Cleaning is such a gruesome activity, especially to busy moms like me. One thing I learned as I went through this whole SAHMhood (Stay at Home Mom) process is to clean as I go. I pick up the mess little by little as it has no chance to accumulate. Otherwise I would end up cleaning heaps of junk that would take me ages to finish.

Make a schedule and stick to it! That’s the basic rule. Spending too much time in a room will definitely sidetrack your cleaning strategy. Just note the portions that would need major cleaning or fixation and do it some other time. Don’t go from one room to another, start at one spot and finish the cleaning at another. This would save you from bringing dirty stuff to a room that you’ve already cleaned.

If you don’t have that much time every day, pick at least two jobs, like dusting the bedrooms and doing the laundry. Vacuum those dusts away as the washing machine is doing its job. This way you have saved precious time and lessened your laundry and dust piles a bit. My mom taught me to "dust away everyday" to avoid build up. It’s true. Believe me.

Keep stacks of toys in covered bins. This would not only save your house from clutter. You’re also saving the toys from dust and germs. And you save your kids from possible diseases at the same time. Isn’t it worth the effort? One thing though – as much as possible – you need to avoid buying those crappy toys in fast foods. Not only that it’s impractical, it also adds to the overall heap.

Wipe it down. Use a damp cloth and a cleaning solution to clean those surfaces, door knobs and handles. Perhaps if you have Dettol wipes - the better. You’ll be sure you got rid of all the bacteria, which is so important in these days of flu threat.

Use your nose. Does your kitchen smell like rotten cabbage? Open the windows and spray some air freshener! Check carefully the spaces between kitchen units. It’s a perfect place for all the food particles, bread crumbs or other pieces that fell down unnoticed. Refrigerator stinks? Leave an open pack of charcoal or baking soda so it would absorb the unwanted smell. But clean it first! And please – don’t leave any rubber shoes in the shoe compartment! Let it breathe first before putting it there. Save yourself from the unbearable foul smell.

Keep those magazines in a rack and books on the shelves. With several monthly magazine subscriptions, I would understand that you have barely read most of it, so instead of letting it go, why not buy a rack especially for your magazines instead of leaving them on the floor? Arrange your books according to author or publisher or theme for organizing. It’ll be easier for you to find what you need if they are arranged that way.

Always remember about these tips and tricks. And - Happy cleaning, happy living!