coming clean 2

The Cleaning Routine

Until someone out there introduces a universally free household cleaning service, most of us will continue to tackle the less-than-thrilling task of cleaning our own homes each week.

Still, you can make this routine task more pleasant, and shave precious moments off your overall cleaning time in the process.

A few tricks to get you off the couch and into the cleaning routine: Pump up the volume on your device of choice and stream your most inspiring tunes. Pick up some stylish new cleaning tools at the store or online; your curiosity about a new product may get you moving.

The way Mom taught you to do dishes - wash lightly soiled cups and plates first, scrub the dinner pans with baked-on food last - works equally well for cleaning your home's surfaces. Scrubbing with murky water or soiled sponges redistributes dirt instead of removing it.

Start cleaning in the lightly soiled bedrooms, dining room, and living room. After you've completed those areas - and with a sense of accomplishment - work your way into the more challenging kitchen and bathroom.