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If you love having a tidy house, you are probably used to dedicating a few free hours on the weekend to it. Yet it might not be necessary.

It takes just a little, done daily, to keep spaces clean and the house always tidy: making the bed in the morning, drying the tub after the shower, putting clothes away in the closet, these are small actions that really only require a few minutes when done each time, but are precious for speeding up or eliminating chores on the weekend.

10 Simple Daily Actions to Always Have a Clean and Tidy House

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1. Make the Bed Every Morning

We are strong advocates of this small, simple daily action: a made bed is nice to look at and makes mornings more productive. The five extra minutes are the best spent of the day.

2. Air Out the House

Breezes of fresh air are good for the body and mind: while making the bed, open the windows and let clean air into the room. A room freshener and some room fragrances are the bonus that makes everything truly perfect.

3. Empty the Dishwasher and Dish Rack

How nice is a shiny, clean sink, free from dishes and pots? Once dried, put away the dishes in the appropriate compartments, emptying the dish rack and dishwasher waiting for the next load.

4. Vacuum

No matter how much of a clean freak you are: dust, hair, and pet fur are always lurking. It’s better not to postpone until tomorrow a vacuuming session that you can do today.

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5. Put Away Unused Clothes

Your skill in building clothing towers that defy gravity won’t win you any awards. Clothes, once worn, should be stored in the closet or laundry basket waiting to go into the washing machine.

6. Keep the Bathroom Clean

The toilet seat up can be very annoying, but toothpaste residues and hair in the sink are no joke either. Remember to leave the bathroom exactly how you would like to find it: wipe away water residues from the tub and sponge the sink every morning and evening to remove soap, toothpaste, or makeup residues.

7. Take Off Your Shoes

Wanting to relax after a day of work is an inalienable right, but as soon as you get home, before lying down on the couch, remember to take off your shoes to avoid bringing street dirt into the house and to put jackets and coats in the appropriate closets or coat racks.

8. Clean the Fridge

Weekly shopping is convenient, but before storing product upon product in the fridge, it’s better to clean and disinfect the shelves by wiping them with a damp cloth with water and vinegar to avoid bad odors.

9. Clean the Sink

It may seem obvious, but stoves and stove tops should be cleaned after every meal. A damp cloth with a little detergent is enough to sanitize and remove food and dirt residues, avoiding scratching surfaces when dirt is already encrusted.

10. Keep Papers and Correspondence Organized

If, just like with clothes, you are a serial accumulator of documents, papers, and correspondence, perhaps it’s time to tidy up. Learn to sort mail and advertisements into appropriate containers, file bills in folders, and keep letters and postcards in handy folders. You’ll save time searching when you need it and keep your home tidy.

This article first appeared on Grazia.it – Author: Anna Tursi