Cleaning Your House

Clean Top to Bottom, Left to Right Don't start a room by wiping the coffee table, then clean the blinds, and seeing the dust from the blinds coat your newly clean coffee table. Sardone says to start at the top of the room, such as dusting a ceiling fan, and work down to the floor to eliminate redundant work.

Squeegee Windows for a Streak-Free Finish Can't get the shine you want with Windex and

paper towels? Author and speed-cleaning expert Laura Dellutri's weapon of choice is a professional-grade window squeegee,

Place a drop of dish soap in a gallon of water, wipe it generously on the window with a cloth, then squeegee it off. "Go top to bottom and wipe the blade each time at the bottom

Keep Proper Tools at the Ready Having all the tools and cleaning products you need at arm's-reach means you won't waste time walking back and forth to the cabinet under the sink. Sardone recommends wearing an apron, or even a carpenter's tool belt, and filling the pockets. This might be hard with several large bottles of cleaner, but you don't need large bottles—pour the cleaners into small spray bottles that are easy to carry. You can also place your supplies in a caddy or a bucket to stay organized and save time.

Dust Without Spraying Feather dusters work great for cleaning blinds, pictures, nooks, and other areas. Sardone likes ostrich feather dusters,because the feathers tackle the dust and the large quills don't fall out of the handle.

Cut Through Kitchen Grease Grease inevitably ends up on kitchen cabinets, especially those above or next to the range. You can buy a cleaner with orange oil to wipe off the grease, or you can use a standard grease-cutting dishwashing detergent. The detergent will cut through the grease on the cabinets just like it does with dishes.

Mix one tablespoon of liquid detergent with a gallon of warm water. Test the solution in an inconspicuous area, wiping it on with a clean sponge or cloth, to make sure it won't damage or discolor the finish. Then rinse it off with a different sponge and clear, warm water.

For tough stains or buildup that won't come off with detergent, mix baking soda with water and lightly scrub the problem area with a cloth.