Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
20 hacks to keep your home clean at all times
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

20 hacks to keep your home clean at all times

Use these 20 hacks, and your home will never be dirty. 

 
1 of 20

Stack tasks

Stack tasks
Shutterstock

Stacking tasks is a great productivity hack, and it’s especially helpful for keeping your home clean. If there are tasks that can be done simultaneously, like listening to a presentation for work and dusting, do them simultaneously. 

 
2 of 20

Alternate tasks

Alternate tasks
Shutterstock

When you’re dedicating some time to cleaning, alternate tasks to be more efficient with your time. Run a load of laundry while you’re scrubbing your tub, for example. If it takes you less time to keep your home clean, you’ll be more likely to stay on top of it. 

 
3 of 20

Wear mop slippers

Wear mop slippers
Shutterstock

Wearing mop slippers is a true hack. All it takes to clean your floors is walking around in a special pair of slippers. At the very least, they’ll pick up dirt and dust while you’re wearing them. 

 
4 of 20

Keep cleaning supplies in every room

Keep cleaning supplies in every room
Shutterstock

You’ll be more likely to take care of a mess right when you notice it if you have the proper supplies on hand. Keep cleaning supplies in every room so that you don’t put off messes just because you have to walk downstairs to get what you need to clean. 

 
5 of 20

Clean a little bit each day

Clean a little bit each day
Shutterstock

Cleaning a little bit daily might seem daunting, but it’ll be worth it. And it’ll be far less daunting than the one day you have to dedicate to cleaning your entire space. 

 
6 of 20

Run the dishwasher at night

Run the dishwasher at night
Shutterstock

Running your dishwasher at night will save you so much time during the day. In the morning, unload your dishwasher. Then, you’ll have an open space to put all of your dirty dishes throughout the day. They won’t pile up in the sink, and you’ll have clean dishes each morning. 

 
7 of 20

Do a load of laundry every day

Do a load of laundry every day
Shutterstock

It’s so easy for laundry to pile up, and having piles of laundry sitting around the house makes it feel cluttered and messy. Do one load of laundry every day to avoid that mess and keep your house in order. 

 
8 of 20

Have containers for everything

Have containers for everything
Shutterstock

It’s easier to put things away when they have a dedicated place to go. Get containers for everything, especially the random items you don’t know what to do with. If you know where something goes, you’ll put it in its rightful spot and know where to find it next time. 

 
9 of 20

Keep a squeegee in every room

Keep a squeegee in every room
Shutterstock

Squeegees are an amazing cleaning tool, and you should keep one in every room of your house. Yes, they’re great for showers, but they’re also great for cleaning countertops, cabinets, and other surfaces. 

 
10 of 20

Clean right when you get home

Clean right when you get home
Shutterstock

Psychology says that it’s easier to initiate a task when you’re standing. Before you sit down and relax, clean up. Put everything away and tidy up before you feel how nice it is to sit down. 

 
11 of 20

Wipe surfaces immediately after usage

Wipe surfaces immediately after usage
Shutterstock

Cleaning as you go really is the trick for keeping a tidy house. Wipe all your surfaces immediately after you use them, whether it’s your bathroom counter, stovetop, or kitchen table. It’ll make a world of difference. 

 
12 of 20

Stick to a schedule

Stick to a schedule
Shutterstock

Following a cleaning schedule will also make a world of difference. Have a room to check each day and attend to any messes. You could also schedule according to surfaces or type of task. Do what works for you; just create a schedule so it’s easier to keep track. 

 
13 of 20

Follow the two-minute rule

Follow the two-minute rule
Shutterstock

The two-minute cleaning rule is easier to follow than you might think. If the task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it right away instead of putting it off. It helps keep tasks from piling up and keeps your place clean. 

 
14 of 20

Make your bed right when you get up

Make your bed right when you get up
Shutterstock

Make your bed every day, and make it right when you get out of bed. Having a made bed sets the tone for your day and your home, and it’s an easy task to incorporate into your morning routine that makes a huge difference. 

 
15 of 20

Put folded laundry where you like to sit

Put folded laundry where you like to sit
Shutterstock

If you want to force yourself to put your laundry away, don’t fold it and put it in a basket - put folded laundry where you like to sit. If clean laundry is blocking you from sitting, it’ll force you to put it away so you can utilize the spot. 

 
16 of 20

Spot mop

Spot mop
Shutterstock

Mopping is a task most people don’t enjoy, but it’s easier if you stay on top of it by spot mopping. Whenever you notice a mess on the floor, mop it up. You won’t have to mop your entire floor nearly as much. 

 
17 of 20

Utilize time-saving tools

Utilize time-saving tools
Shutterstock

Don’t be ashamed to use time-saving cleaning tools. They may seem gimmicky, but if they help you keep your home clean, they’re worth it. Mops and brooms are time-saving tools, as are electric toothbrushes and squeegees. 

 
18 of 20

Turn cleaning into a game

Turn cleaning into a game
Shutterstock

If you have kids that struggle to clean after themselves, turn cleaning into a game. If simply playing a game doesn’t motivate them, have a reward available, too. 

 
19 of 20

Tidy up before bed

Tidy up before bed
Shutterstock

Dedicate a few minutes before bed each night to get things in order. Even just five minutes of tidying up each night will make a huge difference in keeping your space consistently clean. 

 
20 of 20

Reward yourself for keeping clean

Reward yourself for keeping clean
Shutterstock

Cleaning isn’t a particularly fun task for many people, but it’s necessary. If rewarding yourself is helpful, do it. Treat yourself for accomplishing whatever cleaning hurdle you struggle with. 

Acacia Deadrick

Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Keenan Allen's return to Bears seems possible now
NFL

Keenan Allen's return to Bears seems possible now

Following the selections of tight end Colston Loveland in the first round and wide receiver Luther Buden III in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it seemed that the idea of Keenan Allen’s return to the Chicago Bears for the upcoming season was dead. Last year, the Bears traded a fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Allen to come to Chicago on the final season of his contract. Allen said he planned to choose between the Bears and a team in Los Angeles during free agency this offseason. The Bears are looking for a wide receiver No team has signed the veteran receiver. Allen is coming off a season where he recorded 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bears signaled they’re not done looking for wide receiver help before training camp practice begins on Wednesday. On Monday, reports surfaced that Chicago visited with former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark. Chark met with the Bears NFL.com's Christian Gonzales suggested that Chark could be available for the Chargers after Mike Williams announced his retirement from the league last week. “There is an opening for Chark to pursue a possible reunion with the Chargers after veteran wide receiver Mike Williams informed the team this week that he is retiring from the NFL," wrote Gonzales. “Only time will tell if Chark gets a call from the Bolts or another team in search of a crafty veteran wideout. If he does, Chark says he’s still staying in shape.” Allen’s name immediately came up as an option for the Chargers when Williams’ announcement became public. If the Chargers decide to give quarterback Justin Herbert a familiar pass catcher by signing Chark, it would make sense for Allen to be in the mix to join the Bears in 2025. After all, the Bears let the league and Allen’s agent know they’re looking for a veteran receiver.

Maple Leafs get unfortunate news about acquiring Flames veteran
NHL

Maple Leafs get unfortunate news about acquiring Flames veteran

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore ways to upgrade the roster following Mitch Marner's departure in free agency. The Leafs front office has been trying to fill in the gaps along the roster, and they have been searching on the trade front. One name that has been heavily connected to the Maple Leafs in recent weeks is Calgary Flames star Nazem Kadri. Kadri could replace Marner very well in the lineup, but it seems that a deal could be complicated to complete. According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos of SportsNet, Toronto has tried to land Kadri multiple times this summer, only to be rebuffed each time. Kypreos believes that a deal involving Kadri returning to the Maple Leafs could be unlikely at this point in the summer. Last season, Kadri posted 35 goals and 32 assists for the Flames. His presence has been steady on the ice for years, and Calgary could probably get a lot on the trade market for him. The Maple Leafs will likely continue to explore ways to pry Kadri from the Flames. But Calgary likely won't trade him unless it receives an offer that it deems too good to be true. But Kadri is the leader of this team, and he was the best player for them last season. Toronto doesn't have a lot of tradable assets to work with, which could be what is holding things up between the two sides. The veteran could give Toronto a nice boost, but unless the Maple Leafs up the offer, he isn't returning to town.

Caleb Williams wants to do something no Bears QB has ever done
NFL

Caleb Williams wants to do something no Bears QB has ever done

There is an expectation that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is going to take a big leap forward in Year 2 of his career. He is not only looking for a big step forward, he is looking to re-write the Bears' franchise record books. Williams said on Tuesday that one of his goals for this season is to become the first 4,000-yard passer in Bears history, while also completing more than 70% of his passes. “Obviously I have self goals, and that’s being the first 4,000-yard passer in Bears history.” Williams said. “That’s a goal of mine. Seventy percent completion helps the team, keeps us on the field, puts us in better positions, and then other than that just trying to go down and score the most points that we can with each drive that we have. That’s kinda my self goal and obviously, other than that, you gotta go win. That’s success for me, that’s success for the team, and that’s all we wish for and all I wish for.” Williams arrived in Chicago with huge expectations prior to the 2024 season after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick. The hope was always that he could finally give the team a franchise quarterback that could put it on a Super Bowl contending level. His rookie season had some ups and downs, but it was easy to see the talent and potential. It was also easy to dream on him if you are a Bears fans given some of the plays he made. He ultimately threw for 3,541 yards, completed 62.5% of his passes and threw 20 touchdown passes to only five interceptions. He is not only entering Year 2 with a full season of NFL play under his belt, the Bears have also surrounded him with playmakers at every position and given him a young, innovative head coach in Ben Johnson. Johnson was one of the masterminds behind the Detroit Lions' offense, and there is an expectation that he can do the same thing with the Bears given the young quarterback and talent around him. The Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer in franchise history, and Williams certainly seems to have a strong chance of achieving it. If not this season, then certainly at some point in his career. The single-season franchise record is 3,838 yards set by Erik Kramer during the 1995 season. If Williams can get 4,000 yards and complete of 70% of his passes — as he wants to do — there is a good chance the Bears offense would be one of the best in football. It would also probably mean they win way more than the five games they did during the 2024 season.

Yankees Traded Flourishing Infielder for Struggling Closer
MLB

Yankees Traded Flourishing Infielder for Struggling Closer

The New York Yankees have made their 2025 goals abundantly clear: They're trying to return to the World Series and win it all. In an effort to do so, the Pinstripes traded pitcher Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin to the Milwaukee Brewers this season, adding closer Devin Williams to the roster. Halfway into the season, it looks like that was a big mistake. The Yankees are now looking to fill gaps in the both the bullpen and the infield before the MLB trade deadline rolls around at the end of the month. Utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera was great at third base, but suffered a potentially season-ending injury in May. The Yankees tried to compensate by shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third, but it was clear Chisholm excels at second, and he's since been moved back. Durbin, on the other hand, has only gotten better in Milwaukee. "Over 75 games this season, Durbin is slashing .265/.350/.382 with five homers and elite contact skills at the plate," Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media wrote. "He ranks in the 95th percentile in whiff rate and 98th in strikeout rate — rare company for a young infielder. Durbin’s advanced plate discipline would’ve been invaluable in a Yankees lineup that too often leans on boom-or-bust approaches." Then there's Devin Williams, who has been part of a shaky-at-best Yankees bullpen. He has certainly seen improvement since the beginning of the season, when he was pulled from closing duties after a blown save to the Yankees' division rival Toronto Blue Jays. However, it hasn't been quite enough. Toronto swept New York in a four game series earlier this month, securing their lead of the AL east over the Pinstripes. Williams pitched the final inning, giving up two earned runs. He has a 4.82 ERA over 37.1 innings pitched in 41 games. Williams keeps improving, and hopefully will prove that the Yankees made the right choice by acquiring him. However, that still doesn't fill the gaping hole New York has at third base, and they're likely missing Durbin's consistent abilities in the field and at the plate. The Yankees have until the July 31 MLB trade deadline to make any trades to address these issues. Make sure to bookmark Yankees On SI to get all your daily New York Yankees news, interviews, breakdowns and more! Cam Schlittler is Not Yankees Paul Skenes Yankees Fighting Red Sox for Diamondbacks Pitchers Yankees’ Aaron Judge Ties Alex Rodriguez on All-Time List Braves Troll Yankees' Jazz Chisholm With Walk-Up Song Yankees in Trade Talks With Pirates