12 Easy Cleaning Tips From Professionals

Photo byKinga and Shutterstock.

I’ve always had a housekeeper, and every time they finish, my home feels and looks different. I feel like a million dollars.

Everything is put away, there’s no dust to be found, and it just feels fresher. But in between visits, no matter how much I think I’ve tidied up, it never feels quite the same…until now.

Now, after years of observing and learning from housekeepers, I’ve finally picked up some of the key secrets that make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve discovered that you can start using for that extra clean, fresh feeling, too.

1. They Start With Decluttering

It’s impossible to clean when surfaces are crowded by stuff, so professional housekeepers always put stuff away before starting to clean.

And you know what? I've learned that tidying alone is half the battle to keeping your home extra clean and fresh. Once the clutter is cleared, cleaning doesn’t take so long. And sometimes, after tidying up, I don’t even need to clean anything.

I recommend setting aside 10 minutes each day to declutter and tidy. Your cleaning routine will become so much easier, and your house will always look presentable.

2. They Consistently Work Top to Bottom

When cleaning a room, professional housekeepers always work from top to bottom. This prevents dust from falling onto freshly cleaned surfaces.

Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves. Then, move on to wiping down walls, cleaning windows, and finally, vacuuming or mopping the floors.

3. They Clean One Room at a Time

Professional housekeepers are big believers in focusing on one room at a time. Jumping from room to room is unproductive and overwhelming. So, start with a single space, clean it thoroughly, and then move on to the next.

Housekeepers recommend dividing larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts to keep momentum going. Then, once you’ve finished a room, close the door and move on to the next.

4. They Have a System

Professional housekeepers are consistent…many of them actually use checklists. This means they know exactly what tasks to tackle, in what order, and how often. A system eliminates the guesswork.

Try breaking your checklist down by room and focusing on one or two tasks each day to keep clutter at bay and ensure everything gets done. Sticking to this plan will prevent procrastination and reduce the need for last-minute, time-consuming, and exhausting cleaning marathons.

5. They Make Everything Shine With Vinegar

After professional cleaners finish wiping a surface, they spray it with vinegar and use a microfiber cloth to make it shine. This leaves behind a glossy sheen on glass surfaces, kitchen appliances, cabinets, faucets, and more. This tiny tip instantly takes your cleaning routine from amateur to professional. I absolutely love doing this with faucets…my faucets never have spots or a dull finish.

6. They Use Soapy Water

Professional housekeepers rely on simplicity and the power of soapy water. They love using Dawn because it’s tough on grease yet gentle enough to use on a variety of surfaces. When mixed with water, it creates a versatile cleaning solution that works in kitchen, bathrooms, and even on a variety of items.

7. They Move and Dust Everything

Professional cleaners don’t cut corners when it comes to dusting. They know that dust naturally accumulates everywhere, not just on obvious surfaces like counters and shelves.

They take the time to dust everything–from high spots like ceiling fans and light fixtures to baseboards and vents. They move everything on surfaces to wipe it clean.

8. They Use Spray-As-You-Go Mops

Not only do professional housekeepers know that you clean the floors last, they’ve moved to spray-as-you-go mops.

These mops are designed to make floor cleaning easier by combining the mopping and cleaning solution in one tool. With a spray mop, there’s no need for a bucket or constant rinsing—cleaners can simply spray the floor and wipe as they go.

Plus, they can wash the mop pad after each use. This saves time, reduces the mess of traditional mopping, and allows for consistent floor cleaning in a single motion.

9. They Start With the Worst Room

Professional cleaners often start with the worst room first. This could be the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom that requires the most effort.

By starting with the worst room, they’re able to focus their energy on the area that will take the longest to make sure it’s done while they’re feeling energized and motivated. It also means the rest of the house will be easier and quicker to clean. The satisfaction of finishing the most difficult space first builds momentum to finish.

10. They Work Smarter Not Harder

Professional cleaners work smarter, not harder. They don’t necessarily have a lot of stuff. In fact, I’d argue they are minimalistic when it comes to what they need to clean. However, they all carry cleaning caddies stocked with all the essentials–cleaning supplies, washcloths, brushes, and tools. This helps them move throughout the house quickly without running back and forth for supplies.

I especially love specialized tools like toothbrushes for small spots, which help them reach hard-to-reach areas without extra effort. Most housekeepers have at least two to three different tools for scraping surfaces or reaching into hard-to-reach areas.

11. They Have Dedicated Time to Clean

Cleaning takes time, and when you hire a professional, you’re paying them to be dedicated to cleaning for a specific time. This would help anyone stay focused and efficient, but you can do it, too.

Try blocking time in your calendar for specific tasks. Whether you spend 20 minutes a day or 1.5 hours a week cleaning, just stick to your scheduled time, and you’ll notice how much easier it is to keep your house looking fresh and organized.

12. They Attention to Detail

Professional housekeepers are masters at paying attention to detail, and it’s one of the biggest reasons their cleaning feels so thorough. They don’t just clean the obvious surfaces...they focus on the small areas that often get overlooked, like baseboards, light switches, and even the corners of rooms where dust tends to gather.

They know how to tackle hidden grime in grout lines, under furniture, and on hard-to-reach surfaces like ceiling fans or the tops of cabinets. This meticulous approach ensures every part of the home feels fresh and polished. It’s these often-neglected details that give the space a “professionally cleaned” feel, leaving no corner untouched.