20 Easy Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People

Cleaning is always a difficult task. If you are a lazy woman who hates cleaning, I am going to share with you a few tricks that allow you to work smarter, not harder.

These easy cleaning hacks for lazy people will help you keep your home neat with minimal effort. Short habits, simple tools, and a few smart products can prevent mess and reduce scrubbing.

Use this guide to clean more efficiently, save time, and maintain a tidy space without spending your entire weekend on cleaning.

20 Easy Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People

1. Think Everything Easier

Before you start cleaning, adopt a mindset that views cleaning as an easy task rather than a difficult one. This mental shift will simplify your cleaning process. Start your cleaning with joy and a positive attitude.

2. When You Wake Up, Make Your Bed

Making your bed immediately upon waking can make your bedroom look cleaner in just a few minutes. Use a duvet to keep it simple; just shake it out, smooth it down, and fluff the pillows. If you sweat at night, let the bed air out for about 10 minutes before putting the duvet back and straightening the pillows. This small habit reduces clutter, sets a positive mood for the day, and helps prevent a messy room. It only takes one to two minutes and saves you a trip later on.

3. Own Less, Clean Less

Clutter collects dust and wastes time. Start by cleaning one shelf or one drawer at a time. Use a timer (See my favorite: Digital Kitchen Timer) to keep the process easy. Keep a donation box (like this one) near the door, and add one item to it each day. Choose furniture with legs, so you can sweep underneath more easily. If you use low profile bed, a robot vacuum(see my favorite product) can help you. Use baskets or closed cabinets to store everyday items. You can use a large storage bin. Follow this simple rule: for every new item you bring home, let one go. By reducing the number of surfaces and objects in your space, cleaning will be faster and less overwhelming.

4. Clean While You Cook

Use your time in the kitchen wisely to keep things clean and organized. While water is boiling or the oven is preheating, wipe down the cabinet fronts or the stovetop. Keep a microfiber cloth near the range to catch splatters as they happen. Soak dirty pans in warm, soapy water while you eat so that stuck-on bits come off easily later; a dishwasher (my favorite Countertop Dishwasher) will save your time. A splatter screen helps reduce oil mess on the stove. Finish by wiping down the counter for two minutes, and you will have very little left to clean after dinner.

5. Stop Dirt at the Door

Most dirt on floors comes from shoes. To keep this dirt out, put two mats at the entrance: a rough one outside (like this) and a washable one inside (like this). Place a shoe rack (I recommend a Wood Shoe Rack) or boot tray (my choice) near the door, and ask both family members and guests to remove their shoes. To make it easier for everyone, provide simple house slippers like this. Shake out the mats every week and wash the indoor mat when needed. Keeping dirt outside will mean less sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.

6. Wipe the Shower After Every Use

To prevent soap scum and hard water spots, wipe down the shower immediately after use. Keep a squeegee (I recommend this) or a microfiber cloth in the shower to clean the glass, walls, and fixtures. Spray the surfaces daily with a mixture of water and a drop of dish soap to help break down any buildup. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces, such as marble or travertine. Hang the clothes to dry to stop odors; you can use wall hooks like this. This quick habit takes just 30 seconds and can save you hours of scrubbing later.

7. Pick Up as You Move

Turn your daily activities into chances for quick cleaning. Carry a small basket as you move between rooms and pick up items that belong elsewhere. In this case, you can use a Foldable Rolling Utility Cart. When you enter a room, put one item away, and before you leave, take one item with you. Spend five minutes each night to tidy up the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Create simple spots for keys, mail, and chargers to stop stray items from piling up. Regular, small cleanups can help keep clutter from taking over.

8. Wear Microfiber Mop Slippers

Keep your hard floors clean by wearing microfiber mop slippers (I recommend this one) as you move around your home. The microfibers capture dust, hair, and crumbs without the need for sweeping. To stay safe, keep the bottoms of the slippers dry and avoid using polish or sprays to prevent slipping. Wash the covers every week in the washing machine and air-dry them to keep the fibers in good condition. If slippers aren’t for you, take one minute each day to quickly use a flat microfiber mop on the floors (I highly recommend this amazing product). This will help your floors look clean with little effort.

9. Let a Robot Vacuum Do the Work

A robot vacuum is ideal for everyday cleaning, removing pet hair, and collecting crumbs. Select a model that suits your floor type and set it to clean either daily or every other day. Remove cords, small toys, and curtains from the floor, and create no-go zones if your model allows it. To maintain a strong suction, empty the dust bin and clean the brushes at least once a week. Using a robot vacuum alongside a robot mop can help keep hard floors cleaner between deep cleans, so you can relax.

I recommend you use a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum that will give you smart cleaning while you relax. Here are my top pick Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums:

ILIFE A30 Pro Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Tikom Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Airzeen Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Read also: 30 Practical Uses of Robot Vacuum Cleaner

10. Use a Scrap Bowl for Food Prep

Keep your counters clear while cooking by using a scrap bowl or compost caddy (See my recommended product: EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin). Place it next to your cutting board to toss peels, stems, and wrappers as you work. You can line it with a bag for easy disposal. When you finish cooking, make one trip to the trash or compost bin. Cutting boards with built-in trays like this can also help keep your prep space tidy. This simple habit prevents sticky counters and saves time on cleanup.

11. Line Your Fridge

Use fridge shelf liners to catch drips and crumbs. This makes cleaning easy; just swap them out when needed. Choose EVA or silicone liners, and cut them to fit. Line the drawers and door bins as well. Rinse or wipe the liners each week, dry them thoroughly, and return them to their storage location. Add clear bins for snacks and condiments to prevent sticky spills from spreading. Do not block airflow vents; leave small gaps so the fridge can cool properly. This will keep your fridge fresher and reduce the need for deep cleaning.

Here are a few of my recommended Refrigerator Shelf Liners:

16 Pcs Refrigerator Liners Mats

Linda’s Essentials Refrigerator Liners for Shelves

Cooyes Refrigerator Shelf Liner

12. Steam-Clean the Microwave (No Scrub)

Steam helps you clean your microwave quickly and efficiently. To do it, place a microwave-safe bowl (I suggest this) containing two cups of water and half a cup of white vinegar (or lemon slices for a more pleasant aroma) inside. Heat it for 3 to 5 minutes, then let the steam sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully take out the bowl, wash the turntable in the sink, and wipe down the walls, ceiling, and door. To eliminate odors, leave a small bowl of baking soda in the microwave for an hour. No hard scrubbing is needed.

13. Self-Clean the Blender

To clean your blender safely, first unplug it. Then, pour warm water into the Blender jar halfway. Next, add some dish soap. Put the lid on and run the blender for 10 to 20 seconds. Rinse the jar well afterward. If the jar is detachable, remove and rinse the gasket and blade base to avoid buildup. For sticky mixtures, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water before blending. Let the jar air-dry upside down and never submerge the motor base.

Here is my top pick all-purpose powerful benders:

Ninja 1000W Professional Blender

Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender

BLACK+DECKER PowerCrush Multi-Function Blender

14. Dishwash More Than Dishes

Your dishwasher can clean more than just plates. I suggest you use a smart dishwasher (like this) that has multiple features. You can often put fridge bins, utensil holders, toothbrush holders, some plastic toys, pet bowls, light glass shades, and even range-hood filters (after soaking them to remove grease) in the top rack. Use a mesh bag for small items to prevent them from falling through. Avoid putting wood, cast iron, fine knives, nonstick items that aren’t dishwasher-safe, and delicate plastics or aluminum that may discolor in the dishwasher. Use a normal heat cycle and turn off the heated dry for sensitive items.

15. Keep Duplicate Cleaning Kits Where You Use Them

Keep a small cleaning caddy (like this#1 or this#2) in each busy area of your home. Place one under the kitchen sink, one in each bathroom, and one on every floor. Fill it with an all-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, a small scrub brush, and trash bags. When cleaning supplies are conveniently located near where you need them, you are more likely to take a moment to wipe things down. Refill the caddies once a month to easily find what you need.

16. Color-Code Your Microfiber Cloths

Assign colors to cleaning tasks to prevent confusion. Use blue for cleaning glass and mirrors, yellow for kitchen counters, green for general dusting, and pink for bathroom surfaces. Keep a small bin or hook for each color where it’s used. Wash cloths together by color to keep them fresh. This system helps you clean faster and ensures that the bathroom sponge stays out of the kitchen.

17. Do a Two-Minute Morning Bathroom Reset

After brushing your teeth, take a moment to clean your bathroom. Wipe down the faucet and sink, clean the corners of the mirror, and change the hand towel if it’s damp. Keep a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner under the sink so you can easily grab them. This simple routine prevents toothpaste buildup, water spots, and soap rings, so your bathroom always looks ready for guests.

18. Contain Messes with Trays, Mats, and Coasters

Put a small tray under your coffee maker, a silicone mat under the dish soap, and coasters under the plant pots. Use a vanity tray for cosmetics and a boot tray for wet shoes. These items catch drips and crumbs, making it easier to lift, rinse, and replace them instead of scrubbing large areas. Keeping things contained means faster cleaning.

19. Park a Handheld Vacuum Where You Drop Crumbs

Keep a cordless handheld vacuum (This is my personal choice) or a stick vacuum on a wall dock near the kitchen or dining area. Spend 30 seconds cleaning up crumbs after snacks, under the table, and along baseboards. Quick daily cleanups help you avoid long vacuuming sessions later. Empty the vacuum bin when it reaches the maximum line to maintain strong suction.

20. Follow the 45-Second Rule for Small Messes

If a task takes less than a minute, do it right away: wipe the stove, rinse the sink, take the trash to the bin, or fold the throw blanket. These small tasks help prevent clutter. Use a timer on the counter to make it fun and quick. Momentum is key to quick cleaning.

21. Automate Reminders and Restocking

Set reminders on your phone for monthly tasks, such as cleaning the microwave, washing filters, descaling the kettle, and vacuuming under sofas. Subscribe to essentials like dishwasher tabs, liners, trash bags, and microfiber cloths so you never run out. Keep extra supplies in one “refills” bin. With supplies ready and tasks scheduled, cleaning becomes a straightforward process.

22. Share the Chores

A clean home is easier when everyone pitches in. Create a simple chart that lists daily and weekly chores and rotate them so that no one is assigned the same task repeatedly. Assign chores based on preferences to help everyone follow through. After dinner, have a 10-minute family cleanup with a timer and some music. Focus on making cleaning a habit, rather than striving for perfection. These small shared efforts keep the home clean with minimal total time.

Conclusion

You don’t need to love cleaning to keep your home clean. These easy cleaning tips focus on preventing messes, performing quick tidy-ups, and utilizing tools that make your job easier. Make small daily efforts, cover the messiest areas, and let gadgets do the routine work. Your space will stay neat with less time, less effort, and almost no scrubbing.

Read also:

How To Deep Clean Your House Room by Room

How To Clean Your Entire House in 1 Hour