Simple Cleaning Tips: Refresh Your Space After Organizing

Once your home is decluttered and organized, cleaning is the next step to truly refresh your space. This is where your home starts to feel lighter, brighter, and ready for daily living again.

Let’s walk through a simple, step-by-step approach to cleaning — using local resources, practical tools, and a little strategy to save time and effort.

Step 1: Prep Your Space for Cleaning

Before you start spraying and wiping, take a few minutes to prepare. Removing loose dust and debris first will make your cleaning products more effective.

• If you have pets or a lot of dust, vacuum or use a lint roller before wiping surfaces.

• Gather your supplies: microfiber cloths, an eco-friendly cleaner, detail brushes, a step stool, and a vacuum.

• Local Tip: Find affordable cleaning supplies at Carthage Hardware, Menards, or Dollar Tree.

Step 2: Follow the "Rules"

Cleaning top-to-bottom and back-to-front are two basic guidelines for cleaning efficiently. Why? Because dust and debris fall as you clean, and you don’t want to have to redo your floors after wiping down a ceiling fan or shelf.

• Start with ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures.

• Wipe down walls, doors, and trim before cleaning furniture and floors.

• Vacuum last to catch anything that falls along the way.

When you clean surfaces like tables and countertops, pull the crumbs and dust from the back to the front and just let them fall to the floor where they'll get vacuumed up later!

And don’t skip wiping your walls and baseboards — they collect more dust (and pet fur!) than you might realize, especially in high-traffic areas or near entryways.

Bonus Tip: If you're using a cleaning product, let it do the hard work for you! Always follow the instructions on the label and allow the product to sit on the surface for the recommended amount of time (the "dwell time"). This gives the cleaner a chance to break down grime, grease, and buildup — meaning less scrubbing for you (yes, please!).

Step 3: Use the Right Cleaning Method

The good news is you don’t need a cabinet full of expensive products to get a clean home. In fact, most surfaces are perfectly happy with a damp microfiber cloth and a little patience.

• For stubborn grime, use a magic eraser (wet first) or a degreaser like Krud Kutter.

• Dish soap in warm water is an affordable, safe option for many surfaces.

• In the Joplin and Carthage area, hard water is common — prevent mineral buildup on glass and shower walls with a squeegee (yes, after every shower!) and remove existing spots with an acidic cleaner like vinegar.

Step 4: Tackle High-Touch & Hidden Areas

If you want your home to feel really clean, pay attention to the little spots we all touch every day — but rarely think to clean.

Things like doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, and stair railings can harbor a surprising amount of grime. And don’t forget sneaky areas like the tops of cabinets, behind furniture, air vents, or drawer pulls.

This is where a small detail brush (or even an old toothbrush) really shines. It’s perfect for getting into small crevices or scrubbing away built-up dust in hard-to-reach spots.

Step 5: Simple Cleaning Tips for Home That Make a Big Difference

Cleaning doesn’t have to mean filling your home with plastic gadgets or harsh chemicals. In fact, some of the best cleaning routines rely on just a few well-chosen tools and products that last a long time.

Look for eco-friendly cleaners that are safer for your family, your pets, and the environment. And think about investing in practical upgrades that make cleaning easier in the long run:

• Heavy-duty doormats inside and outside entryways

• Washable rugs for high-traffic areas

• Air purifiers during allergy season

• Duct cleaning every few years

• Vacuuming regularly, especially near doors

• Removing shoes indoors to cut down on dirt

Bonus tip: Keep separate tools for indoor and outdoor cleaning to avoid bringing outdoor grime inside.

Final Thoughts: The Sweet Spot for a Thorough Home Cleaning

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Make these simple cleaning tips part of your routine so it never becomes overwhelming again.

Most homes do well with a thorough cleaning every two weeks. That’s the sweet spot where there’s enough mess to appreciate the results — but not so much buildup that it becomes a daunting task.

Ready for a Refresh?

At Redbud Cleaning Co., we help busy homeowners in Joplin, Carthage, and surrounding areas reclaim their time and enjoy a clean, healthy home. Our bi-weekly cleaning plans are designed to keep your home looking its best — without the stress of falling behind.

If you're ready for a fresh home and a free weekend, you know what to do...

Request Your Estimate Today.

Challenge: Refresh One Room This Week

Pick a room that’s been bothering you and follow these steps:

1. Declutter & organize

2. Clean top-to-bottom

3. Take a before-and-after photo

Share your progress with a friend or tag us on Facebook. We can't wait to cheer you on!