Professional cleaners know that a timesaving secret is to vacuum every floor in the house, including bathrooms and the kitchen. It's the fastest and most efficient way to pick up dust, hair, and all the little bits of debris that like to hide in corners.

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe 1/4 cup vinegar. 12-20 drops essential oil. 1 tsp castile or phosphorous-free dish soap or washing soda. 2 cups boiled or distilled water.

Clean each room from top to bottom. Follow the top-to-bottom rule of cleaning every room, and knock dust and debris from curtains, bookshelves, lampshades, and mantles onto the floor as you work your way down, says Leslie Reichert, aka The Cleaning Coach, then vacuum it up after.