut of febreeze to freshen the air.

Spot cleaner, rags
For your inset carpet stains.

Gloves
Very useful so that the chemicals don't wear down your hands, or so that you don't pick up germs so easily.

Windex
Great cleaner for glass and mirrors.

Tub cleaner
Obviously a great cleaner for bathroom surfaces, Arm and Hammer makes a very good one that sprays on and then washes off, without and scrubbing.

Baking soda/Vinegar
Two natural elements that should be used separately and can be for a variety of things, but together can help unclog sink/shower drains.

Toilet brush/ Bowl cleaner
Obviously for the toilet's needs

Dishwashing packets/soap
For the dishwasher

Dish soap
For your loose dishes

Comet
For the sink or any intense dish cleaning (use sparingly!)

Swiffer Wet jet
The new age mop which works very well

Broom/mop
Always nice to have in store with the swiffers cant get it done
Special cleaners for special surfaces

The easiest way to utilize this army is to break up the rooms to clean and take sections of the room. Pick up all the trash, and put all the laundry in the basket. Put stuff away, and wipe down surfaces. Spot clean, vacuum the carpet, make the bed, etc. In the bathroom, tackle the shower, vanity, and toilet separately. Run your laundry while your cleaning so that it can be ready when you are.
There are many ways to clean, and it is up to people's time and work ethic to design a plan that best fits them.

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