Okay, it’s officially ugly truth time: I was not born with the “need to clean” gene. 

Hey, you either have the gene or you don’t. 

I have so many friends and family members who are constantly reaching for the mop. They get a sense of power and joy by scrubbing out all the dirt and grime. It’s only after all the wardrobes are cleared, the pillows fluffed and neatly arranged, and the floors so sparkling clean you can eat off them, can these people exhale. 

And me?… Well, let’s just say my lack of desire to get scrubbin’ is *borderline* problematic. As a result, this has led to more issues than I can possibly count — Messiness being one of them.

My sister once joked that the only time I’m willing to clean is when I’m pretending I’m Cinderella. (She knows me all too well, cause I can’t find any lies in that statement.)

As a result of my lacking a “clean gene,” (literally gross, I know,) I’m constantly scouring the internet for the best cleaning hacks. I want to get the whole showdown done as swiftly and efficiently as possible. All I want it to leave the place looking brand spankin’ new and sparkling… Yet, I don’t wanna break my back in the process.

Lucky me! There’s an abundance of viral TikTok videos swarming the platform at the moment, offering the most brilliant cleaning hacks you’re ever gonna find. 

How to clean with lightning quick speed and dazzling results

@cindellkimbrough

So glad I learned this cleaning system 😭 #cleanwithme #howtoclean

♬ original sound – Cindell

Viral TikToker, Cindell Kimbrough, has blessed the interwebs with her life-changing cleaning hacks. As a former house cleaner herself, Kimbrough has years of professional experience under her belt when it comes to efficiently decluttering and wiping down even the biggest homes. 

Whether you live in a spacious mansion or a teeny-tiny, shoe box-sized apartment like me, these tips are so good you’ll put Mr. Clean to shame.

Fall Cleaning Step One: Clean one room at a time

Photo Credit: Sanju Pandita (Unspalsh)

Okay, so this one is critical for my fellow ADHD folk — first of all, hi! Isn’t cleaning the worst? What makes it difficult is that we have a harder time focusing on one task at a time — especially when it comes to tasks we’re not all that passionate about. Instead, we want to do this, that, and the other thing all in thirty minutes, or less. 

But sadly — according to viral TikToker Kimbrough (who also mentions having ADHD) — this is a surefire way to get nothing done. If you try cleaning from one room to the next, you’re gonna burn out fast. Instead, discipline yourself to strategically concentrate on cleaning one room at a time. 

This is the *key* to efficiency. 

After all, Kimbrough is a pro — listen to her. 

Fall Cleaning Step Two: Pick your first room

Photo credit: Alisa Anton (Unsplash)

As stated above, it’s super important that you center your focus on one individual room at a time. This is the most efficient way to clean, so which room will you start with? The choice is entirely up to you. 

Fall Cleaning Step Three: Start with the clutter on the floor

Photo credit: Sanju Pandita (Unsplash)

After you’ve picked out your first room to sparkle up and polish to perfection, you’re gonna wanna focus on the floor. Grab all the miscellaneous stuff that shouldn’t be there. Grab the throwaway pillow, dirty underwear, stuffed animal, pajama bottoms, sprawled out book, Kleenex, hairtye, and that one crumpled sock. Grab all of it. 

Pick everything up from the floor. Then, immediately put the items back where they belong in the room.   

Fall Cleaning Step Four: Find all the items that don’t belong

Photo credit: Max Anz (Unsplash)

Chances are, there are gonna be some miscellenious items in your room that don’t belong there. I identify as one of those people who ALWAYS leaves cups in my room. (Sorry, Mom.)

While your first instinct is to haul all the glasses and mugs and stacking them in the dishwasher, hold your horses. According to Kimbrough, it’s imperative that you don’t go running from the room you need to stay strictly focusing on.  

Even the simple act of bringing the cups to the kitchen can knock your entire process off kilter. The key is to not get disorganized with your organization. Instead, make a pile at the door of the room that you’re currently cleaning with all the items you plan on returning to other rooms. 

Resist your urge to immediately return them to their separate rooms. (It’s tempting, I know.)

Fall Cleaning Step Five: Choose Your Corner

Photo Credit: Gianni Scognami (Unsplash)

Next, check out the individual corners of the room. Start with one corner (whichever your heart desires) and clean that specific area. Then, move to the next corner. Then the next, and the next. This will really help you perfect one area at a time. It certainly does for me. 

Fall Cleaning Step Six: Dust time!

Photo Credit: Alexandra Gorn (Unsplash)

Now that all the clutter is gone from each corner, it is time to get your favorite duster and attack all the dirt and grime. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the cleaning process since it has the power to change the whole atmosphere of the room. You’ll even breathe cleaner air once all the dusting is done and out of the way. (I’m sneezing just thinking about this step.)

Fall Cleaning Step Seven: Scrub it up

Photo Credit: Curology (Unsplash)

I’m gonna have to disagree with TLC on this one, because in this case, I want a scrub. Grab your favorite scrubbing tools and don’t forget to wash down the doors. Scrub all the crevices of the door from top (if you can reach) to bottom.  

Fall Cleaning Step Eight: Vacum/mop depending on floor type

Photo credit: Liana Mikah (Unsplash)

Now it’s time to fetch your vacuum (if the floor is carpeted) or mop (on hardwood). Get rid of all the dirt and debris that’s collected in the space since your last clean. You’ll be amazed by how much has built up. 

Fall Cleaning Step Nine: Treat each space as if it’s its own room 

Photo Credit: Francesca Tosolin

Finally, Kimbrough suggests that you treat every single space in your home like it’s its own room. For instance, the hallways should be their own room, closets are their own room, etc. 

Also: Have you considered trying the Pomodoro Decluttering Method?

Let’s dive into that real quick:

What is the Pomodoro Decluttering Method, and How can it help you clean faster/smarter?

Photo credit: Daiga Ellaby

Have you guys heard about this new Pomodoro Decluttering technique? I discovered it recently and it’s an incredible tool that helps me properly tidy up my place — without the dreaded burn out. 

If you’re like me, and you’re constantly looking for sources to amp your productivity, Pomodoro helps you achieve a quality cleaning in a shorter span of time. The method suggests that you put all your focus into the task for 25 minutes, followed by a five minute break. Then, focus for another 25 minutes and take another five minute interval. 

Continue that method for a total of four times, before allowing yourself that half hour break you’ve been waiting for. You’ve earned it.

Pomodoro Method is perfect for preventing burnout and enhancing productivity

Photo credit: Dan Gold (Unsplash)

This is one of my favorite methods for boosting productivity levels. Why? Because it gives you just the right amount of time for a breather without making you completely exhausted.    

Cleaning takes a considerable amount of time, care, and physical effort. Because it’s no easy task, it requires tools and a technique like the Pomodoro Method to get it done the smart way.

With these awesome tips, tools, and techniques, you’ll have the place neat and cleaned to perfection in no time!