Clean countertops after each meal with warm water and mild detergent. To remove stubborn grease, use a mixture of baking soda and water. Always dry surfaces to prevent water spots.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply to faucets and showerheads, let sit for 15 minutes, and rinse. For stubborn stains, use half a lemon with salt and rub gently.

Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1 liter of warm water. Use crumpled newspaper instead of cloths—it doesn't leave lint and gives extra shine. Clean on cloudy days to avoid marks from drying quickly in the sun.

Monday: Bathrooms. Tuesday: Deep clean the kitchen. Wednesday: Vacuum and mop. Thursday: Bedrooms and change linens. Friday: Common areas. Set aside 30 minutes a day—it's more effective than 3 hours on the weekend.

Vacuum twice a week in high-traffic areas. For odors, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 2 hours, and vacuum. Treat stains immediately: absorb the excess, never rub—apply a gentle tampon from the outside in.

Critical areas: door handles, light switches, controls, telephones. Use 70% alcohol or an approved disinfectant. Let it sit for 1 minute before drying. Do this daily during flu season or when you have young children at home.