12 Expert-Approved Cleaning Tips to Revolutionize Your Routine

We reached out to 12 cleaning pros for their top strategies to help you maintain a cleaner, healthier, and more organized home in 2023. From apps that streamline household tasks to eco-conscious cleaning methods, and even a hack for keeping your air fryer spotless (genius!), these expert-endorsed tips are guaranteed to work. Now, it's time to put these tricks into action!

Use an App to Evaluate Your Cleaning Supplies

James Dudra, the co-founder of Therapy Clean, suggests using ThinkDirty, an app that helps consumers understand the potential toxins in their household products by providing a rating system. "One of the simplest steps consumers can take is to become knowledgeable about the ingredients in their cleaning products...just scan the barcode and gain insights into the material, function, and safety." This app allows you to evaluate the composition of your cleaning products so you can be sure of what you're bringing into your home.

Ensure Your Family Never Misses Chore Time

"I have certain tasks I clean every day...to maintain a tidy house with just minutes of work daily," shares Becky Rapinchuk from CLEAN MAMA. "The free Clean Mama Routine can be found on the Cozi app." This app is designed to keep families organized and connected, ensuring everyone is on the same page about chores—no one can claim they "forgot" to do the laundry.

Make Cleaning Fun with a Game

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, also recommends using collaboration apps like OurHome or Tody. "These apps help you stay organized, especially if you're living in a shared space or as a family, and can even turn chores into a game for your kids." Your children can earn virtual points for each task they complete, making cleaning time more enjoyable. Don’t be surprised if they’re suddenly eager to tidy up their rooms.

Create Your Own Cleaning Solutions

Make your own all-purpose cleaner using this recipe from Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. Combine one teaspoon of dish soap, two cups of water, and 10 drops of tea tree oil in a reusable glass spray bottle. This solution can be used to clean most non-porous surfaces around the house—without the need for harsh chemicals.

Opt for Concentrated Cleaners

Morgan Eberhard, senior scientific communication manager at P&G, advises using concentrated cleaning products, such as Dawn Ultra and Dawn Platinum, to help reduce your home’s carbon footprint. "Concentrated cleaners use less water, and because they contain higher levels of active ingredients, they work more effectively and quickly—meaning less water and energy are needed to get the job done." Essentially, less is more.

Skip the Vibrant Cleaners

Lindsay Droz and Kristi Lord, founders of the plant-based home care brand L'Avant Collective, offer this advice when shopping for safe cleaning products: be cautious with brightly colored cleaners. "Color and dyes are purely for aesthetics and don’t contribute to the cleaning effectiveness," they explain.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools

"Switching to products made with simple, natural ingredients is a great cleaning resolution for 2023, benefiting both your home and the environment. Eco-friendly products often come in lighter, more compact, and plastic-free packaging, which saves space and reduces carbon emissions from transportation compared to traditional cleaners. Making the change can be as easy as replacing paper towels with reusable Swedish dishcloths, choosing a bamboo toilet bowl cleaner with natural bristles, or trying eco-friendly laundry strips instead of liquid detergent," says Ryan McKenzie, co-founder of Tru Earth.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Quick Clean

"If you want a clean home, treat it like any important, ongoing project and add it to your calendar," advises Katie Berry from Housewife How-Tos. "Make cleaning a regular part of your routine, not something you'll do only if nothing else comes up, because something always comes up." Berry also reminds us, "You know the saying, 'Perfect is the enemy of good.' That applies to cleaning as well. We often skip wiping spills or vacuuming floors because we think it's only real cleaning if we move everything off the counter or vacuum every inch of the floor. But small efforts make a difference, and they separate a house that feels lived in from one that looks like a disaster."

Clean From Top to Bottom

Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at ProHousekeepers.com, shares this tip: "Start with the room furthest from the front door and work your way out. In each room, always clean from the top down. This way, you avoid creating extra work by sweeping or vacuuming again after dust falls from cleaning."  

Make Cleaning Your Air Fryer Effortless

Katherine Picott, founder and CEO of Tidy Milso, keeps her air fryer cleaning routine simple. "I prefer my cleaning habits to be easy and low-maintenance. Since we use our air fryer so often, buying an air fryer liner was a game-changer. It's heat-resistant and made of silicone, which makes cleanup a breeze. You can either run it through the dishwasher or wash it by hand, and it's ready for the next meal."

Invest in Filters and Air Purifiers

Less dust and dirt makes cleaning easier and keeps your home healthier. Traci Fournier, VP of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, advises incorporating HEPA filters and air purifiers into air-handling systems. "Heating and air conditioning systems circulate air throughout the house, and if your system includes a whole-house air purifier, it’s a more effective solution for dust than just a filtration system. A HEPA air filter will trap pollutants and particles. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule and replacing filters on time will ensure peak performance."

Never Mix Chemical Cleaning Products

Anne Helmsenstine, Ph.D., founder of Science Notes, warns against online advice that suggests combining different cleaning products for "easier cleaning." She explains, "Some people add vinegar to bleach to make it more acidic for stronger disinfection. However, the danger outweighs the benefit, as the increased strength doesn’t justify the risk. When bleach reacts with vinegar’s acetic acid, it produces toxic chlorine gas, which can be fatal." Be sure to familiarize yourself with cleaning products you should never mix to keep your cleaning safe.