How to Clean and Organize Your House

Co-authored by Jon Gholian

Last Updated: September 19, 2024

You get home from work to see your house as it always is. Shoes strewn across the doorway, toys piled up the stairs, dishes scattered in the kitchen, your bed unkempt. Here is some help to get your house back on track.

Part 1

Part 1 of 7:

Helpful approaches to cleaning and organizing

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Take a break now and then. After you've done a lot of cleaning, but you still have a lot to go, take a break. Good job. Give yourself a pat on the back before getting back to it. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you fail to take breaks, you may get discouraged. Move around, exercise or have a lie-down. Do whatever releases stress for you.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Make a pile of the stuff that is trash (have a bag handy), a pile for laundry, a pile for things that belong there, a pile for things that don't, and a pile of things that you'll be giving away. Sort through each pile until the room is clean.

Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 7:

Sorting the cleaning order out

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Add some white noise or your favorite music to keep you motivated. When the house physically looks cleaner, you feel more accomplished and motivated. Start with the rooms that are seen most by the public, such as the living room. ^{[2]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 7:

Most seen areas

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Tidy the doorway. Hang up coats. Put away shoes. Bring that kite your kids broke to the dump. Mop or vacuum the doorway. Beat the dirt and dust out of and mats or rugs.
- Wipe down the outside of the front door and any door-side windows.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Change the tablecloth, set the table, repair the crack in that chair at the end of the table.

Advertisement

Part 4

Part 4 of 7:

Wet areas

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Start with the kitchen. Put away the dishes and wipe down the counter. Label and organize spices. Organize the pantry. Now go through your fridge. Check the expiry dates on everything and organize foods.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Let the toilet soak, spray the mirror, change the garbage, switch the soap. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Darks, whites, mediums, towels. It has to be done.

Advertisement

Part 5

Part 5 of 7:

Personal areas

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Start with the spare bedroom. Clean the sheets, vacuum the floor, dust the tables. Then your bedroom. Make your bed, organize your makeup, dust the blinds. If you have kids, clean their rooms! They would appreciate it. Change the sheets, fold their clothes, switch the light bulb in the lamp. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Travel through your basement to the attic. You never know where that sock you lost 2 years ago could turn up.

Advertisement

Part 6

Part 6 of 7:

Big challenge areas

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is a big challenge area. Dust the TV screen, vacuum the floor, organize the toys, rearrange the furniture. Decluttering may be a tedious, even hard chore that takes days to complete. Gamifying your method is one way to deal with this. Decide on a plan and establish a goal for yourself.

Marie Kondo, Cleaning & Organization Expert

Smart storage can upgrade your space. "Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out."
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

This area needs cleaning out at least once a year. Grimy and greasy, it's a big challenge task.

Advertisement

Part 7

Part 7 of 7:

Finishing up

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is one of the last steps.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Vacuum, dust, and clean mirrors and windows. Make sure to check under cushions and furniture for smaller items that need to be put or thrown away. Vacuum under the cushions.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Get organizers for paper, magazines, whatever is in each room. Sort through one thing at a time in every room, making piles and organizing, until everything is clean
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

See if there is anything else you can do. Part of an organized home is the chores. Go around the house checking for things you can do like dishes or laundry.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/aid1818855-v4-728px-Clean-and-Organize-Your-House-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

You've done it––congratulations!

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How long does it take to clean and organize a house?

Community Answer

It depends on the size of the house and how messy it is. It can take anywhere from 1-5 hours, maybe more if it's a very large house.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 22
Question

How do I clean a wall that is painted?

Community Answer

Just use a light rag and soapy water, then use a hair dryer for 30 seconds only to dry. If you use it longer, you risk chipping the paint.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23
Question

How do you clean a wall?

Destiny Chidinma Nwachukwu

Community Answer

Use water and soap to scrub your wall with a clean soft sponge then you use a dry towel to wipe the water off.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 17

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Reader Videos

Tips

When tidying an area, you could put away the first thing out of place that catches your eye, then the next and so on.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
Split up the existing room that you are doing. For example, split your room into 4 sections.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
If you get confused over plug wires, label each plug by taping on some paper. On the paper, (before you put on the tape) write what the plug powers, for example, Micheal's phone charger, TV, Ann's bedside lamp.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Warnings

Make sure your breaks are short, because if they are too long, you will get lazy and discouraged.

Thanks
Helpful 46 Not Helpful 5
Don't try to do the hard things first, you might get discouraged.

Thanks
Helpful 39 Not Helpful 4

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

How to Clean and Organize Your House

Steps

Helpful approaches to cleaning and organizing

Sorting the cleaning order out

Most seen areas

Wet areas

Personal areas

Big challenge areas

Finishing up

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories