{"id":69210,"date":"2026-03-21T14:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T18:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/?p=69210"},"modified":"2026-03-21T11:52:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:52:49","slug":"forget-spring-cleaning-speed-cleaning-will-change-your-life-and-save-you-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/forget-spring-cleaning-speed-cleaning-will-change-your-life-and-save-you-money\/","title":{"rendered":"Forget Spring Cleaning\u2014 Speed Cleaning Will Change Your Life (and Save You Money)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}<\/style><p>Way back when, spring cleaning was mandatory. Families washed windows, laundered and starched curtains, scrubbed floors, and hung rugs over clotheslines to beat the dust out of them.<\/p>\n<p>Sounds like a lot of work for the modern household, especially since many of us don&rsquo;t have clotheslines. Here&rsquo;s an alternative: Speed cleaning. It&rsquo;s efficient, it&rsquo;s effective, it will probably save you money, and it will definitely change your life.<\/p>\n<p>Best of all: It&rsquo;s easy! Instead of letting dust and grime pile up, you keep it at bay with a few 20-minute bursts of activity per week. No more thinking, &ldquo;I have to clean the whole house this weekend&rdquo; or &ldquo;How am I going to find money in my budget for a house cleaner?&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Speed cleaning saved my sanity as a midlife college student with several part-time jobs and a long commute. Living in a clean place was non-negotiable, but I didn&rsquo;t have much time. Turns out I didn&rsquo;t need much time to create a comfortable environment where I felt truly at home.<\/p>\n<p>Here&rsquo;s how speed cleaning can change your life, too.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 1: Pick a Room<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_46913\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46913\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46913\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait Of Messy Room With Dirty Clothes And Stuff On Sofa And Floor\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46913\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46913 eager-load\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20720'%3E%3Crect%20width='1280'%20height='720'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Portrait Of Messy Room With Dirty Clothes And Stuff On Sofa And Floor\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shutterstock_2599395855-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-46913\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Which room? That&rsquo;s up to you. I suggest starting with the one you see most often, because the changes will be so gratifying.<\/p>\n<p>You could even pick part of a room, such as the cluttered entryway or just the sink and toilet in your sadly neglected bathroom. Start small and build on your successes.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 2: Choose the Music<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_49055\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49055\" class=\"size-full wp-image-49055\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591.jpg\" alt=\"Joyful woman wearing wireless headphones and singing while washing dishes in kitchen, cleaning plates and listening favorite music, enjoying making domestic chores, side view, copy space\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49055\" class=\"size-full wp-image-49055 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591.jpg\" alt=\"Joyful woman wearing wireless headphones and singing while washing dishes in kitchen, cleaning plates and listening favorite music, enjoying making domestic chores, side view, copy space\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_2370221591.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-49055\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>You don&rsquo;t expect to clean without a soundtrack, do you? Put on music that gets your blood pumping, whether that&rsquo;s hip-hop or grand opera.<\/p>\n<p>Blast your favorites for all to hear, or wear headphones if some household members don&rsquo;t appreciate your choice of tunes. Speaking of the household&hellip;<\/p>\n<h2>Step 3. Assemble Your Team<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_50404\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50404\" class=\"wp-image-50404 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house.jpg\" alt=\"Happy family vacuuming the room. Mother and daughter doing the cleaning in the house.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50404\" class=\"wp-image-50404 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house.jpg\" alt=\"Happy family vacuuming the room. Mother and daughter doing the cleaning in the house.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Happy-family-vacuuming-the-room.-Mother-and-daughter-doing-the-cleaning-in-the-house.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-50404\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Deposit Photos.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Spouses, roommates, kids &ndash; everyone who lives there needs to be part of this. Even preschoolers can do things like fold towels or put junk mail into the recycling bin.<\/p>\n<p>No excuses. No, not even a teenager whining, &ldquo;But I have homework!&rdquo; We&rsquo;re talking a 20-minute time frame. Your young scholars probably spend that much time deciding what to wear tomorrow, or texting their friends to get opinions on what they should wear.<\/p>\n<p>Time management is something everyone needs to learn, and the younger, the better. As for the adults, &ldquo;I had a hard day &ndash; can&rsquo;t I skip it just this once?&rdquo; shouldn&rsquo;t work as an excuse, either. Everyone has hard days sometimes. It doesn&rsquo;t mean you can quit adulting, especially since we&rsquo;re talking about a 20-minute commitment.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 4. Set an Alarm<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_49451\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49451\" class=\"size-full wp-image-49451\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970.jpg\" alt=\"a young caucasian man wearing pajamas in bed setting the alarm clock at 7 before lie down\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49451\" class=\"size-full wp-image-49451 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970.jpg\" alt=\"a young caucasian man wearing pajamas in bed setting the alarm clock at 7 before lie down\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_267988970.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-49451\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I use a kitchen timer with an obnoxiously loud BEEP-BEEP-BEEP pattern. It sounds like the noise that a bomb timer makes in the movies, right before the explosion. Impossible to ignore, and satisfying to hear because it means I&rsquo;m all done.<\/p>\n<p>You might not want that. Maybe you&rsquo;ll just use the alarm on your phone. If so, have all household members synchronize their phone alarms and then prepare to&hellip;<\/p>\n<h2>Step 5. Clean Like Mad!<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_47324\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47324\" class=\"size-full wp-image-47324\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface.jpg\" alt=\"Cleaning, kitchen and housework with a woman cleaner working to keep her house hygienic and fresh. Clean, sanitize with a female using detergent or disinfectant to wash and wipe a surface\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47324\" class=\"size-full wp-image-47324 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface.jpg\" alt=\"Cleaning, kitchen and housework with a woman cleaner working to keep her house hygienic and fresh. Clean, sanitize with a female using detergent or disinfectant to wash and wipe a surface\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cleaning-kitchen-and-housework-with-a-woman-cleaner-working-to-keep-her-house-hygienic-and-fresh.-Clean-sanitize-with-a-female-using-detergent-or-disinfectant-to-wash-and-wipe-a-surface.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-47324\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Each of you (or just you, if you live alone) has a job to do. Get to it! Sweep, scrub, de-clutter, or do whatever you&rsquo;re supposed to do &ndash; and do it at a furious pace.<\/p>\n<p>Think of it as a challenge: <em>How much can I get done before that timer goes off?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>When the timer does go off, stop. Or don&rsquo;t &ndash; if you&rsquo;re loving how much better the entryway looks, then keep going for another five or 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 6: Congratulate Yourself<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_52837\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-52837\" class=\"size-full wp-image-52837\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196.jpg\" alt=\"Smiling father and son with building blocks giving high five near grandfather\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-52837\" class=\"size-full wp-image-52837 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196.jpg\" alt=\"Smiling father and son with building blocks giving high five near grandfather\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shutterstock_1977304196.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-52837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>See how much nicer everything looks? You did that!<\/p>\n<p>Alternate version: &ldquo;High fives, gang &ndash; we did it! Doesn&rsquo;t the kitchen\/living room\/kid&rsquo;s bedroom look great?&rdquo;<\/p>\n<h2>Step 7: Calculate Your Savings<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_37440\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside.jpg\" alt=\"Focused woman budgeting with cash and calculator at desk. Concentrated lady with dollars in hand meticulously counting finances, writing in notepad on a wooden desk, laptop aside\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37440 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside.jpg\" alt=\"Focused woman budgeting with cash and calculator at desk. Concentrated lady with dollars in hand meticulously counting finances, writing in notepad on a wooden desk, laptop aside\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-woman-budgeting-with-cash-and-calculator-at-desk.-Concentrated-lady-with-dollars-in-hand-meticulously-counting-finances-writing-in-notepad-on-a-wooden-desk-laptop-aside.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-37440\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Deposit Photos.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The average cost of a house cleaner in the U.S. is $20.85 per hour, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/the-cost-of-housekeeping-services-the-housekeeping-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Care.com<\/a>. That money is still in your pocket. Go you!<\/p>\n<p>You&rsquo;ll likely save more than just a cleaner&rsquo;s salary, though. Ever lived in such clutter that you couldn&rsquo;t find your reading glasses or your kid&rsquo;s water bottle? Replacement costs can add up.<\/p>\n<p>Then there&rsquo;s the contentment of living in a place that doesn&rsquo;t smell like mildewed towels or a neglected litter box. A tidy, comfortable home is a place you want to be &ndash; and if you&rsquo;re relaxing at home, that means you&rsquo;re not spending money in a coffee shop, brewpub, or restaurant.<\/p>\n<h2>More Pro Tips<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_53448\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53448\" class=\"size-full wp-image-53448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147.jpg\" alt=\"Happy African American woman kneels on the floor, operating a robotic vacuum cleaner in kitchen. The woman uses the vacuum cleaner at home. Housewife using vacuum cleaner. Cleaning\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53448\" class=\"size-full wp-image-53448 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147.jpg\" alt=\"Happy African American woman kneels on the floor, operating a robotic vacuum cleaner in kitchen. The woman uses the vacuum cleaner at home. Housewife using vacuum cleaner. Cleaning\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shutterstock_2521707147.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-53448\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Not sure how to start the speed-clean habit? Try this: &ldquo;Okay, everybody, we&rsquo;re cleaning only on days with a &lsquo;T&rsquo; in them.&rdquo; That means three days&rsquo; worth of cleaning per week, and it lets you off the hook on rough Mondays or on Fridays that were clearly meant for movie nights or going out with friends.<\/p>\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve got a robot vacuum, program it to run daily or at least every other day. This cuts down on how long you&rsquo;ll&nbsp;spend sweeping tile or wood floors.<\/p>\n<p>Buy specialized tools to make certain chores easier: Disinfectant wipes to clean under the toilet seat, say, or microfiber cloths that trap dust instead of spreading it around<\/p>\n<p>Keep all cleaning supplies together, so you can grab what you need, instead of wasting time hunting down the dustpan or the cleanser.<\/p>\n<p>Keep costs down by hitting the dollar store for supplies like sponges, scrub brushes, and those microfiber cloths.<\/p>\n<p>Multitask! For example, the washing machine or dishwasher could run while you&rsquo;re cleaning. Bonus awesome points if you throw the laundry into the dryer or put the clean dishes away later.<\/p>\n<p>Or single-task. Some days you really <em>are<\/em> exhausted or overwhelmed, especially if you have kids. Give yourself permission to do just one thing, such as scooping the litter box or folding the laundry that&rsquo;s been in the dryer for several days. Be sure to pat yourself on the back for having done something to make your life better.<\/p>\n<h3>Read More<\/h3>\n<p class=\"entry-title article-heading\"><a href=\"Want%20a%20Cleaner%20Home?%20Try%20the%20Closing%20Shift%20Method%20Each%20Night\">Want a Cleaner Home? Try the Closing Shift Method Each Night<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-title article-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/steps-to-a-sparkly-clean-oven-even-the-door\/\">8 Natural Ways to Clean the Oven Worth Trying<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Way back when, spring cleaning was mandatory. Families washed windows, laundered and starched curtains, scrubbed floors, and hung rugs over clotheslines to beat the dust out of them. Sounds like a lot of work for the modern household, especially since many of us don&rsquo;t have clotheslines. Here&rsquo;s an alternative: Speed cleaning. It&rsquo;s efficient, it&rsquo;s effective, &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":69445,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"no","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8082],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[8097],"class_list":["post-69210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cleaning"],"authors":[{"term_id":8097,"user_id":41,"is_guest":0,"slug":"anewlife1114gmail-com","display_name":"Donna Freedman","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color.jpeg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color.jpeg"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":69445,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shutterstock_2576345589-300x169.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69210"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69210\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69369,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69210\/revisions\/69369"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69210"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=69210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}