The Advisable Order for Cleaning Any Room
Home cleaning is a task that must be done regularly, and while it can feel overwhelming at times, there are ways to make the job easier. The first step is understanding how to clean—and in what order to clean.
If you’ve always wondered whether dusting or vacuuming should come first in your home or apartment, that’s what we’re here to discuss.
Should you dust or vacuum first?
Dust first, then vacuum. Dusting dislodges dirt from the surface of upholstery furniture and other surfaces and helps to prevent it from settling back onto your floor.
It also leaves a layer of residue on the underlying surface, which creates an ideal condition for vacuuming.
Vacuuming before you dust prevents that buildup from being removed by your vacuum cleaner, so it may be useful to go over the same area multiple times with a duster before moving on to another section of the room.
In what order should you clean?
Before you begin cleaning your home, it’s essential you know the right steps to make the most out of your time and energy. Here’s the proper order for cleaning any room.
1. Declutter
The first rule of cleaning is that you cannot clean a room properly if it’s cluttered. This means that before you do anything, you need to get rid of everything that doesn’t belong in the room itself.
Imagine trying to dust or vacuum efficiently while dodging a stack of paper and an armchair full of toys or trying to scrub the grout between tiles while maneuvering around piles of laundry and too many knick-knacks (or even just one large item).
When cleaning any area, first remove all objects not needed at the moment. Put them in another room or bag them up for later disposal.
You can’t vacuum effectively or efficiently if your vacuum cleaner has to navigate around several things all at once.
2. Clean from top to bottom
If you’re a neat freak or even if you want to properly clean your home, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about the best way to clean your home.
One thing that may have stuck with you is that it’s okay to start at the top and work your way down.
This is because if you do it in the other direction and something falls from above—like dust or debris—it may land on the surfaces below and potentially contaminate them.
By starting at the top and working your way down, any falling particles will be cleaned up as you make your way down to the floor.
3. Wipe down baseboards
While cleaning baseboards may not be the most glamorous part of maintaining your home, it’s important to keep them free of dust and dirt. A damp cloth can do the trick, but make sure you dry them thoroughly afterward!
Keep in mind that even though baseboards are out of sight and out of mind for most people, they’re actually more prone to collecting dust than other parts of your home because they’re always exposed.
If you want to prevent that buildup from happening in the first place (and save yourself some elbow grease), make sure to give them a wipe-down on a regular basis—at least once or twice a year.
4. Vacuum the floor and upholstery
Vacuum the floor and upholstery. First, vacuum your floors with a vacuum that has a beater bar to remove dust and dirt from the floor.
If your home has wood floors, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum instead of the beater bar. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, use a carpet cleaner.
For area rugs that are smaller than 10×10 feet, put them in the washing machine once every six months (or more often if they get dirty quickly).
Tips for Reducing Dust in Your Home
- Keep floors clean. The best way to keep dust in check is to have clean floors. Sweep especially if you have hardwood or tile, and mop regularly with a damp mop or vacuum.
- Remove your shoes at the door. The second-best way to reduce dust is by sweeping and mopping frequently, but the first step should always be taking off your shoes so that you’re not tracking dust into your home from outside!
- If you can afford one, get an air purifier. They work wonders on allergies!
It’s also helpful if you’ve got pets or kids who come into contact with allergens often (e.g. pet dander).
As we’ve said, the right order is crucial in cleaning. For instance, dusting and vacuuming in the same room will help you avoid recontaminating a room, as dust that settles back down on surfaces can get swept up again by your vacuum.
You also shouldn’t dust and vacuum different rooms on separate days—you’ll be wasting time by doing so! To make things more convenient for you, it’s advisable to call a professional to get the job done.
For more home maintenance tips, feel free to visit this page.
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