Cleaner house

8. Head off kitchen smells. “Sprinkle some baking soda in your disposal, then add a cup of white vinegar and half a lemon or orange,” says Skokan. “Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then crank on the disposal.” Once that's done, remove the rubber disposal gasket and rinse; you’ll be amazed at how yucky that thing gets. Don’t forget to wipe down other areas where food particles cling, such as along the edges of your dishwasher door, in kitchen trash and recycling bins, and in refrigerator drawers.

9. Keep products where you use them. Place a bucket or dishpan under each bathroom and kitchen sink to hold supplies such as glass cleaner, microfiber cleaning cloths and disinfecting wipes. “If your tools are handy, you’re more likely to tackle a chore when you see it needs to be done and before it gets out of hand,” says Palmer. “Having everything nearby saves steps, too.”