12 Things That Made Our House Way Easier to Clean

Keeping a house clean isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about setting things up so messes don’t pile up in the first place. Over time, we’ve made small changes that took a lot of the stress out of cleaning.

None of these are miracle products or complicated systems. They’re just smart swaps and habits that keep dirt from sticking around and make the day-to-day messes quicker to handle.

If cleaning feels like it’s always dragging behind, these are the updates that actually helped us stay ahead of it.

We Switched to a Cordless Vacuum

Dragging out the big vacuum was such a hassle that we’d put it off way too long. Getting a cordless one made it easier to grab and go when we spotted a mess.

We keep it in a hallway closet and use it almost daily on crumbs, pet hair, and dirt by the doors. It’s quieter, faster, and actually gets used—which means the floors stay cleaner without a big chore day.

We Use Rugs with Low Pile or No Fringe

Thick, high-pile rugs and decorative fringe might look nice, but they collect everything and are a pain to vacuum. We swapped ours for flatweave or low-pile rugs that are easier to clean.

They trap less dirt and don’t fight back when you try to vacuum under the couch or table. We also stopped buying ones that can’t handle spot-cleaning without drama.

We Put a Mat at Every Entrance

It sounds obvious, but having a good mat outside and inside every exterior door cuts down on dirt like nothing else. We wipe our feet without thinking now.

The inside mats catch what the outdoor ones miss, and we shake them out weekly. It’s a cheap, low-effort habit that keeps the floors from looking constantly tracked up.

We Keep Cleaning Supplies in Each Bathroom

Instead of hauling cleaners and rags from one end of the house to the other, we keep a small set in every bathroom—glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, and a few microfiber cloths.

It makes it easy to do a quick wipe-down when something looks off, instead of putting it off for a deep clean that takes way longer. Having things on hand keeps the mess from snowballing.

We Use Baskets for Catch-All Spots

Every house has spots where stuff piles up—shoes by the door, mail on the counter, keys on random surfaces. We added baskets in all those places.

It doesn’t eliminate clutter, but it keeps it contained so it doesn’t feel like it’s taking over. Once or twice a week, we sort through them and reset.

We Installed Hooks in High-Traffic Zones

Towels, jackets, backpacks, and bags used to end up on chairs or the floor. Adding wall hooks in key spots helped keep them off surfaces and out of the way.

They’re easy for everyone to use—even kids—and they help stop clutter from spreading across the house. We’ve added them in entryways, bathrooms, and closets.

We Switched to Glass Shower Doors with a Coating

We used to fight constant soap scum on old frosted doors. When we replaced them, we picked clear glass with a protective coating—and it’s been way easier to keep clean.

We do a quick squeegee after showers, and the buildup is minimal. It might not be the cheapest update, but it’s made bathroom cleaning so much less of a battle.

We Store Less on the Counters

Every extra item on the kitchen or bathroom counter means one more thing to wipe around. We started keeping less out, and it cut cleaning time almost in half.

Now we only leave out what we use every single day, and the rest lives in drawers or cabinets. It’s less visually overwhelming and way faster to clean.

We Bought a Squeegee for the Shower

Water spots and grime used to build up fast. Now we keep a squeegee in the shower and do a quick wipe-down on the glass and walls after we’re done.

It takes less than a minute and helps prevent buildup from ever starting. Less scrubbing, less frustration, and the shower stays clean longer.

We Use Washable Slipcovers on Furniture

With kids, pets, or just life happening, furniture takes a hit. Slipcovers that can go in the wash have saved our couches more times than I can count.

We don’t use them on every piece, just the ones that get the most daily use. They make cleanup easier and take the stress off when messes happen.

We Switched to Refillable Soap Dispensers

This one’s small, but it keeps sinks and countertops from getting sticky. The pre-filled pump bottles always leaked or clogged. We switched to refillable glass and plastic dispensers.

They’re easier to wipe down and actually match the room, which makes everything feel a little more streamlined. Plus, we’re not constantly rebuying single-use bottles.

We Set a 5-Minute Reset Rule

At the end of the day, we take five minutes to pick up the main living areas—put away toys, toss trash, straighten pillows. It doesn’t sound like much, but it helps the next morning feel less chaotic.

Even if we don’t get to everything, the house stays under control. And because it’s short, we actually stick with it.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.