Cleaning 101

Let the experts from Real Simple do the dirty work for you -- we've compiled a list of all our favorite cleaning shortcuts, tricks, and must-know tips for the bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

Let gravity work for you. Dust from top to bottom, and save the vacuuming for last. If you dust at the end of your cleaning routine, dirt particles will linger in the air and eventually land back on your surfaces. To stretch out time between dustings, first wipe surfaces using a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth, then vacuum to help remove any remaining dirt.

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Tip #2

Let gravity work for you. Dust from top to bottom, and save the vacuuming for last. If you dust at the end of your cleaning routine, dirt particles will linger in the air and eventually land back on your surfaces. To stretch out time between dustings, first wipe surfaces using a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth, then vacuum to help remove any remaining dirt.

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To pick up pet hair, put on a wet rubber dishwashing glove and wipe your hand over surfaces. The hair will stick right to it.

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To clean ceiling-fan blades without spilling dust onto the floor, slide an old pillowcase over each blade, then grip the case and pull it away, keeping the dirt contained.

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2 of 11 Let gravity work for you. Dust from top to bottom, and save the vacuuming for last. If you dust at the end of your cleaning routine, dirt particles will linger in the air and eventually land back on your surfaces. To stretch out time between dustings, first wipe surfaces using a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth, then vacuum to help remove any remaining dirt.