Summertime is a great time to get your home back in to tip top shape, especially with back to school season just on the horizon. Before the craziness starts, and before you get too busy to tackle your cleaning projects, try using these 12 tips for a neater cleaner home. Not only will they save you time and money, but they’ll also leave a great impression on your home. After all, who wouldn’t want to clean less? Let these tips help you cut down on your cleaning tasks:

1. After every meal, make it a point to wipe down your appliances and counter tops. Also give the floor a quick sweep. This prevents difficult, messy spills that you may have missed from hardening and becoming even more impossible to clean. Plus it’ll make food prep safer, not to mention more pleasant.
2. Vacuum high traffic areas near your doors daily. It’ll save your carpet and reduce allergens.
3. Pick up your bedroom before you go to bed. That way in the morning, you’ll only have the bed to make.
4. Use an automatic shower cleaner to refresh your shower after every use.
5. Every season, go through your closets and get rid of junk, clothing, or other objects that just cause clutter.
6. Pour a package of lemonade Kool-Aid into the dishwasher detergent area. Run the cycle through to clear out stains and leave it smelling great.
7. Take your shoes off at the door for cleaner carpets and less need to vacuum.
8. Reduce your dish load by washing dishes right after you use them.
9. Refresh your fabrics using a spray or by burning candles in various rooms of your home.
10. Install coat hooks on the backs of your closet doors to hold belts, bags, or jackets.
11. If you see a spot, wipe it up. Don’t wait till you’re ready to clean it.
12. Shop smarter. Overstocking shelves with clothing, food, or cleaning products can leave you feeling cramped. Buy when you need it.