Cleaning can feel impossible when you’re low on energy and don’t know where to start. But here’s the secret: you don’t need hours of scrubbing or name-brand cleaning products to get started making a noticeable difference. In this post, I’ll be sharing simple cleaning hacks that anyone—yes, even you fellow procrastinator—can try. These tips are quick, easy, and designed to make your space sparkle without draining your energy.

Hack #1: The 15-Minute Timer Trick

• Why it works: Big cleaning sessions feel daunting. A timer breaks it into bite-sized chunks.
• How to do it: Set a timer for 15 minutes and just start —clearing your counters, sweeping the floor, or throwing in a load of laundry. Work until the timer dings. If you feel motivated, set it for another 15 minutes. If not, you’ve still made progress!

Go all out: Make it fun, and help pass the time! Play your favorite playlist or podcast as you work.

Hack #2: Use a Basket for Clutter

• Why it works: Clutter can make cleaning feel impossible. A basket or box gives you a temporary home for misplaced items.
• How to do it: Grab a laundry basket or cardboard box and do a quick sweep of any room you’re tidying. Toss in anything that doesn’t belong—shoes, books, random cables—and deal with them later. For now, focus on cleaning surfaces.

Go all out: Schedule 5 minutes at the end of the day to empty the basket.

Hack #3: Vinegar Is Your New Best Friend

• Why it works: Vinegar is cheap, eco-friendly, and versatile. It cleans glass, deodorizes, and even tackles hard water stains.
• How to do it: Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. I usually use 1 part vinegar, 4 part water. If the math is confusing, just do equal parts. You can use it to clean anything from mirrors, windows, and counters, to doorknobs, baseboards, and appliances. (I found it especially helpful for shining metal surfaces).

Go all out: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon) to make your DIY cleaner smell amazing.

Hack #4: Work Top to Bottom

• Why it works: Dust and crumbs fall down, so starting at the top saves you from doubling your work.
• How to do it: Wipe counters before sweeping floors, wash surfaces from the top shelf to the bottom shelf, and rinse your cloth frequently as you go. Then vacuum at the end to give your space the crumb-free, fresh-smelling look and feel.

Go all out: Work in small areas at a time. Finish the area top to bottom, and see the drastic difference you can make with a small amount of effort and time.

Hack #5: Mini-Clean As You Go

• Why it works: Small efforts throughout the day help tackle big messes a little at a time.
• How to do it: Wipe down your bathroom sink after brushing your teeth, rinse dishes as soon as you’re done eating, or take 30 seconds to tidy the couch cushions before bed.

Go all out: Reward yourself for these little victories—it’s a great excuse for that extra coffee or treat!

Hack #6: Shine Your Sink

• Why it works: Resetting your sink will encourage you to do dishes more often and enjoy being in your kitchen or bathroom.
• How to do it: Sprinkle baking soda in the sink and add a few drops of dish soap. Scrub your whole sink and faucet with a sponge and your mixture. Rinse with warm water and admire your sparkling sink!

Go all out: Rinse your sponge, cloths, and sink plugs at the end of each day. Replace your dish soap and reset your sink for the next day. Tackle a load of dishes while you’re there!

You don’t have to transform your entire home in one day to feel accomplished. These small, beginner-friendly cleaning hacks prove that a little effort can go a long way. Pick one or two to try this week and let me know how it goes in the comments!

Remember, progress is better than perfection. So grab your timer, some vinegar, and let’s start making small changes that make a big difference.

P.S.: If you want more tips like this, check out my podcast episode on this topic—perfect for listening while you clean!