6 Cleaning Tricks Professional Housekeepers Always Use

Given how often your home requires cleaning, it’s worth taking some time to brush up on essential tips and tricks that experts rely on to help streamline your process.

Below, we’re sharing five useful pieces of advice from pro cleaners. They chime in on some of their favorite cleaning materials to keep on hand, including household items that you likely already own but are underutilizing, and also provide key suggestions for making the cleaning process more efficient.

Work Your Way Down

Wondering where to start when it’s time to do a full room (or house) deep clean? You’ll always want to start at the highest point of a room and work your way down when cleaning, Katie Lambert, the owner of Clean Queen Denver, says.

“We always start with an extension pole and high duster to dust ceilings for cobwebs, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents first,” she says. “Then, work your way down to wall hangings, shelves, and counters.”

Tackle floors last, she advises, adding that starting at the back of the house and working your way forward is always best as well. This way, you won’t step over the already cleaned floors, Lambert says.

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Make Use of Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are a “game changer” when cleaning, Vanessa Terra, the founder of GreenTerra Cleaning, says.

“Unlike traditional cloths, the fine fibers in microfiber are designed to trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, making them incredibly effective for wiping surfaces,” she says.

Terra appreciates that they can be used dry to dust surfaces or wet to wipe them and always result in a streak-free finish on all kinds of material. An extra bonus of microfiber cloths? They’re eco-friendly. Terra explains how they’re both durable and reusable which means less waste and more savings over time.

Always Keep Baking Soda and Vinegar on Hand

These two pantry staples will come in handy time and time again as you clean, Terra notes.

“When combined, they create a powerful cleaning agent that can tackle tough stains, grime, and odors,” she says.

Terra likes to use this non-toxic cleaner when addressing sinks, countertops, the inside of ovens, and more and appreciates how affordable these ingredients are to purchase. Baking soda can be beneficial in other ways as you tackle your space.

Eliana Coca, owner of E.C. House Cleaning, suggests sprinkling some baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize unwanted odors. She recommends mixing a few drops of essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus for an extra boost.

Don’t Forget About Lemons

Lemons are a grocery store staple but aren’t solely for the kitchen; in fact, they can work wonders as you clean your home given that they have antibacterial properties, Terra explains.

“Lemons provide a natural, pleasant scent while their acidity cuts through grease and grime,” she says. “They’re an eco-friendly and cost-effective cleaning solution that can replace synthetic cleaners.”

Use lemons to scrub cutting boards, sinks, faucets, and more. Terra recommends placing a few slices of lemon in a bowl of water and microwaving it for a few minutes to make it smell fresher and easier to wipe down the interiors.

Another handy trick is to use them to polish copper and brass by sprinkling some salt on the cut side and rubbing it thoroughly on the metal.

Deal With Pet Hair Like a Pro

Wondering how pro cleaners are so skilled at removing all of that pet hair from your furniture?

Lambert explains how a wet rubber squeegee can get into tough nooks and crannies where the fur is stuck over a traditional vacuum. Grab one of the aforementioned microfiber cloths to re-wet your squeegee as needed, she adds.

Keep Kids’ Areas Clean

When working to disinfect kids’ toys and high-touch areas—think door knobs and light switches—Coca swears by a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol to really get rid of any grime.

“It’s quick-drying and effective against germs,” she says.