Our 15 Best Cleaning Tips of 2024 Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

If there’s one thing we’re committed to it’s discovering innovative ways to make life easier—and cleaning is no exception. From practical advice to clever shortcuts, we’re always testing and sharing tips that will simplify your to-do list so you can spend less time scrubbing grout and more time doing what you love.
Here’s our curated list of the best cleaning tips from 2024. Try them out to keep your home tidy and your life stress-free in the new year.
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1. Put Everything Away Immediately
The golden rule for tackling clutter? If it takes less than a minute to put something in its proper place, do it right away. Dirty dishes should go in the sink, mail into the recycle bin, and clothes straight to the hamper. Developing this habit can keep messes from piling up and make regular cleaning sessions a breeze.
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2. Vacuum Upholstered Furniture Regularly
While most of us are diligent about vacuuming our floors, upholstery often gets neglected. Use your vacuum’s upholstery tool to clean sofas, armchairs, and even headboards. Regular maintenance can prevent crumbs, dust, and pet hair from settling deep into the fabric, keeping your furniture fresh and clean.
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3. Declutter Using the ‘Didn’t Know’ Rule
This genius decluttering trick can make deciding what to toss easier. As you sort through your belongings, any “surprise” finds that you didn’t know you had are likely items you don’t need or won’t miss. Give yourself permission to let these go—less clutter means less cleaning.
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4. Let Cleaning Products Do the Heavy Lifting
Maximize the efficiency of your cleaning supplies by allowing them to sit and work before you scrub. Whether tackling a greasy stovetop or stubborn grime in the bathroom, spraying your cleaner and giving it a few minutes to break down dirt will save you time and elbow grease.
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5. Know When Not to Use Vinegar
Vinegar has long been celebrated as a versatile, natural cleaning agent, but it isn’t suitable for everything. Avoid using vinegar on sensitive surfaces like stone countertops or wood floors, as it can cause damage. Also, remember that vinegar is not a disinfectant, so for germ-prone areas, look for cleaners specifically designed to kill bacteria and viruses.
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6. Simplify Your Cleaning Products
It’s tempting to stockpile specialized cleaners, but having too many can lead to clutter and confusion. Instead, opt for a multi-purpose cleaner that can tackle most household messes. This not only saves money but also reduces the risk of accidentally mixing incompatible (and potentially harmful) chemicals.
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7. Load the Dishwasher Correctly
The debate over the “right” way to load a dishwasher ends here. Position dishes so they don’t block water spray, and avoid overcrowding. Experts also agree: there’s no need to rinse your dishes before loading—modern dishwashers are designed to handle the mess.
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8. Organise Your Kitchen for Efficiency
An organized kitchen doesn’t just look good—it can also save you time. Consider setting up dedicated zones, like a baking station with flour and measuring cups or a lunch-prep area with thermoses and snack containers. This reduces the time spent hunting for ingredients and tools.
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9. Don’t Forget High-Touch Areas
While countertops and floors often take priority, high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and cabinet pulls can harbor germs and grime. Make a habit of wiping these down with disinfectant during your regular cleaning routine to keep your home healthier.
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10. Mindfully Layer Scents in Your Home
Fragrance can elevate the mood of your home, but too much can be overwhelming. Stick to a cohesive scent family—like citrus or floral—and consider natural options like essential oils or fresh flowers to create a pleasant yet subtle aroma.
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11. Keep Dirty Dishes Out of the Sink
Instead of stacking dirty dishes in the sink, place them in the drying rack. This keeps your sink clear and ready for rinsing vegetables, washing hands, or other tasks. Plus, it’s easier to load dishes into the dishwasher when the sink isn’t a cluttered mess.
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12. Clean From Top to Bottom
Professional cleaners swear by this method: start at the highest points of a room, like ceiling fans and bookshelves, and work your way down. This ensures that any dust or debris falls to the floor, which you can tackle last.
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13. Tackle Clutter in Small Doses
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day event. Instead, focus on “micro-decluttering”—spending 5 to 10 minutes a day on a specific area. Over time, these small efforts add up to a tidier home without overwhelming your schedule.
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14. Go Digital to Reduce Paper Clutter
Embrace technology to cut down on paper mess. Use an e-reader for books, scan important documents, and store them digitally. A good rule of thumb: if it’s not worth scanning, it’s probably not worth keeping.
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15. Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a game-changer for cleaner, fresher air. They capture dust, pet dander, pollen, and even odors from cooking or litter boxes. This not only improves air quality but also reduces the amount of dusting and vacuuming needed in your home.
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These tips are designed to simplify your cleaning routine without sacrificing results. By implementing even a few, you can save time, reduce stress, and keep your home sparkling clean. Which ones will you try first?