Speed Cleaning Tips

Sometimes you need to clean fast. Maybe guests are coming, your landlord is doing an inspection, or you just want it done quickly. Speed cleaning isn't about cutting corners—it's about efficiency and prioritization.

The Speed Cleaning Mindset

• Set a timer: Time pressure creates focus
• Work top to bottom: Dust falls down
• Work left to right: Don't backtrack
• Prioritize visible areas: Focus on what's seen
• Don't get distracted: Clean, don't reorganize

The 30-Minute Apartment Blitz

This covers a typical one-bedroom apartment:

Minutes 0-5: Declutter

• Grab a basket or bag
• Walk through collecting items out of place
• Put them in their rooms (not away yet—just the right room)
• Clear all flat surfaces of clutter

Minutes 5-10: Kitchen

• Load dishwasher or stack dishes neatly
• Wipe counters
• Wipe stovetop
• Quick wipe of appliance fronts
• Take out trash if needed

Minutes 10-15: Bathroom

• Spray toilet, let sit
• Wipe mirror
• Wipe counter and sink
• Quick toilet scrub and exterior wipe
• Straighten towels

Minutes 15-20: Bedroom

• Make bed
• Put away clothes (or hide in closet)
• Quick dust of visible surfaces
• Straighten nightstand

Minutes 20-25: Living Room

• Fluff pillows, fold throws
• Clear and wipe coffee table
• Quick dust of TV and visible surfaces
• Organize remotes and items

Minutes 25-30: Floors

• Quick vacuum main traffic areas
• Spot mop visible floor marks
• Shake out entry mat

The 15-Minute Emergency Clean

For when you have almost no time:

1. Clear clutter into a bag/basket: Hide in closet (2 min)
2. Make bed: (1 min)
3. Wipe bathroom mirror and sink: (1 min)
4. Quick toilet check: Scrub if needed (1 min)
5. Kitchen counters: Clear and wipe (2 min)
6. Living room surfaces: Straighten and wipe (2 min)
7. Quick vacuum visible floors: (4 min)
8. Take out trash: (1 min)
9. Light a candle or crack a window: Fresh air/scent (1 min)

Speed Cleaning Rules

Work in One Direction

Clean each room left to right, top to bottom. This prevents backtracking and missed spots.

Clean, Don't Organize

Speed cleaning is about surface cleanliness. Don't stop to reorganize drawers or sort through papers. That's a different task for another time.

Prioritize Impact Areas

Focus on:

• Entry area (first impression)
• Bathroom (people notice)
• Kitchen surfaces (visible)
• Living room main seating area

Use Multi-Tasking

• Let cleaner sit while doing other tasks
• Start dishwasher while cleaning bathroom
• Let vacuum run (robot) while doing other things

Have Supplies Ready

A cleaning caddy with all supplies means no trips hunting for products. Everything in one grab-and-go container.

What to Skip When Speed Cleaning

• Deep scrubbing (maintenance only)
• Inside cabinets and drawers
• Behind furniture
• Window washing
• Detailed organizing
• Oven and refrigerator interior

These are important but not urgent. Save them for regular cleaning sessions.