Table of contents for Secrets to a Clean Home 2023 in Real Simple

FEW THINGS ARE MORE SATISFYING than sitting back and relaxing in a sparkling space with dust-free surfaces, shining windows, and fresh (folded) laundry. But getting your home to that point might not be exactly how you want to spend your time. Because maintaining a museum-quality space is not realistic for most of us (hey, life happens!), we can all use a little support from time to time. That’s why we’ve filled this special edition of Real Simple with the best products, advice, and hacks to help you get cleaner rooms throughout your home with less effort. Even if you’re a person who dreads picking up a mop, these shortcuts and tips will make cleaning quicker and more pleasant. So go enjoy your clean space … and all that extra…

Tools, Timing, and Teams The gap between your current home and the clean one of your dreams can seem vast, and that first step is often the most difficult. That’s why we pulled together all the essentials you need to get started. You’ll learn how to pick the best tools and cleaners (the list is surprisingly short) and set goals you can finish in as little as 10 minutes. We also show you how to rally your family and keep everyone motivated on the journey from messy rooms to tidy spaces.…

Whole-house cleaning, the way we normally think about it, seems daunting. We all want the sparkly results, but few of us can realistically clear our calendars for a day or an entire weekend in order to tackle every room and surface in our home. But here’s a thought: Maybe it’s time to reconsider the way we clean? There’s no rule that all the tough jobs—window cleaning, grout scrubbing, and the like—have to be done at once. In fact, we can chip away at them over the course of a few days (or even a few weekends). If you’re not sure where to begin, think about the areas of your home in which you spend the most time (kitchen, family room, bathroom). Start there and make a clear plan. “It is…

Rooms, Surfaces, and Tough Stuff Cleaning tips abound, but we’ve done our research. We talked to dozens of professionals and rigorously reviewed hundreds of recommendations in order to give you the best solutions for your biggest challenges. You’ll find no-fail answers that address specific rooms, tricky stains, and seasonal challenges (hello, autumn leaves!). Yes, cleaning is work. But when you go about it in a smarter way, the process is easier and the results are better. You’re welcome.…

SPRING As the days become brighter and longer, dust and wear-and-tear become more apparent. That’s part of why spring is the time to freshen up every surface in your home. □ CLEAN OR REPLACE filters before turning on air-conditioning; clean ducts and vents. □ POLISH wood furniture. □ DUST light fixtures. □ WASH windows. □ CLEAN window and door screens. □ WIPE DOWN baseboards and door frames. □ DEEP-CLEAN carpets and rugs. □ LAUNDER blankets, comforters, and pillows. □ VACUUM lint from dryer vent. □ WIPE DOWN kitchen cabinet exteriors. □ CLEAN the inside of the washing machine. □ CLEAN the inside of the dishwasher with a cup of vinegar. □ WASH shower curtain and liner. □ SANITIZE your toothbrush holder by placing it in the dishwasher. □ DUST…

Small natural rugs (cotton or wool) Wash colorfast rugs by hand with mild detergent, using a soft brush or a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar to remove residue. Roll the rug inside a thick towel, then stand on it to remove moisture. Hang the rug where it will dry as quickly as possible. Small synthetic rugs If the rug is sturdy and machine-woven, clean it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Hang it where it will dry quickly. Larger area rugs Hire a pro to deep-clean every few years. In between, vacuum regularly and deal with spills ASAP. If the dyes are colorfast, dampen the area with a sponge dipped in seltzer, using as little liquid as possible. Blot…

Maintenance and Motivation Congratulations on your cleaner home! If you love how fresh it feels (and really, who doesn’t?), you’ll want to keep things going. Fortunately, your clean routine requires just a few tweaks to make the results last longer and even expand the time between cleaning sessions. If that sounds too good to be true, turn the page. We’ve gathered smart strategies to extend the life span of appliances and clothing, ideas to help you recycle more and waste less, and secrets to ensure your home always smells amazing.…

realsimple.com/professionalsecrets HACK YOUR CLEAN These handy tips from professional cleaners will help you spend less time scrubbing. You’ll find 12 clever hacks, including ideas on the best order for cleaning a room and how to get rid of pesky fingerprints on the stainless-steel fridge. realsimple.com/cleanhouse CLEANING CHECK This printable guide gives you an idea of what areas in your home to clean daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Check off each item as you complete it and stay on top of your cleaning chores. realsimple.com/cleaningvinegar VINEGAR DOS AND DON’TS Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for many places in the house. Discover how to use vinegar to remove grime and dirt from a variety of surfaces—and find out the five places you should avoid using it. realsimple.com/naturalsolutions NATURAL SOLUTIONS No…

DENTURE TABS + SNEAKERS To loosen dirt and get rid of odor, place your shoes in a basin filled with warm water and a couple of denture tablets. Use an old toothbrush to scrub stubborn stains. Rinse shoes and let them air-dry. CITRUS PEEL + GARBAGE DISPOSAL Toss lemon, lime, or orange skins into the disposal before turning it on. The oils and juice from the peels will help clean and deodorize the inner walls. EMERY BOARD + SUEDE Gently rub the file across suede fabrics to remove stains and scuffs. CLOTHESPIN + ESSENTIAL OIL + CAR AIR VENT Add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the pinchy end of a clothespin and clip it to your air-conditioner vent. COFFEE FILTER + GLASS More durable than…

WHY THIS CADDY? A classic pail offers a compact storage solution beneath the sink for sprays. TO BUY: Behrens 5-Quart Galvanized Pail, $10; acehardware.com. BATHROOM TOILET BRUSH Looeegee Hygienic Toilet Squeegee The icky bathroom stalwart gets a hygienic upgrade with silicone ridges that minimize drips. TO BUY: $35; betterlivingproductsusa.com. SURFACE CLEANER Better Life Tub & Tile Cleaner With no harsh fumes or chemicals, this spray does wonders on the tub, the sink, and even the toilet—inside and out. TO BUY: $14; cleanhappens.com. SOAP SCUM ELIMINATOR Scrub Free Total Bathroom Cleaner Scum is no match for this spray. Combine with a squeegee ($22; bedbathandbeyond.com) after each shower to stop buildup. TO BUY: $5; acehardware.com. RING REMOVER Pure Clean Bath Stone Cleaning Block Tackle the ring of hard water and mineral deposits…

Kitchen Counters and Cabinets GOOD ENOUGH “Vinegar, dish soap, and 10 drops of essential oil is my recipe for getting kitchen countertops and cabinets to gleam.” –K.T. MAKE IT SPARKLE Great combo: Vinegar kills bacteria, and dish soap lifts dirt. Stick to just a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle of vinegar—too much soap will create extra work for you because it requires rinsing. One more tweak: If you have built-up grease on the cabinets, pretreat them with rubbing alcohol. (Test in a small, inconspicuous area first.) –LESLIE REICHERT That essential oil formula works well. If your counters are stone, it’s best to avoid vinegar because it can etch the surface. In that case, use a special stone cleaner or warm water with a few drops of a…

AVOID ACCIDENTS Plan to take your dog outside every four to six hours. If you catch him in the act, clap your hands to distract him from the unwanted behavior, and then thoroughly clean the soiled area so he doesn’t mark there again. Don’t punish your dog, since that can contribute to stress-related accidents. Cat owners should have one litter box per feline plus one extra; scoop daily. Your cat might be marking out of boredom, so try a stimulating puzzle feeder. Spaying and neutering should also cut down on marking. If your pet suddenly has accidents, consult your vet. It could indicate a UTI, GI problem, or other medical issue. FEND OFF MESSES Consider investing in performance fabrics, which often have an extra-tight weave to repel liquid, or colorfast…

Handheld Vacuums These small vacuums can be stored easily anywhere in your home. PROS: They’re ideal for quick cleanups on bare floors or low-pile carpet, and for vacuuming out your car. CONS: They don’t have as much power or capacity as their larger counterparts. Stick Vacuums Stick vacs have tall bodies and handles similar to upright models; many are battery powered. PROS: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, they’re good for quickly dealing with messes, particularly on bare floors. CONS: They won’t replace your full-size vacuum; they aren’t as good on carpet as upright or canister units; and their dirt bins are often smaller. Upright Vacuums These popular workhorse vacuums are easy to store because they stand up on their own. They’re available in both bagged and bagless versions. PROS: They’re…

APPLIANCES Refrigerator MAKE-IT-LAST HABIT: Condenser coils—the large, radiator-like element at the back or bottom of the appliance—remove heat from your refrigerator and freezer. When dust and dirt stick to the coils, the machine can’t shed heat as efficiently, which can mean higher utility bills and costly repairs. Check the owner’s manual to see how often to clean the coils; use your vacuum’s brush attachment. TROUBLESHOOTING: If your refrigerator sounds like it’s straining, make sure the condenser coils are clean, there’s at least one inch between the fridge and the wall for adequate airflow, and the gasket (door seal) is not dry or cracking. Dishwasher MAKE-IT-LAST HABIT: Adhesives from labels on jars of jelly or pasta sauce can clog the filter and hose. So can the oils and dirt from things…

SMELL IS OFTEN CALLED A HUMAN’S MOST POWERFUL SENSE. Good (and bad) smells tell us a lot about the world: what we should eat, what we shouldn’t eat, even whom we should kiss. When it comes to our homes, if a space smells fresh, that’s a great sign. If the smell is bad? We feel uneasy. But the secret to a nose-friendly space isn’t to spray fragrance on top of yucky stuff. “A clean home should smell like nothing,” says Melissa Maker, founder of the Clean My Space cleaning company, blog, and YouTube channel. Neutralizing bad odors is the priority, especially for those who get overwhelmed by too much fragrance or have allergies or asthma. But for those who love a scent, we have ideas for you too. TACKLE THE…

For some, scrubbing floors is the best form of stress relief; others would pay good money never to wield a vacuum again. No matter your opinions about housekeeping, though, you likely feel that there’s nothing like a spotless home to make you feel calm, peaceful, and ready to take on all the other things you care about. Our plan makes that outcome achievable (and maintainable), no matter how much time you have. Step 1 The Prep GET MOTIVATED Fast is fantastic, but only if you’re using tools and techniques that are actually effective (see page 18). Ideally, you’ll adopt the “spray and wait” method whenever possible, allowing quality cleaning products to work their magic while you take care of other jobs (kind of like multitasking in the kitchen—chop while…

Moths Have Invaded My Dresser! THE FIX: Take everything out of your dresser and then use a vacuum to remove any visible moths, says Chelle Hartzer, an entomologist and manager of technical services for Orkin in Atlanta. Place vacuum contents in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away. Then wipe down your dresser inside and out with a damp cloth to remove any difficult-to-see larvae or eggs. (If you have a wooden dresser, follow up with a dry cloth to prevent water damage.) Despite what you may have heard, cedar chips aren’t an effective method for killing moths. “Having a tightly constructed chest is more important,” Hartzer says. Tumble any affected clothes and linens in the dryer or, for delicate items, place in a plastic bag and store in…

People often use sanitize and disinfect interchangeably, but the key difference can affect the cleaning products you choose and how you use them. And it can mean getting a better clean where you need it most. First, the distinction: Sanitization is reducing a contamination or bacteria to a safe level, while disinfection is killing bacteria on a particular surface, according to Travers Anderson, R&D Group Manager at Clorox. However, keep in mind that neither disinfectants nor sanitizers will kill all pathogens on a surface. (Cleaning, in the technical sense, is just wiping away debris or dirt, without necessarily killing or removing any bacteria.) Sanitizing is best for surfaces that don’t typically come into contact with seriously dangerous bacteria, or those that could be damaged by powerful chemicals: Think cooking tools…

THE STAIN Cranberry Sauce, Jellies, and Jams NOW: The first rule with sticky spots is to avoid spreading the stain, so scoop up as much as you’re able with a spoon. Use a pretreater pen or try this simple solution: Dab the area gently with a cloth dipped in club soda; the bubbles will help break the bond between the surface and the stain. Using cool water and dish soap is another option. Note: If the material is dry clean only, step away from the pretreater pen and send the item straight to the cleaner, as the pen could leave a permanent mark. LATER: For a spill on a cushion, mix one teaspoon of white vinegar with a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol and sponge onto the stain. The alcohol…

LAUNDRY QUANDARIES Do I really need to sort my laundry? “In a word, yes. If you throw white T-shirts, lingerie, jeans, and towels into the same load, you could wind up with dye transfer, lint, pilling, and even snags and holes. Sorting laundry really isn’t so hard, especially if you presort with separate hampers or a hamper with divided sections. Designate one hamper or section for whites, one for dark colors, one for light colors, and one for dry-clean-only items. Then, when you’re ready to wash, sort those color piles by fabric type, so you’re washing heavy jeans or lint-producing bath towels separately from blouses, dress slacks, and underwear. This lets you use the correct water temperature and keep drying times simple, instead of frying your T-shirts in order…

If your glassware is cloudy, carefully hold each cup upside down with an oven mitt over a steaming kettle, and then wipe the steam and smudges away with a microfiber cloth. RACHEL COHEN, COFOUNDER OF SNOWE, A HOME GOODS RETAILER KITCHEN SHINE SOLUTION To polish utensils that have water marks or blemishes, fill a mixing bowl with water and a generous pinch of baking soda. Drop in the utensils and cover the bowl with aluminum foil for about two minutes. Remove and dry completely before storing them or setting the table. RAEL PETIT, MIXOLOGIST DRIP COLLECTOR Wrap a paper towel around an olive oil bottle base and secure with a rubber band to catch leaks and keep counters spotless. MELISSA MAKER, AUTHOR OF CLEAN MY SPACE After washing and drying…

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BIN “We’re constantly surprised at how much curbside rules vary,” says Darby Hoover, a recycling expert with the Natural Resources Defense Council. So your first stop is the instructions on your city’s municipal website (see Department of Sanitation or Public Works). If trash is handled privately, ask your waste disposal company. Almost every area will want you to recycle these materials. Cardboard Into the recycling bin go shipping packages, cereal boxes, and the sleeves of disposable coffee cups. Flatten boxes and stack them together to save on space between pickups. Glass Glass containers go in the bin, but not all lids should. For larger jam jars, for example, you can often recycle the accompanying metal lids (though not all communities accept them because they typically…

Our Experts LINDSEY BOYD AND GWEN WHITING are cofounders of The Laundress. thelaundress.com LINDA COBB is a cleaning expert and the creator of The Queen of Clean book series and YouTube channel. queenofclean.com CHRISTINE DIMMICK is the founder of The Good Home Co., a natural cleaning product line, and author of Detox Your Home. christinedimmick.com MICHAEL DIMOPOULOS is the founder of Lazy Susans Cleaning Service based out of New York City. lazysusanscleaning.com JAN M. DOUGHERTY is the author of The Lost Art of House Cleaning. MARY FINDLEY is the coauthor of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning and the creator of Mary Moppins cleaning products. goclean.com MARY GAGLIARDI, aka Dr. Laundry, is a cleaning and stain expert at Clorox. clorox.com/how-to JACQUELINE JANUS is the owner of Two Chicks…