'The 15-minute rule, and 4 other genius cleaning shortcuts I wish I knew sooner.'

Thanks to our brand partner, ROBOROCK

Look, cleaning is one of those necessary evils that comes with adulthood, right up there with remembering bin night and sorting out your super.

I don't love it, I don't pretend to be good at it, but I do like having a clean-ish home that doesn't look like a toddler-sized cyclone named Rex tore through it.

Over the past year, I've become a low-key expert in time-saving cleaning shortcuts. Not because I'm a domestic goddess, but because I don't have the time or mental bandwidth to be one.

So, here's how I keep things looking semi-presentable without spending hours every Sunday scrubbing grout.

Choose the right vacuum.

When it comes to vacuuming, there are two types of people: The "set it and forget it" crowd and the "grab it and go" gang. Both are totally valid, and both have their perks — it's just about finding what suits your lifestyle.

If you're the kind of person who wants to schedule your vacuuming the same way you schedule your pilates classes (i.e. in advance and with little effort), a robotic vacuum like the Roborock Qrevo C might be your bestie.

It quietly cruises around your floors, taking care of the daily mess with powerful suction, a handy multifunctional dock and clever anti-tangle tech that actually doesn't get tangled. So you can work, sleep or scroll while it handles the cleaning — without the boujie price tag.

But if your life includes unexpected messes, snack crumbs, muddy paw prints or mysterious sticky patches that appear everywhere — this screams for a handheld vacuum.

A wet and dry handheld vacuum is your go-to for real time disasters and deep cleans, especially in homes with kids, pets or generally chaotic vibes. Enter: The Roborock F25 and F25 Ace Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners that have officially retired my old mop, broom, dustpan and brush.

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What makes them different? Well, for starters, they handle dry crumbs, wet spills, sticky juice and rogue pet hair in one go. No switching between five different tools or cleaning the same spot twice (or three times) like a lunatic.

And let's talk power: Both models feature 20000Pa suction, edge-to-edge coverage and a tangle-free JawScrapers roller, which is tech speak for "they suck up everything and won't get clogged with hair".

They also come with clever little features that make cleaning feel almost — dare I say — efficient?

There's FlatReach 2.0, which lets you clean under furniture without rearranging your entire living room, and the DirTect Smart Sensor adjusts suction based on how messy your floors are (genius). Meanwhile, the clear display screen shows your cleaning progress like it's a video game. It's all very satisfying.

The F25 even includes proactive self-washing, which means it cleans itself after it cleans your floors.

And the F25 Ace does everything the F25 does, with a few extras for people who love a little luxury (or just really hate cleaning).

We're talking SlideTech 2.0 for smoother gliding across your floors, plus an auto detergent dispenser that mixes and releases the cleaning solution for you — no manual mixing, no measuring.

The 15-minute reset.

Okay, let's talk about the daily 15-minute reset. This is a game-changer and possibly the only reason my house doesn't look like it belongs on an episode of Hoarders.

Every night, once the little man of the house is down and I've reclaimed my lounge, I set a timer on my phone for 15 minutes. That's it.

No pressure to deep clean, just a quick tidy: toys away, dishwasher on, cushions semi-fluffed, rogue banana peels removed from under the couch.

You'd be amazed at what a difference it makes to wake up to a semi-tidy house. Plus, knowing there's a time limit stops it from feeling like a never-ending chore spiral.

Image: Supplied.

Cleaning wipes in every room.

This one's basic, but effective. I keep a pack of biodegradable cleaning wipes in every bathroom and under the kitchen sink.

Why? Because when I see toothpaste smudged on the vanity or someone's mystery splash zone on the toilet seat, I can deal with it right then and there. No detours to the laundry cupboard, no excuses. Just wipe and walk away.

The dishwasher is not just for dishes.

This is a PSA: your dishwasher can do so much more than clean plates.

I regularly chuck in soap trays, silicone bibs and plastic toys (not electronic ones, obvs). If it's plastic or ceramic and not delicate, it's fair game.

Just put smaller items in a mesh laundry bag so they don't end up doing a solo spin in the bottom rack.

Image: Supplied.

Make it fun (or fake it).

If all else fails, romanticise your cleaning routine.

Light a candle. Play a podcast. Put on a playlist that makes you feel like a hot European woman in a Zara ad. You're not scrubbing your kitchen — you're setting the vibe.

To shop the Roborock F25 and F25 Ace, head to their website.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Roborock, the Global No.1 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, makes home cleaning effortless with innovative robot vacuums designed to suit every lifestyle. Combining smart technology, powerful suction, and intuitive features, Roborock's range handles vacuuming and mopping with ease. From sleek, compact models to advanced robots with object-picking arms, each product delivers reliable performance that adapts to your home. Engineered for convenience and built to last, Roborock ensures your floors stay spotless without the hassle. With ongoing software updates and a commitment to quality, Roborock is your trusted partner for smarter, cleaner living.