Buzz
With TikTok's temporary reprieve from a nationwide ban, it's a good time to explore how the platform can be more than just a distraction. TikTok is particularly great for cleaning inspiration, thanks to CleanTok influencers and honest reviews of cleaning products that actually work. However, be cautious—some cleaning techniques are questionable at best. But there are some that are incredibly helpful.
Try Cleaning in Circles
I stumbled upon this cleaning method last fall while scrolling through TikTok, and it quickly caught my attention. The method is simple, yet effective, and was introduced by Cindell Kimbrough, a former professional cleaner who values efficiency in her techniques. It’s an easy-to-follow approach to clean any space.
After decluttering a space, such as a messy kid's room, begin cleaning by choosing a corner and working your way around the room in a circular motion. Tackle bigger tasks first, like making the bed, and then move on to smaller chores like dusting. Finish by cleaning the floors, vacuuming, and mopping. Cleaning in a circle keeps you focused and ensures you hit every part of the room.
Anger-Fueled Cleaning
One popular method that took TikTok by storm is 'angry cleaning,' a technique where you channel your frustration into intense cleaning sessions, often with tasks that require some elbow grease, such as scrubbing or vacuuming. This method can distract you from whatever is bothering you while giving you the energy to clean more vigorously. Plus, the end result—a spotless space—can help boost your mood after you work through your anger. It's an effective hack that not only yields great results but also leads to impressive before-and-after transformations, perfect for TikTok.
Laundry Stripping
Laundry stripping has become a TikTok sensation because it visibly demonstrates how much dirt and grime is removed from your clothes. While not always necessary, this technique can be helpful if your laundry is particularly filthy or if you’re not washing your clothes properly. To strip your laundry, soak it in a tub for a few hours with borax and baking soda. You'll notice the water getting dirtier over time, especially as you agitate the clothes by hand.
Sweep More Efficiently
This is hands down my favorite TikTok cleaning hack, and I've been using it ever since I came across it a few years ago. Next time you sweep, dampen the edges of a paper towel and lay it on the floor. Sweep the dirt, dust, hair, and debris directly onto the towel. It captures everything much more easily than a dustpan. Once you're done, just toss the towel. Dustpans often have ridges that make it hard to catch all the dirt, but this paper towel method works flawlessly.
The 5x5 Cleaning Method
I’m also a fan of the viral 5x5 cleaning method, which helps you maintain a tidy home without feeling overwhelmed. Popular on TikTok, this technique involves setting a timer for five-minute intervals and choosing five zones in your home that need attention. You work on each zone for five minutes before moving on to the next one. After 25 minutes, you'll have five much cleaner areas. For example, you could spend five minutes cleaning one drawer on your desk, then five minutes on another, and so on.
The Core 4 Cleaning Method
Learning the Core 4 method through TikTok was a game-changer for me—not only for cleaning but for keeping my home organized. Developed by organizer Kayleen Kelly, this decluttering approach teaches you how to eliminate unnecessary items while also organizing the things you choose to keep. The process involves four simple stages: Clear out, categorize, cut out, and contain. Start by removing everything from a room (or even just part of it, like a closet), then sort it into categories, discard what’s unnecessary, and organize the rest. This method has become incredibly popular on TikTok because it’s effective and easy to follow. Check out the video that started it all.
