Q: I love the look of your house and the way you style your shelves, tables, and other surfaces. I’d like to do more of that, but I always talk myself out of it because I worry about all the dusting and cleaning required for those small decor items. What quick cleaning tips do you have to keep everything tidy and dust-free? Is your home really as clean as it looks in photos? – Kim
A: Great question. We do tidy up before taking photos for the blog, but we’re also fairly orderly people who rely on a place-for-everything approach to keep clutter from piling up (to see how we store and sort many items, check our Projects Page). When things have designated homes, it’s much easier to keep the whole house looking tidy without needing frequent, time-consuming cleanups.
My general approach is “work as you go”: small daily habits add up and prevent big cleaning marathons. John handles most of the cooking, laundry, and yard work, so I naturally take on many of the cleaning tasks. Over time I’ve learned several shortcuts that make routine upkeep quick and painless.
Daily five- to ten-second actions keep the house feeling fresh. For example, wiping counters and loading dishes into the dishwasher before bed only takes a moment but means I’m happier entering the kitchen in the morning.
Ten-second daily tasks I do:
- Wipe down kitchen counters
- Load the dishwasher and wipe the sink
- Sort mail—pay bills and shred junk immediately
- Bring shoes back to the bedroom
- Fold the sofa blanket and return it to its basket
These small efforts take only a few minutes total each day but make a noticeable difference in the home’s overall appearance.
Tasks I do a few times a week:
- Run and unload the dishwasher
- Wipe down bathroom sinks
- Take out the trash and compost
- Wipe the stovetop
Those actions keep things from getting out of hand, giving a sense of control and calm. I sleep better knowing dishes are clean and the stovetop is grease-free.
Weekly cleaning essentials:
- Dust shelves, mantels, and tables
- Vacuum area rugs
- Wipe baseboards
- Remove dust bunnies from hardwood floors
- Clean toilets
- Scrub shower and tub
- Do laundry
- Iron as needed
I don’t do all of these in a single day; instead I break them up. A little dusting while on the phone, vacuuming the next day—spread-out tasks feel doable.
Here are some of my time-saving tips for the weekly chores:
For dusting, I like disposable dusting pads that cling to dust, which lets me dust shelves, mantels, coffee tables, and baseboards quickly. I lift items with one hand and swipe underneath with the other; one or two passes gets the whole house done fast. Lately I’ve switched to high-quality microfiber cloths—equally effective, washable, and more sustainable.
For vacuuming, a HEPA-capable model is ideal for cleaner air, but a reliable upright vacuum works well for us. Because most of our home is hardwood, we only vacuum a few rugs, which shortens cleaning time. For hardwood maintenance and quick touch-ups, a small cordless stick vacuum is my go-to. It’s perfect for corners, under chairs, and along baseboards. Using the big vacuum for larger areas and the cordless for daily upkeep leaves floors looking photo-ready with minimal effort.
Toilet cleaning became much easier after replacing very old toilets with newer models that resist grime better. Regular, light scrubs with a long-handled brush keep them looking clean week to week. I also use a multi-surface bathroom spray for the bowl, shower, and tub and keep a dedicated bathroom sponge under the vanity to tackle soap scum before it builds up.
For wiping counters and sinks, an all-purpose cleaner that can be diluted makes the bottle last and handles many surfaces. For dishes we use effective dish packs and for laundry, a simple detergent without fabric softener keeps clothes soft while reducing chemicals and cost.
Seasonal tasks—like washing windows and deep-cleaning floors—are done less often but are straightforward when routine maintenance is in place. For hardwood floors I use a washable-headed mop and always rinse and dry thoroughly to protect the finish.
Summary: Daily micro-tasks, a few weekly routines, and occasional seasonal deep cleans are the combination that keeps our house looking tidy and photo-ready without making cleaning a full-time job. Small, regular actions are easier to maintain than long, infrequent sessions, and a few smart tools and supplies make those actions fast and effective.
Note: The products and tools mentioned are ones we use because they work for us. They are not endorsements from sponsors.