Keeping up with the housecleaning is forever a battle at our house. Between my strong preference to be in the sewing room and our family’s busy school/work/activity schedule, it’s hard to keep up. Today, I’m going to share my best tips for staying on top of the mess and also some feedback on a few new cleaning products from Target’s up & up line that I tried out.
1. Assign cleaning tasks to specific days of the week. Rather than feeling stressed about the laundry piling up every day, commit one day each week (or two) where you do all of the laundry. It makes for a busy day when it comes around, but allows you to devote your attention elsewhere the rest of the week. This has been my saving grace when it comes to the laundry pile (and other deep cleaning). I enlist the kids now that they’re old enough, too. They help fold and put away their own clothes and we no longer have the sky-high tower of clean clothes piled up on a bed or couch. Previously I thought the best approach was to do little bits every day, but for me, I found myself to be too scattered and stressed trying to do a little of everything all the time – this method works better for me at this point. 
2. Maintain an adequate supply of cleaning products and towels. There’s nothing like getting around to polishing the furniture and finding out you’re out of polish. Also, use multi-purpose cleaning products, like the up & up all-purpose cleaner with bleach. I use it for the whole bathroom – sinks, toilets, tile, showers, the works. I like that it has the bleach in it, which is especially helpful on my grout and also with sterilizing. There are also several multi-purpose products on the market now that clean your stainless steel, granite, and television screen all in one. This saves time and money and makes household cleaning just a tad easier. 
3. Keep cleaning supplies organized in a handy bucket. When it’s time to clean, you can carry everything you need from one room to the next. Sew a pocketed liner for your cleaning supply bucket to keep track of smaller products like sponges, gloves, pumice stones, and brushes. An organized space for your cleaning supplies also makes it easier in times of crisis, like when there’s a big spill or someone gets sick. You can grab your wipe up cloths and your can of disinfecting spray and you’re set. I’ve added the up & up Disinfecting Spray to my bucket, also. The fresh scent is a major plus and there’s something about a disinfecting spray that is so reassuring when you start feeling like the germs are taking over your house – I use it on my fabric surfaces as well as in my bathrooms to kill germs and prevent mold and mildew.
4. Stay on top of the clutter coming into the house. By far, our biggest challenge is keeping the clutter at bay. Every day when the kids walk in the door from school, stuff goes EVERYWHERE. The kids sit down to do their homework and I’m always amazed at just how many papers, projects, and leftover lunch remnants fill the counter and table. I’ve gotten pretty swift at tucking school project keepsakes into a designated drawer and maneuvering the rest into the trash without the kids seeing me. I also clean out the lunchboxes as soon as they get home. So many of you recommended the up & up brand Disinfecting Wipes that I’ve begun using them. They do a great job cleaning out and disinfecting the lunchboxes so that I can immediately hang them up on their closet hooks and have them ready for the next day of packing lunches. I also sent a few tubs of the wipes off to school as it’s a common request from teachers and they’re so much more affordable than name brand wipes. So good for disinfecting door knobs, hard surfaces, telephones – all the frequently touched places that the germs are hiding out this time of year!
5. Have a place for everything. This year, we installed 6 hooks in our downstairs hall closet. Three for backpacks, three for lunchboxes. Oh the difference those little hooks make! Everyone knows where to find their backpacks in the morning – we have less stuff strewn across the hall when they come home from school. In general, everyone is much more successful at tidying up when they know where to put all the stuff. We have designated baskets that are just “miscellaneous,” too, so at least there’s somewhere to shove those happy meal toys until I can escort them to the trash can. Along the same lines, I’ve noticed that keeping surfaces decorated discourages clutter from being placed on them. I recently started keeping the tables set with dishes and napkins and a little centerpiece – the kitchen table clutter has disappeared! When things look nice, I think everyone puts in a little more effort to keep them that way.
6. Tidy up before bed and before setting out for the day. I’ve found that doing a daily sweep of counter clutter, dishes, and the toy trickle really helps us maintain a neater downstairs. I’m not saying we have everything in its place all the time, but it’s a lot faster to do the dishes throughout the day and have a clean sink before heading to bed than to wake up to a mountain of dirty dishes in the morning. Also, tidying up the kitchen and family room after the kids get off to school in the morning gives me a much more peaceful start to the day and helps me concentrate as I settle in to my work routine. 
I hope that gives you a few new ideas to try out. There’s no perfect approach for anyone and our cleaning systems are always a work in progress.
What are YOUR best cleaning tips? I’d love to hear them! Leave an answer in the comments below and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win one $100 Target GiftCard.
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/22/2014 – 11/22/2014.
Be sure to visit the Target’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Comments & Reviews
Lisa Brown says
Tip: get others in the house to help you clean 🙂
Julie Wood says
To eliminate pet hair, put on a wet rubber dishwashing glove and wipe your hand over surfaces-this will get rid of dog and cat hair. I keep cleaning products in a shoe holder over the back of my laundry room door. They’re easy to see and access, and it saves space.” But the best tip I can give you is to clean as you go! This saves me a lot of time!
Tara says
Start with your least favorite job to get it out of the way!
jennifer says
I try to wipe down the bathroom with the washcloth used for the kids’ bath (after the bath!) and then put it straight into the dirty laundry for towels.
Nancy says
While it’s not a part of actually “cleaning” I always make my bed first thing. It makes me feel better to walk into the room and see it neatly made, then I can get on to other tasks.
Jenna D says
Vinegar and baking soda for tough spots!
tammigirl says
I use rubbing alcohol to wipe down mirrors and hard surfaces. The mirrors and windows are sparkling clean, everything smells fresh, and it disinfects as well.
I put vinegar in every load of laundry. It softens the fabrics and takes away any odors.
To refresh the towels and robes, I run through the wash with just vinegar (no detergent) for one load then just baking soda. Double rinse. It’s like hitting the reset button for your towels.
Jane says
Try to keep astash of cleaning supplies On each floor.
Sandra says
My best tip is to do a little bit each day!
Rachel says
I am more motivated to clean when we have people over, so I suppose opening our home regularly to friends and family would be my best way to keep the house semi-manageable 🙂
Kimberly says
I keep rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle & spray it all over after I’m done cleaning. It disinfects & I feel like it keeps mold or mildew away longer between cleans.
Kimberley E says
Hire somebody to do it… in the end it saves arguments and I don’t have to do it 🙂
Molly P says
Teach your pets to pick up their toys! We taught our dogs “clean up” and they pick up any dog toys they can see! Only took us a few weeks of training and saves time in the long run!
Lizzy E says
I agree with the scheduling your cleaning tip – but kitchen cleaning and laundry are usually daily/every other day for me. Monday: clean basement (my craft room), Tuesday: upstairs bathrooms, Wednesday(today): clean upstairs (bedrooms and hall), Thursday: living room and basement bathrooms, Friday: living room and dining room and kitchen floors. It’s really helped me keep a handle on cleaning with our new house and the children and more creative endeavors. Cleaning the kitchen before bed helps too, or right away in the morning, so it’s not looming the rest of the day! Thanks for the post and the giveaway! Now off to fold laundry and vacuum upstairs!
Kelly D says
I like to mix baking soda with a little bit of water which makes a paste that is great for cleaning grout.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/524982120222298112
Charlene says
I agree with doing certain tasks on a given day. It really helps when there’s “drop-in” company. Instead of having to scramble to do overall cleaning and tidying, you can rest assured that certain things are fine because you just took care of them just a day or two before!
Courtney says
If things are tidy-ed up every morning (done the night before) it always makes me feel like I can accomplish a lot more that day. Then I pick one project and try to stick with it until its done before starting another.
sara haaf says
I use the toilet for rinsing out my mop (clean the toilet first) gives it a little extra scrubbing and disposes of the waste water without having to deal with buckets.
Heidi G says
We try to pick up every day but have a “sweep the house” day every Thursday. Everyone in the family does a walk-thru and tries to clean up their own stuff in every room. It helps to keep things put away the rest of the week because no one wants to have lots to do on Thursday!
Crafty Ashley B says
My hubby is responsible for two things: put away the clean dishes and make the bed. He just has to do it before I get home from work (he is a full-time student). We don’t have children. For some reason these two things being done when I walk in makes the house feel 10 times cleaner!
Anita says
You can get a least one task completed in 5 to 10 minutes. I’ll clean the stove after making my daughter’s lunch in the morning.
heather says
My best cleaning tips are to use up and up cleaning products from Target they are great quality at a great price. I like to clean a little each day so it does not get out of hand.
Mami2jcn says
I delegate! My sons and daughter help me out…the oldest vacuums, my middle son takes out the garbage and dusts, and my daughter sweeps.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/525042997931429888
Elena says
My husband and son do the cleaning in our house 🙂
Elena says
tweet:
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/525044347461332992
Natalie says
My best cleaning tip is to do a little bit each day and regularly dump out the dust in your vacuum to keep it working well.
Natalie says
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/525059259369680896
maureen says
We use fabric softener sheets to wipe down tv screens and computer screens.
jess m says
I try to get as much cleaning done while the kids are at school, they don’t make a mess right after I pick up.
Barbara P. says
I make the beds every morning and wash the dishes every night. I do laundry once a week. I love Target Up & Up products. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Julie Wood says
tweet
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/525293128907907073
Shannon says
I clean real good on Mondays and then a little each day rest of the week.
jessica w says
i just try to do a little bit at a time and over time it makes a big difference
jessica w says
I Tweeted too https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/525307619469459457
Elle says
My best cleaning tip is to set aside a bit of time each day to clean so things don’t build up to unmanageable proportions where you find yourself with a dirty, disorganized home and hours needed to clean it.
Elle says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/525335793678573568
Heidi says
I use baking soda and water to get the sour smell out when my baby spits up on her carseat or other fabric/carpet.
Heidi says
Tweeted the giveaway!
https://twitter.com/colorvibrant/status/525341883678355456
the cape on the corner says
my best cleaning tips are just to do it as you see it. if you leave things, they just get grosser, lol.
anna pry says
i use vinegar and baking soda for every day cleaning and use cleaners for my weekly heavier cleaning pryfamily5@gmail.com
anna pry says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/dapryz5/status/525400757806178304 pryfamily5@gmail.com
Melissa p says
I use non-task specific cleaners (generally just vinegar and water, maybe TTO) so that if I’m cruising along on counters and decide to switch to floors, I don’t have to break my momentum to get different cleaners. Also, I get the kids to help as much as possible and just lower my expectation of clean.
JEB O'Barr says
I found the article most helpful.
Sonya Morris says
I ask that everyone clean for 15 minutes each day. It’s not much but even if I only get the floors swept, the kitchen cleaned, and the toys picked up I call it a win!
Sonya Morris says
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/525122293417013248
Thank you!
katieQ says
I use denture cleaning tablets that I buy from the dollar store to clean my toilets. I put in a few tablets and let it stand a while before swishing with a toilet brush and flushing.
Melanie C says
Clean up the spill right away!
Averie says
My best cleaning tip is, when tackling on a big project grab a bunch of big plastic storage containers and use post-its to help you sort each room/space. While you’re getting everything placed together separate out any trash/recycle/donatable items. Once all the items are sorted, clean the space. Wipe counters, vacuum, sweep, etc. Then look at the space with fresh eyes and decide the best use of the space. Don’t be afraid to move items to another room or even storage until each item has found its’ home.
http://averiedaystyle.blogspot.com/
Shannon says
Encourage your children to clean from a young age!
Erin Ellis says
My best cleaning tip is to clean messes when they happen. It’s much easier to clean up a fresh mess than one that has had time to sit and become worse. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
fairyfractal at gmail dot com
Erin Ellis says
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/Fairyfractal/status/525661683356676096
Erin
fairyfractal at gmail dot com
Madeline says
I read somewhere that putting vinegar in with red laundry items keeps the color from bleeding. I’ve been using this trick lately and so far it’s working!
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/525683990858981376
Sharon J. says
https://twitter.com/smjudd8/status/525714971645460480
Sharon J. says
I like to do little bits at a time — so, 1 load of laundry today, another in a day or two, rather than spending all of one day cleaning.
Vincent says
We have dog hair, so I always sweep the carpet before vacuuming…it makes it much easier on the vacuum…which can then work better.
Vincent says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/525724396942807040
Tiffany says
One of my best ways to tackle clutter is to never leave a room empty handed or without putting at least something back in its place. Be it dirty dishes, an unhung coat, or a stray toy, I always try to put something away when I go into another room.
Donna A says
I am getting older so I try to give one room a deep cleaning each day. That way I don’t have to do it all in one day.
DESIREE H says
My best cleaning tips are to listen to music, drink coffee and enjoy doing it. You are burning calories, staying active, cleaning up the house. I do not think chores are that bad. 🙂
I love the Up & Up products! !
Nicole D says
My best cleaning tip is to stay organized, like have a cleaning cart with all your cleaning supplies in it, that way you can wheel it around with you.
Nicole D says
Tweet– https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/526435381370044416
Rust says
My best tip is to use backing soda and vinegar in my drains to keep them clear and smelling good.
Rust says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/rusthawk/status/526486688504115201
Sarah says
I’ve started thinking about owning two washers and two dryers to maximize my time… !!!
Laundry takes SUCH a long time…
Nice tips… especially the doorknob things. better hit mine tomorrow… #2 has the flu.
thanks for the giveaway
LaTanya says
I clean room by room instead of trying to do the whole house at one time
LaTanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/526785440628490240
Kristi says
My tip is to focus on one room at a time. It’s not overwhelming that way.
Kristi says
I forgot the # so here’s a new tweet. https://mobile.twitter.com/Kristisdeals1/status/526807459261054976
Jessica To says
My best tip is to try to clean up as you go.
Christy says
I try to pick one day and do as many chores as possible… I need to start doing one chore each day to manage my time better!
Randi S says
Always keep baking soda on hand…good for so many areas of cleaning!
Maile says
I have a “junk basket” for all the things that collect on my desks, counters, and tables. Every Sunday I empty out the basket – either finding a home for things or getting rid of them.
Jessie C. says
I love using baking soda and magic eraser to clean.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/527292916457537536
ANGEL JACKLYN says
I GENERALLY USE BLEACH AND BAKING SODA POWDER TO CLEAN EVERYTHING- WORKS FOR ME AT LEAST! THANKS! afjackly @ oakland . edu
ANGEL JACKLYN says
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/527763770874277888
Majik says
Making lists definitely helps you keep up with cleaning projects. As simple as it sounds, always clean from top to bottom. Also, baking soda can be a great cleanser/scouring powder in a pinch.
Marion Collins says
I always wait to do my wash until I have a complete full load. This not only saves water,but energy too.
Marion
Marilyn Collins says
To remove ink stains a little milk will do the job.
Marilyn
Joan Collins says
Use a pledge,lysol wipes, in place of sprays. It is better for the enviroment.
Joan
Susan Smith says
I clean a little bit each day so it’s not so overwhelming.
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/529446467178864641
Aleksandra Nearing says
I keep up with chores during the week so that they don’t pile up for the weekend.
Claudia says
Expect all members to carry some weight.
Lauren E. says
My best tip is to use oven cleaner made for the inside of the oven on the stove top… Just have to run the oven till the top is hot too. Turns all the burnt in junk to glop thats easy to wipe off
maria cantu says
Everyone has different chores to complete.
D Schmidt says
My best tip is to tackle one room every day, its daunting to do everything at once.
D Schmidt says
tweeted for a second entry
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/531536508985933824
Deborah Anderson says
My best tip is clean it NOW before it becomes an even worse mess!! 🙂
sherri crawford says
start with water using product only if necessary
Melissa L. says
My best cleaning tip is to clean as you go. If you are in one room, and the way to another, take stuff with you to put away.
Cynthia C says
I find that if I keep cleaning supplies in all the bathrooms makes it easier to clean when needed. If I have to go search for things I tend to procrastinate.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/532607377842122753
Kerry says
Best cleaning tip – have the kids help:)
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/533430121604972544
Gina M says
We have a cleaning caddy in each bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen will all of the cleaning products needed for that area. Works out great!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/533636485547696128
meredith says
we try to tackle the mess a little bit each day by putting stuff away after use so the mess doesnt build
meredith says
https://twitter.com/mermont84/status/533704259565412352
Ashley Tucker says
Clean a little each day to keep up with messes.
Ashley Tucker says
https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/533889150512939008
Barbara M says
I like to use newspaper to wipe my windows after washing them.
thank you
Barbara M says
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/533895958766292992
Wanda McHenry says
My best tip is to do one room at a time.
Wanda McHenry says
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/533904817949638657
Betty C says
When I was first married I had no idea of what or when to clean. I started making lists which I still use. I’m easily distracted and without my list I would probably never finish cleaning any room. 🙂
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/533920649337921536
OFG says
Clean as you go along. Don’t wait until it all piles up at the end of the day!
OFG says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/534105634619158528
Laura J says
Oh my cleaning tip is so use a hair brush with harder bristles to fluff the carpet on the stairs after vacuuming! We have dogs, so it helps get up the dog hair too!!!
Laura J says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/ilovemybeagle22/status/534542376552116224
rachel says
Buy cleaning products you like the smell of — cleaning can be fun then!
Stephanie Phelps says
My best tip is to make it a family affair to do the heavy cleaning! Make a list of things to get done and stick to it!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/535467003507912704
Denise L says
I use baking soda for cleaning everything. It’s especially good on cookware, stove tops, and bathtubs. It’s cheap and safe. Two positives in my book!
Denise L says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/535532091669114880
Neiddy says
My tip is to not let the housework pile up
Neiddy says
tweeted -https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/535541240880959488
MvP (@itsinthebreeze) says
Don’t let messes build up it makes them a lot harder to clean up then if you had cleaned a little each day or so.
MvP (@itsinthebreeze) says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/itsinthebreeze/status/535613331814764546
angie says
One of my fav cleaning tips is on how to get dried on stuff off of counters or floors. Just drench the stuff in a liquid all-purpose cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. It will rehydrate the stuff and you will be able to wipe it up just as easily as if it had just occurred!
angie says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/535840262040584193
Christy Ann says
Definitely keep up with the little things before they turn into big scary messes. And for those big projects, MUSIC!
Christy Ann says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/babybraddy/status/535150097768931328
Amanda Sakovitz says
i would say focus on one room at a time
Amanda Sakovitz says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/536203281044107266
Annette says
My best cleaning tip: don’t try to do it all in one day. I like to do a little each day, so I don’t get overwhelmed by the idea that I need to clean the entire house today (and so that my entire house doesn’t turn into a disaster).
Annette says
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/536212641392234496
Ellie Wright says
More of an organizing tip, but I have decorative baskets in the family room. I toss all the toys, clothes, misc. items that find their way into the wrong room there and put everything away at the end of the day.
Thomas Murphy says
Have everyone in the house help and do a little every day so it does not get out of hand.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/536272693893799936
steve weber says
best cleaning tip– do one room at a time.
Sarah L says
Your tips are all spot on. I try to always do a pick-up before bed so I can wake to a neat house.
Thanks for the contest.
Sarah L says
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/536304268634902528