Use This 30-Minute Cleaning Routine When Your Home Needs a Quick Refresh

Make your space look and feel cleaner with these simple every day tasks.

Cleaning your home ensures your space stays free of bacteria, allergens, crumbs, and other debris. With that being said, finding time to give your home a refresh can be difficult. When your home is in need of tidying up, but you are in a time crunch, turn to our 30-minute cleaning routine. These simple tasks won't just sanitize some of the highest-touch areas of your home; they'll also make your space look and feel cleaner so you can enjoy it even on your busiest days.

Meet the Expert

• Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean

• Amanda Day, home service professional for Molly Maid, a Neighborly brand

Related: Your Complete Home Cleaning Schedule: What to Clean Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonally

Wipe Down Countertops

Whether its your kitchen or bathroom, countertops quickly accumulate with dust, crumbs, and spills. Addressing these messes can quickly give your space a tidier look. "More than the visual aspect, it also prevents bacteria and germs and eliminates odors," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

Vacuum Floors

A once-over of your floors is also an easy way to make your space feel cleaner. "Floors accumulate dust, dirt, and debris regularly, especially in high-traffic areas," says Sokolowski. "Sweeping or vacuuming helps remove these particles, preventing them from spreading throughout your home and settling on other surfaces." What's more, it also improves indoor air quality.

Clean Up Clothes

Clothes strewn about your room, bathroom, or laundry room can make your home look messier than it is. Put these items in their designated home, be it back in your closet or into the hamper, for a quick tidying up. In addition to aesthetics, regularly washing and maintaining your wardrobe minimizes the presence of allergens, dust, and other particles that can affect indoor air quality and cleanliness, says Sokolowski.

Empty the Trash

If your trash cans are full, use this as your opportunity to empty and clean them. "Remove the bag and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can," says Amanda Day, home service professional for Molly Maid, a Neighborly brand. "Add about 2 inches of warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then swish it around. Wipe down the sides." Rinse with clean water and let it air dry upside down.

Related: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning an Indoor and Outdoor Garbage Can

Do the Dishes

Give your kitchen a sparkling look by cleaning dirty dishes and putting away clean ones. "Including dish cleaning in your routine encourages consistency in maintaining a clean home," says Sokolowski. "Consistent small efforts can prevent the accumulation of a larger mess, making it easier to manage cleaning tasks over time."

Shine Faucet Fixtures

Water stains can give your faucet fixtures a dingy look—return them to their former glory by giving them a quick polish. "Regular shining helps minimize water stains, keeping your faucets looking new and well-maintained," says Sokolowski.

Polish Stainless Steel Appliances

From your microwave to your refrigerator, stainless steel surfaces easily show fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. "Polishing these surfaces regularly ensures they remain free from these marks (but also stains and corrosion), creating a visibly clean and well-maintained appearance," says Sokolowski. "Polishing stainless steel appliances is a relatively quick chore that can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your home."

Related: How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink—and Prevent Future Scratches

Tidy Your Entryway

The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, so cleaning it is a quick way to make your space feel cleaner. "Organize shoes, jackets, and other items in your entryway: Shoes, jackets, and miscellaneous items can quickly accumulate in the entryway," says Sokolowski. "Regular cleaning and organization help reduce mess, creating a more open and spacious entry area."

Wipe Down Surfaces

Wipe down miscellaneous surfaces around your home that have accumulated with dust and dander, like your bedside tables, dining room tables, and living room surfaces. "A clean and well-maintained living room, including the surfaces of tables, creates a welcoming atmosphere for residents and guests," says Sokolowski. "It reflects a commitment to a comfortable, inviting living environment and promotes a more organized and orderly living space as well."

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.