If you can’t stop the pets from shedding, train clutter from magically appearing, or figure out how to keep dust from ever appearing then use these shortcuts to help keep your home cleaner for longer. Practice these shortcuts a few minutes each day and you will find yourself ahead when your deep-cleaning day arrives.

Seal the floors: Unsealed concrete floors like those found in the garage or basement can generate a lot of dust that gets tracked into the common living spaces. The fix is sealing these floors with either paint or a clear-coat sealer.

Storing your cleaning supplies: If you have only one location for storing your cleaning supplies it’s time to up your game and diversify. It’s been proven that having supplies on each level of the home makes tackling quick wipe-ups easier. Keep a small storage container of supplies such as paper towels and spray near the bathroom for wiping the shower stall or sink area after use. Another cleaning caddy in the kitchen to wipe spills or countertops in the kitchen or place a dust cloth in the desk drawer to wipe the office. Having mini satellite locations of supplies will save you from doing deep-cleaning as often.

Make use of decorative rugs and runners: Including a decorative rug or runners in high traffic locations will catch dirt and protect carpet or flooring. Using a decorative rug over the carpet in the living room can decrease using a carpet cleaner from once a month to once a season. TIP: Use mats on both the inside and outside of the front and back doors to catch dirt being tracked inside.

Stop dining table clutter: Dining tables have a way of becoming a catch-all for clutter. From keys to mail to random things without assigned storage locations, the table is a dumping ground. Put an end to this by setting the table. A set table will be seen as not the place to park things plus this saves time around meal preparation.

Before going upstairs take something along: Make it a habit to collect things that need to go upstairs (or downstairs) with each trip to make up and down. Using step baskets is an attractive and handy carry-all. Anyone passing by adds their item to the basket and then the next person going up (or down) takes the items with them. Children can easily help with this.

Brush pets outside: When you take Fido outside for this walk, take along the brush to do some grooming outside. This will keep his shedding to a minimum and your floors cleaner.

A laundry-load a day: Instead of working through seven loads of laundry once a week try doing one load daily. Spreading out this chore will make it more manageable.

Make cleaning a family activity: There’s something about cleaning as a family activity has doesn’t make it seem so overwhelming. Set the timer for 15 minutes in the evening and have everyone pitch in to tidy up. This could even be the time to crank up the tunes for a dance and clean party. You may be surprised how much can be tidied daily in as few as 15 minutes.

We hope these shortcuts making tackling your cleaning tasks easier and that you soon notice your home stays cleaner for longer. Building good cleaning habits with the entire family will help you stay on top of your game without it feeling like a huge chore.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling think of The Bean Group. We’re here to make your experience a pleasant one and answer any questions you may have. Schedule an appointment to get the conversation started. The Bean Group has real estate listings spanning the New Hampshire seacoast and Southern Maine area.