Expert consulted: 
I’ve learned that living in a New York City apartment means every square foot counts—and so does every minute. Between work, commuting, and actually trying to have a life, I don't have hours to spend deep-cleaning. (Though I’d love to!) So, I've always tried to be efficient about it. Quick wipe-downs before bed, speed-cleaning on Sunday mornings, using lots of product to get things done fast. Time is money here, for better or for worse, and I treat my cleaning routine accordingly.
But, I’ve also learned that being fast doesn't always mean being effective, especially when cleaning. I would spray and wipe counters in record time, but not actually get them clean. Or, I'd use half a bottle of cleaner, thinking more equals better, only to end up with streaky buildup on my windows and mirrors. I was putting in the effort and had the right mindset—just in all the wrong ways.
To figure out what actually works (and what's just wasting time and product), I talked to Noah Pinsonnault, Good Housekeeping Reviews Analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Turns out, cleaning smarter doesn't mean spending more time—it means making a few simple shifts that pros already know. Below are nine cleaning hacks our professional cleaner always uses. These tips won't add hours to your routine and, instead, will actually get your place cleaner with way less effort.
1. Use less cleaning product than you think
It’s tempting to assume cleaner means better results, but Pinsonnault says that’s a myth. “Overusing detergent or sprays can leave residue that actually attracts dirt and fingerprints,” he explains. Stick to the minimum effective amount—for laundry, that’s often just one to two tablespoons—and focus on thorough rinsing and wiping to prevent buildup.
2. Let cleaners sit before you wipe
One of the biggest upgrades you can make is giving cleaners time to work. “Most people spray and immediately wipe, but cleaners need dwell time to break down grime and disinfect,” Pinsonnault says. Even 30 to 60 seconds can dramatically improve results and reduce the amount of scrubbing needed.
3. Clean your dishwasher filter regularly
Dishwashers don’t clean themselves, and the filter is the most overlooked part. “A clogged filter reduces cleaning performance and can redeposit grime onto dishes,” Pinsonnault notes. Remove and rinse the filter regularly, then run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a descaler like Lemishine to keep it running efficiently.
4. Fold microfiber cloths to clean smarter
Instead of bunching up a cloth, fold it into quarters. “Folding gives you eight clean surfaces per cloth, so you’re not just spreading dirt around,” Pinsonnault says. He also recommends lightly dampening microfiber—not soaking it—to improve its ability to pick up dust and oils.
RELATED: Best Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
5. Skip disinfectants when soap and water will do
Disinfectant wipes are often overused—and misused. “People don’t leave surfaces visibly wet for the required contact time,” Pinsonnault explains. For everyday messes, soap and water are usually enough. Saving disinfectants for higher-risk situations helps avoid streaks, residue and wasted product.
6. Vacuum more, mop less
Wet-cleaning floors too often can cause buildup. “For most homes, dry debris removal should happen far more often than wet mopping,” Pinsonnault says. Vacuum or sweep regularly, then spot-clean high-traffic areas between deeper mops to keep floors cleaner for longer.
RELATED: Best Vacuums, Tested in Our Cleaning Lab
7. Always clean from the top down
This pro habit saves time and effort. “Clean higher surfaces first and finish with floors,” Pinsonnault advises. Dust and debris naturally fall downward, so starting at the top prevents recontaminating freshly cleaned areas and reduces repeat work.
8. Use two cloths for streak-free surfaces
When cleaning glass or stainless steel, technique matters. “Use one cloth to remove the product and grime, then buff with a dry cloth,” Pinsonnault says. This simple switch prevents streaks and ensures you’re actually removing dirt—not just smearing it around.
9. Clean in small time windows
You don’t need a full cleaning session to stay on top of messes. Pinsonnault calls spare minutes between activities “margins.” “Ten or fifteen minutes is enough to wipe counters or clean a mirror,” he says. These small efforts add up and reduce the need for long, exhausting cleanups.
Noah Cortez is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor writing about
travel, culture, food, and lifestyle. Prior to this, he was a social media
editor at GQ Magazine, Complex, and Conde Nast Traveler, and his writing
has been featured in Tripadvisor, Hotels Above Par, Conde Nast Traveler,
and more. Find out more at noahcortez.com.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
