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Image Credit: M Treasure/Getty ImagesNo one wants to waste more time or energy than necessary when cleaning their home. Without a plan in place, you might end up losing focus, spreading dirt back into previously cleaned areas, or dodging those dreaded tasks. (Yes, your grout definitely needs attention!)
This is where professional cleaners shine, offering their advice on what to clean first. By following their well-tested strategies, you’ll clean efficiently, save time, and get every inch of your home sparkling quickly.
1. The Uppermost Areas of the Room
Getty ImagesTo avoid undoing your hard work, always start at the top of the room and work your way down (finish by vacuuming or mopping the floor). 'Think of dust falling, and clean in that sequence,' advises Rapinchuk. In the kitchen, Rapinchuk begins with the walls and corners, followed by light fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and finally the floors.
2. The Toughest Rooms or Areas to Tackle
© Tim Hawley / Photographer's Choice / Getty ImagesWe all have that one neglected spot in our home that hasn't seen a cleaning in far too long. But procrastinating on those difficult tasks isn't the answer—tackle them first the next time you clean. 'I always begin with the 'harder' areas because I lose momentum and prefer to get them out of the way,' says Rapinchuk. After conquering those challenging spaces, like piles of papers or a kid's bathroom, you’ll breeze through the rest of your cleaning tasks.
3. The Sink
Winnond/Getty ImagesThe sink may seem like something to leave for last, but Ballentine insists it should be tackled first, especially if it’s filled with dirty dishes that need washing or loading into the dishwasher. 'If there’s a sink in the room, I usually clean it first. That way, you have a place to get water for cleaning or to wash your hands if you encounter something unpleasant.' Plus, you can always give it a quick rinse at the end once everything is cleaned up.
4. The Most Stubborn Stains and Caked-On Food
JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty ImagesThe idea isn’t to scrub those stains right away, but to spray them when you start cleaning and let your cleaner work on loosening the grime before scrubbing. 'Spraying counters, the sink, and even the stove and letting it sit helps soften stuck-on food,' says Rapinchuk. You can apply the same method in the bathroom, allowing products to break down soap scum or other stubborn messes while you clean the rest of the space.
While the cleanser is working its magic, take the time to dust the walls and other surfaces, and tackle the lighter tasks before returning to wipe away the cleaner—and the stains—once it’s ready.
5. The Biggest Flat Surface
Getty Images / YinYangIf you're dealing with a cluttered room, Ballentine suggests starting by clearing some space, as it will create room for you to tackle the rest of your tasks. 'I usually start with a large flat surface, like a table or desk. It serves as a base for the rest of the cleaning tasks,' she says.
6. The Largest Pile of Clutter
Claus Christensen / Getty ImagesTackling the biggest mess in the room can greatly reduce visual clutter, says Ballentine. This might include sorting a large heap of laundry, picking up a scattered assortment of children's toys, or gathering up a stack of party dishes and moving them to the sink or dishwasher.
