It seems like there’s never enough time for a thorough cleaning. Even with a fine-tuned cleaning schedule, finding creative ways to make it fun and delegating tasks to other members of your home, there’s always more to do by the next meal, let alone the next day. Amid the business of our day and respective lives, working smarter, not harder seems to be the way to go. Recently, we stumbled upon a little-known life hack called postage stamp vacuuming, and it’s been a time saver when we’re in a pinch. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is postage stamp vacuuming?

Postage stamp vacuuming is an approach to vacuuming that focuses on efficiency and speed. Imagine you have limited time on your hands, and you want to freshen up a room quickly. Instead of moving furniture, reaching under every nook and cranny, and meticulously cleaning every square inch of the space, you opt for a more targeted approach—like major open areas with tons of foot traffic, or easily accessible spaces under furniture. You might even already do this and not realize it had a name. You’re welcome.

But doesn’t that mean you’re only vacuuming part of the room?

In theory, sure. But hear us out. Some might balk at the thought and criticize postage stamp vacuuming for not being thorough. But on the days you just don’t have time, it gets the job done. It removes dust and dirt that would have just sat there if you decided you were too overwhelmed by the idea of vacuuming.

No, it’s not perfect. And sometimes, that’s OK.

If you’re one who holds yourself to a high level of perfectionism and realizes you could benefit from taking a step back and not being so hard on yourself, consider this gentle exposure therapy. Rather than assigning a feeling of guilt for not getting into every detail of the room and doing the vacuuming job how you would normally, give yourself grace for showing up. There will always be more to do, and you can always come back to finish.

What situations might it be beneficial?

This cleaning technique can come in handy in several situations. Of course, it’s not the best idea to replace vacuuming altogether, but here’s how it can be helpful in times or crisis.

1. Last-Minute Guests

Your bestie calls in need of a shoulder to cry on, or a distant cousin is passing through and wants to drop by to say hello. You want your home to look presentable, but you’re short on time. In just a few minutes, you can quickly freshen up your living room or common areas, so that your guests feel welcome and comfortable, and you can prioritize other tasks like clearing the dishes from the sink and wiping down countertops.

2. Daily Maintenance

For those who prefer a consistently tidy living space, daily maintenance becomes essential. Postage stamp vacuuming allows you to keep high-traffic areas clean effortlessly in a snap, and reserve a day or more out of the week for a more thorough approach.

3. Busy Workdays

The last thing you do when you get home after a long day is deep clean the house. With this method, you can feel just a little better knowing that you did something.

4. Homes with Pets

Pet owners know that fur, crumbs, and dirt can accumulate quickly. This allows you to stay on top of pet-related messes, and helps keep your home remains clean and allergen-free. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for those moments when your furry friend decides to leave their mark just before you have to rush out the door.

5. Quick Room Refresh

Everyone has days where their mental health isn’t at its best. This can make the thought of cleaning cumbersome and exhausting—and ultimately, unhelpful. You might not have it in you to go on a cleaning spree, but even just the smallest accomplishment of giving your room a quick refresh by clearing the floor and postage-stamp vacuuming can boost your mood and motivation.

6. Health and Mobility Issues

For individuals with health concerns or limited mobility, traditional cleaning methods can be physically demanding. Postage stamp vacuuming offers an accessible way to maintain a clean environment with minimal physical effort.