What is the best way to improve a dirty house in an hour or so?

[NoIamAngelaHernandez]

I work f/t, we cannot afford a cleaner.

We have 4 year old twin boys, DH is SAHD but has been ill for weeks with the lurgy so hasn't been keeping on top of things like he normally does. I am 13 weeks pg and have also been slacking a bit - been so knackered that I drop into bed at 8 pm instead of catching up.

DH is having a well earned 'day out' today. I have the DTs but they are helpful with housework.

I have a dirty house, mild SPD and a day to spruce things up. The sun is shining and I can see dirt everywhere.

What top tips do you have to make the most difference with the least effort? Many thanks in advance.

Floors first, biggest and always think they make the most impact.
What is annoying you the most though?

15 minute bursts. Working methodically round a room. Good luck. That's the one annoying thing about the sun.

Oh and close the curtains, wont show up the dust as much

Pull the curtains then you won't see the dust.

Great mins think alike Kukeslala!

Glad to hear you have the twins 'helping'

Hoover through the house, the twins can pick up things from the floor as you go.
Give them a damp cloth each so they can clean all surfaces, you may have to buff up with a dry cloth but they can get the layers of dust off.
Clean toilets, sinks and the bath.
Open a few windows to freshen the rooms
All toys away, just for today so you can enjoy your clean tidy house

Good luck!!

Pick up all paper - it seems to get everywhere in our house. Put it all in a pile for sorting in the evening in front of the telly. Clear the floors and hoover. Dust anywhere that the sun is shining onto - in our case the hall table and living room windowsill and telly are the worst places. Also mop hard floors.

Open all the windows. Floors, toilet, kitchen sink, mirrors and glass. Pick up all stuff lying around and fling it in a laundry basket, today is not the day to begin on minimalism and decluttering. You can go through basket later while sitting down. Encourage twins to dust with nice smelling polish. Get DH to bring some flowers on the way home and it will all look great. Good luck!

Short bursts is the key. And focus on one thing. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by the next job or you'll be on the go all day with nothing to show for it

Fly lady crisis clean is a good starting point

Wow you guys are awesome!

Ok, will start by putting a wash on.

Then will Hoover ( with boys dusting) downstairs.

Will open windows and light wood burner ( is freezing here!) but damp house so good to air it.

Will do 1/2 hour and report back.

Thank you so much.

Every time you leAve a room take three things with you to put away. Helps keep on top of things.

Eek don't dust then Hoover!
Hoovering blows up more dust so you do it twice if you dust then Hoover. I know they suck, but they also agitate surrounding dust. So Hoover, then dust. Apart from that, I reckon everyone else has you covered.

Ok, 1st wash in the dryer.
2 nd wash in the machine.

Dry clothes waiting to go upstairs.
Lounge hoovered then dusted(!) fire lit, log basket filled.

Windows open and house smells much fresher.

Throw on sofa in machine.
Hall hoovered and dusted.

Now going to have a cup of tea then tackle the playroom then upstairs.
Kitchen last as am baking cakes with the boys and will be carnage!

Looks so much better already!

Well done

Nolam you have done enough, enjoy baking then feet up with a cuppa

Playroom and downstairs bathroom done.

Heading upstairs now!

DT 1 has offered to Hoover while I clean the bathroom

Boys still in their PJs but never mind!

Ahem....I'm still in my pj's too!!

Dh took our youngest out to pick up her latest ebay purchase ( a Vibrostep, no idea where she is going to put that!) so I'm home alone, it's bliss.

Hoover, bathroom, worktops and spray some polish. That's my micro clean.

OK, upstairs landing hoovered, bathroom done and then interrupted with phone call.

Going to have a sit down and then do the boys' room plus bed change and then my room.

Am feeling a bit pooped now, but it is worth it for the lovely clean house!

Thanks all for your help

A nurse friend of mine says that if she leaves a ward carrying something, she pauses and thinks of what she needs to be taking back to the ward. There will always be something to take, to optimise her efforts.
Same works for going up/down stairs, or even room to room.