1. Get your tools together. Keep the cleaning supplies you use regularly all together in a plastic caddy in a handy spot, so you can carry it quickly to whatever you're cleaning.
 2. Act fast. Clean up spills immediately, before they turn into messy, set-in stains. A little up-front work will pay off later.
 3. Multitask. Make phone calls as you fold laundry, or wipe down countertops while you wait for food to cook in the microwave. You don't have to go crazy, but you can take advantage of stolen moments.
 4. Use cleaning logic. Dust first, vacuum later. Rather than starting "bottom to top," go "top to bottom." Dust moves down, so it's more effective to wipe off high shelves first, work your way down to low tables and desks, and finish up with vacuuming.
 5. Clean only what's dirty. Who has time to clean an entire refrigerator that really only has a few spills on it? Leave that for a deep-cleaning day. Instead, focus on areas that require daily cleaning and straightening, such as bathroom countertops and eating and studying areas.
 6. Use the right tools for the task. Dry cloths can push dust around — trap it with a damp one, or use Swiffer® Dusters, with thousands of soft, fluffy fibers to trap and lock dust. Rather than toil away with a wet washcloth, trying to remove food that is stuck on counters, use a scraper to remove it with less effort.
 7. Get help! Why should you do all the cleaning yourself? Get your roommates involved and cleaning will go much faster and more efficiently.
 8. Put things where they belong right away. We're all guilty of leaving dishes in the sink or dirty socks on the floor. But by postponing the inevitable, you end up doing twice the work!
 9. Spot-clean. It doesn't take long to do and it really helps tidy up high-traffic areas, particularly the bathroom and eating area. Once a week, give the space a more thorough cleaning.
 10. Take advantage of convenience tools. Use a thick paper towel and a little water to remove scuff marks and dirt from floors, walls and doors. Then, simply toss it and forget about it.