If you’re anything like me, you have pretty much whatever you need, except time. You have the time to accomplish most of the things you need to do – work, kids’ homework, cooking, shopping, etc. – but when it comes to finding the time to keep your house clean, that particular task takes a back seat to everything else on your growing to-do list.

Fear not, because, thanks to my friends at Better Homes and Gardens, I have devised the following handy-dandy checklist, which should help you clean your house in less than 60 minutes, so you have time for everything else on your list.

• Start with the bathroom. Yes, it’s the ickiest and most germ-prone room in the house, which is why you should tackle it first. Swirl some toilet cleaner in the bowl and then clean the rest of the room while it works its magic. Use an antibacterial cleaner to tackle the toilet’s exterior, cabinets, cupboards, tub, shower, mirrors, and fixtures (make sure that you are not using an abrasive cleanser on porous surfaces). Spritz some shower cleaner on the shower curtain, change the hand towels, and refill the liquid soap. Give the toilet bowl and good swirl and flush, then mop the floor and empty the trash can.
• Next, on to the kitchen. Assuming your sink is empty (ie: you’ve emptied and reloaded the dishwasher), wipe down appliance, counter, and cupboard surfaces. Polish the sink, empty the trash, and then mop the floor.
• In the living room, attack dust immediately. Pay special attention to the furniture, which collects dust faster than you’ll ever know. I prefer to use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to suck out the dust, etc, before it seeps into the stuffing. When dusting shelves and surfaces, I am a huge fan of microfiber dusting cloths because they grab the dust, rather than fling it around the room.  You’ll want to use antibacterial cleanser on tables, doorknobs, phones, light switches, and computer peripherals in order to kill the germs on the most commonly used items. Finally, put away the kids’ toys and give the carpet a quick vacuuming (or mopping, depending on what kind of floor you have) – bonus points if you take the time to vacuum a diamond pattern in your carpet the way mom used to!
• Next stop – the bedroom. Be sure to put fresh linens on your bed, plump the pillows (or toss in the dryer if they’ve gotten a little too flat) and rotate the mattress, if needed. Are there any clothes that need to be put away or tossed in the hamper? Straighten up nightstands, dressers, and any furniture that may have inadvertently been moved.
• Finally, go outside and walk past your house. What needs attention? Do any weeds need pulling? Pick up any debris and give the front steps and walkway a good sweeping.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens