Housecleaning to me is not a chore. I find there’s great satisfaction in putting things in order, and keeping spaces fresh and clean. And I’ve learned to implement some simple steps to make the whole process much more pleasant and efficient.

Having all the right supplies is important. Keep them in a central location so you can take what you need from room to room as you clean. Add labels to keep it all organized, and group like with like (all-purpose and glass cleaning solutions on one shelf, microfiber cloths and sponges on another, and so on).

To make sure no room or task is overlooked, I recommend posting a list of what should be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis—and to be sure to do those tasks. Each and every day, for example, make the bed in the morning, put away clothes and dishes after each use, and sweep the floors before going to sleep.

I myself look forward to seasonal rituals such as window-washing in the spring, hosing down porches and patios in the summer, and polishing my silver in the fall, ahead of the holidays. You’ll find advice on the following pages for tackling all those jobs, plus streamlining suggestions and time-tested cleaning techniques in sections dedicated to the kitchen and bathroom, and to your home’s surfaces—walls, windows, floors, and even electronics.

If you establish good habits and follow a schedule, you may also learn to love housecleaning as much as I do.