Cleaning and Housekeeping: Essential Skills for High School Students

A clean living space is essential for your health and well-being. It also helps in making a positive impression on your roommates and friends. Here’s a guide to help you master basic cleaning skills, maintain a tidy bathroom and kitchen, and create a welcoming environment.

1. Basic Cleaning Skills

Dusting

Dust accumulates on surfaces and can cause allergies. Here’s how to dust effectively:

  • Tools Needed: Microfiber cloth or duster, dusting spray (optional).
  • Steps:
    1. Remove items from the surface you’re dusting.
    2. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe surfaces. Start from the top and work your way down to avoid spreading dust.
    3. For extra shine, use a dusting spray.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming keeps floors and carpets free from dirt and allergens.

  • Tools Needed: Vacuum cleaner.
  • Steps:
    1. Clear the floor of any large debris or items.
    2. Start vacuuming from one end of the room, moving in a methodical pattern to ensure you cover the entire floor.
    3. Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.

Disinfecting Surfaces

Regular disinfecting reduces the spread of germs.

  • Tools Needed: Disinfectant wipes or spray, microfiber cloth.
  • Steps:
    1. Spray the disinfectant on the surface or use wipes.
    2. Let the disinfectant sit for the recommended time on the label to ensure effectiveness.
    3. Wipe down the surface with a clean cloth.

2. Maintaining a Clean Bathroom

Sink and Countertops

  • Tools Needed: All-purpose cleaner, sponge or cloth.
  • Steps:
    1. Remove all items from the countertop.
    2. Spray the cleaner on the sink and countertop.
    3. Scrub with a sponge or cloth, paying attention to soap scum and toothpaste spots.
    4. Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.

Toilet

  • Tools Needed: Toilet cleaner, toilet brush.
  • Steps:
    1. Apply toilet cleaner inside the bowl.
    2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
    3. Scrub the bowl with the toilet brush, focusing on under the rim.
    4. Flush to rinse.

Shower/Bathtub

  • Tools Needed: Bathroom cleaner, scrub brush or sponge.
  • Steps:
    1. Spray the cleaner on the shower walls and bathtub.
    2. Scrub with a brush or sponge to remove soap scum and grime.
    3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Mirrors and Glass

  • Tools Needed: Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth.
  • Steps:
    1. Spray the glass cleaner on the mirror.
    2. Wipe with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion to avoid streaks.

3. Maintaining a Clean Kitchen

Dishes

  • Tools Needed: Dish soap, sponge, dish rack.
  • Steps:
    1. Rinse dishes to remove food particles.
    2. Wash with dish soap and a sponge.
    3. Rinse thoroughly and place in a dish rack to dry.

Countertops and Sink

  • Tools Needed: All-purpose cleaner, sponge or cloth.
  • Steps:
    1. Clear the countertop of items.
    2. Spray the cleaner on the countertops and sink.
    3. Wipe down with a sponge or cloth, ensuring you clean all corners.

Stove and Oven

  • Tools Needed: Stove cleaner, oven cleaner, sponge.
  • Steps:
    1. Remove burner grates and soak them in warm, soapy water.
    2. Spray the stove with cleaner and wipe with a sponge.
    3. For the oven, use an oven cleaner and follow the instructions on the label.

Refrigerator

  • Tools Needed: All-purpose cleaner, cloth.
  • Steps:
    1. Remove all food items.
    2. Spray the shelves and walls with cleaner.
    3. Wipe down with a cloth, then replace the food items.

4. Tips for Keeping Your Space Clean

  • Declutter Regularly: Keep surfaces clear by regularly removing unnecessary items.
  • Daily Habits: Make your bed every morning, put away clothes, and do a quick tidy-up before bed.
  • Deep Clean Weekly: Set aside time once a week to do a thorough clean of your space.
  • Share Responsibilities: If you have roommates, create a cleaning schedule to divide tasks evenly.

Maintaining a clean living space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating these simple cleaning habits into your routine, you can ensure a healthy, welcoming environment for yourself and your guests. Start with these basics, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of housekeeping.

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