THE CLEAN TEAM'S RULES

``Here are our trade secrets,'' Jeff Campbell writes in ``Speed Cleaning.'' ``We observe every one of them. Every day.''

1.Make every move count. That means work around the room once. Don't backtrack. It also means you must carry your equipment and supplies with you so you don't make dozens of aggravating trips....

2.Use the right tools. Ah! Here's probably the major timesaver of the bunch. ... Most of all, you need a work apron to hang tools on....

3.Work from top to bottom. Always. Period. Don't argue.

4.If it isn't dirty, don't clean it....

5.Don't rinse or wipe a surface before it's clean. You'll just have to start over. In other words, when you're cleaning a surface, don't rinse or wipe just to see if you're done....

6.Don't keep working after it's clean. Once you've reached ground zero, stop!

7.If what you're doing isn't going to work, then shift to a heavier-duty cleaner or tool....

8.Keep your tools in impeccable shape. Dull razors scratch - they don't clean. Clogged spray bottles puff up and make funny noises - they don't spray.

9.Repetition makes for smoother moves. Always put your tools back in the same spot in your apron....

10.Pay attention. Almost everything else will fall into place if you do. ... In Latin: Age quod agis - Do what you are doing.

11.Keep track of your time. Get a little faster every time.

12.Use both hands....

13.If there are more than one of you, work as a team....