Let’s say the quiet part out loud... Sometimes, you don’t need a deep dive into the science and history behind how something works. You just need someone to tell you how to do it right, right NOW!

Maybe you’re teaching someone new on your team how to clean. Maybe you’re teaching yourself how to clean! Maybe you’re arguing with a roommate or spouse over what’s the right way to clean X?! Whatever the reason, you don't want fluff; you want answers.

Lucky for you, our in-house expert Melissa Homer has been creating cleaning training manuals and lesson plans for over 20 years, so we got you. Here’s your definitive guide to cleaning living areas, from Living Rooms to Dining Rooms to Bedrooms to Man Caves. These basic instructions can be applied to any general living space and give you spotless results quickly and easily every time. Let’s do this thing!

The Power of the Spiral — The Fundamental Structure of Quick, Effective Living Area Cleaning

Approaching cleaning in a structured, systematic way can drastically improve efficiency and thoroughness, especially in the living areas. The spiral cleaning method paves the way for a cleaning routine that's straightforward to learn, a breeze to remember, effective, and works in harmony with nature’s most powerful force: gravity!

To adopt the Spiral Method in the living areas, begin at the top left corner of the room and let your right hand guide you through five methodical revolutions.

1. The first revolution zeroes in on high dusting, wiping away cobwebs and dust from light fixtures, fans, and any high display units or shelves.

2. The second round hones in on wall decorations, bookshelves, and electronics, ensuring all your cherished possessions and gadgets are free of smudges and dust.

3. The third revolution concentrates on seating areas, coffee tables, beds, and other central furniture, where daily usage can lead to an accumulation of dust and random debris.

4. The fourth cycle addresses storage units, side tables, and any lower fixtures where unnoticed spills and dust may gather.

5. The fifth and final rotation attends to baseboards, carpets, and floors, sweeping up any remnants that have descended during the previous revolutions.

Each sweep of the spiral builds upon the previous one, ensuring no nook or cranny is overlooked and utilizing gravity to shift dirt and debris downward naturally. This technique amps up your speed because you don’t have to slow down to avoid dropping dust and crumbs, as everything you miss just drops down to a yet-to-be-cleaned dirty area.

But the beauty of this method isn't just in its efficiency. The spiral technique alleviates the cleaner from the mental fatigue of trying to remember what to clean or what has been cleaned recently. Without a structured approach, cleaners often grapple with recalling which areas were dusted recently, resulting in embarrassing situations like bookcases that get neglected for months!

The spiral method liberates cleaners physically and mentally to operate at peak efficiency. Clean at top speed, allowing debris to naturally fall and just follow the spiral, focusing on the aesthetic instead of trying to remember the last time you wiped down the baseboards!

1. Tables, Nightstands, and other Modern Wood Furniture

What supplies do you need?

• Premium multi-surface microfiber towels

• Premium Microfiber Polish Towel

• Warm water or a wood-safe all-purpose cleaner (Windex Multisurface)

• Soft-bristled toothbrush (for intricate designs or detailing)

• Optional: Wood Polish (Howard Lemon Oil)

How do I do it right?

DAMPEN DIRECTLY

Lightly spray the microfiber towel with the cleaner OR wet it with warm water and wring it out VERY thoroughly. Avoid spraying the furniture directly to prevent water spots.

PREP A LANDING PAD

Begin by quickly wiping an empty staging area on a portion of the table. You will use this area to move objects out of the way as you clean.

LIFT AND DUST

Pick up any items atop the furniture. Using the damp microfiber towel, dust the bottom of the item and place it in the staging area.

GO WITH THE GRAIN

Wipe the surface in the direction of the grain. For furniture with intricate designs, use the soft-bristled brush pressed into the back of the towel to clean the grooves.

BUFF AND SHINE

Using a dry polishing microfiber towel, buff the surface to restore the wood's natural shine. You can apply a small amount of polish to the towel at this step.

REPLACE AND REARRANGE

Return all items from the staging area, placing them attractively as you work (see How to Clean & Style Living Spaces for details).

Professional Tips: Be very careful to minimize water usage and dry thoroughly when cleaning wood to avoid water spots. For details on cleaning wood and special instructions for antiques, read How to Clean Wood Furniture Safely.

2. TV and Computer Screens

What supplies do you need?

• Premium multi-surface microfiber towels

• Premium Microfiber Glass Towel

• Manufacturer Recommended Screen Cleaner or Distilled Water

How do I do it Right?

POWER DOWN

Ensure the device is turned off.

DAMPEN DIRECTLY

Lightly spray the microfiber towel with the cleaner OR wet it with distilled water and wring it out VERY thoroughly. Avoid spraying the technology directly to prevent water damage to the electronics.

GENTLE SWIPES

Wipe the screen from top to bottom with the multi-surface towel, rubbing out fingerprints and smudges. Be careful not to push water into seams and cracks and not to rub too aggressively. Watch out for jewelry scratching as you work.

BUFF & SHINE

Use a dry glass towel to buff out any streaks and remove any moisture from the screen to leave a residue and lint-free shine.

Professional Tips: Avoid using regular glass cleaners or multi-surface cleaners on screens, as they can damage the coating. If absolutely necessary, a very tiny amount of dish soap can be used with the distilled water.

3. Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures and High Dusting

What supplies do you need?

• Chenille microfiber duster (extension pole included)

• Step stool or ladder (if necessary)

• Warm water or a wood-safe all-purpose cleaner (Windex Multisurface)

How do I do it Right?

POWER DOWN

Ensure that fans and light fixtures are turned off.

DRY DUST OR DAMPEN DIRECTLY

Dry dust if items are only in need of maintenance cleaning. For neglected items, lightly spray the microfiber duster with the cleaner OR wet it with water and wring it out VERY thoroughly.

FANCY FOLD AND REACH OUT

Fold the chenille duster into a flattened “C” shape to wrap around fan blades or a flattened upside-down “U” for light fixtures and cobwebs. Extend the duster pole till you can reach the item while holding the pole with both hands at a slight angle.

SWEEP & SWIPE

Gently work the duster around the light fixtures, opening the duster to fit in small spaces. For fans, dust each blade from tip to base, pushing the blade through the center of the “C” and back. Push the cleaned blade aside and repeat till complete.

DAB THE DETAILS

Gently work the duster around the lights and motor, removing dust and cobwebs. Open the duster to an “L” shape to wipe the top of the fan motor.

CLEAR THE COBWEBS

Use the duster to run it along the top border of the walls and into corners to address cobwebs and dust.

Professional Tips: Cleaning fans monthly can reduce allergens, improve air quality, and eliminate the need for damp cleaning.

4. Mirrors and Glass Tables

What supplies do you need?

• Premium multi-surface microfiber towels

• Premium Microfiber Glass Towel

• Warm water or dish soap (Dawn Professional)

How do I do it Right?

DAMPEN DIRECTLY

Lightly spray the multi-surface microfiber towel with window cleaner OR wet it with distilled water and wring it out VERY thoroughly. Avoid spraying the mirror directly to prevent water damage to the mirror frame.

GENTLE SWIPES

Wipe the glass from top to bottom with the multi-surface towel, rubbing out fingerprints and smudges. Be careful not to push water into the frame or behind the mirror to avoid wood and mirror rot. Watch out for jewelry scratching as you work.

BUFF & SHINE

Use a dry glass towel to buff out any streaks and remove any moisture from the glass to leave a residue and lint-free shine.

Professional Tips: Cleaning with distilled water actually causes fewer streaks than window cleaners. High-quality microfiber is actually what controls streaks and lint (see video)! For large mirrors, work in sections to ensure thorough cleaning.

5. Making Beds and Changing Linens

What supplies do you need?

• Fresh bed linens

• Premium multi-surface microfiber towels

How do I do it Right?

STRIP DOWN

Remove old linens, pillows, and blankets.

DRY DUST OR WET WIPE

Dry dust the bed frame and headboard with the multi-surface towel. If it is a hard material like wood or metal and heavily soiled, dampen the towel lightly with warm water or an all-purpose cleaner to remove the soil, and then dry it with a fresh towel.

FITTED FIRST

Spread and tuck in the fitted sheet, ensuring no wrinkles. Start with the hardest corners to reach if the bed is pressed against the wall or in the corner of the room.

FLAT FACE DOWN

Place the flat sheet with the attractive edging or pattern facing down onto the bed, with the finished edge touching the top of the mattress. Fold the top edge back 6” and then tuck all three sides of the sheet tight under the mattress.

BLANKETS BENEATH

Layer any warming blankets on top of the flat sheet at the same time so both are folded over on the top and tucked in on the edges together.  

TOP LAYER TUCK-LESS

The top layer of the comforter, duvet, or bedspread should be smoothed out evenly across the bed. Be careful not to leave wrinkles or exposed tags for a polished look.

PILLOW TALK

Replace pillowcases. Fluff, smooth, and position pillows standing up against the headboard, with sleeping pillows in the back and decorative pillows in front, in a symmetrical arrangement with a center point.

FINAL TOUCHES

Return any bed decorations, such as throw blankets or stuffed animals, in a folded and neat arrangement. Blankets are usually draped at the bottom edge, and stuffed animals are placed in front of the pillows. (See How to Clean & Style Living Spaces for details.)

Professional Tips: Bedding should be changed and laundered a minimum of twice a month. Consider using mattress and pillow protectors to guard against allergens and spills.

Final Thoughts & Final Course!

As we wrap up this meticulous journey through living area cleaning, it's evident that the right techniques and tools, especially the indispensable microfiber, can make all the difference in ensuring your spaces not only look clean but truly and thoroughly spotless.

However, our quest for a pristine home doesn't end here. Join us next Tuesday as we dive into the final course in our series.

Prepare to master the realms of mopping as we present the "8/31 Mopping Masterclass: The Art of Mopping Floors and Walls with Microfiber." Set the reminders on your calendar NOW!