Keeping a clean home is essential, but balancing that with a busy lifestyle can be challenging. Many of us struggle to find the time to maintain our homes while juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities. If you feel like you never have time to clean your home, these tips are for you.
In today’s post I share my insights on crafting a cleaning routine that is both efficient and effective, and provides some example routines to get you started.
How To Create An Easy And Efficient Cleaning Schedule
Regularly Clean The Key Areas
Start by identifying the areas in your home most prone to dirt and clutter, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Focus on these high-traffic areas daily. It’s more manageable to regularly maintain cleanliness here than to tackle a major cleaning job later.
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Streamline Your Tools And Products
To make your cleaning process as efficient as possible, minimise the number of cleaning products you use. I recommend sticking to versatile, multi-surface cleaners and durable microfiber cloths that can handle most cleaning jobs. Choose products that serve multiple purposes, reducing the need to switch between different bottles and tools.
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Set Cleaning Time Limits
Establishing firm time limits for each cleaning task can help you stay focused and efficient. Allocate about ten minutes per task. For example, spend ten minutes wiping down kitchen surfaces, another ten sweeping floors, and ten minutes tidying up living areas. Using a timer can help keep you on track and prevent you from getting sidetracked.
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Organise Your Cleaning Supplies
Keep your cleaning supplies organised and easily accessible in every area of the house that requires regular cleaning. Use a caddy or a bucket to carry your essential cleaning products, and always put them back in the right place. This way, you won’t waste time looking for supplies.
Use Efficient Cleaning Techniques
Use effective cleaning techniques such as the “top-down” approach, where you start cleaning from higher surfaces and work your way down. This method ensures that any dust or debris falls onto lower surfaces before you clean them, which means you don’t have to do double the work cleaning the lower surfaces again.
Suggested Daily, Weekly, And Monthly Cleaning Schedules
Daily Tasks (20 minutes)
- Load/Unload The Dishwasher: I recommend keeping your dishwasher loads down to one per day, both for your ease and to save energy. I don’t own a dishwasher, so I just wash the dishes by hand, dry them and put them away immediately.
- Wipe Down Countertops and Tables: A quick wipe-down after meals will prevent the build-up of crumbs and stains.
- Sweep High-Traffic Areas: Focus on the areas you and your family walk through the most, like the kitchen or entryways.
Weekly Tasks (30 minutes)
- Clean Toilets And Sinks: These areas require frequent disinfection to stay clean, so a weekly clean is best.
- Vacuuming: Focus on carpets and rugs in the main living areas.
Monthly Tasks (2 hours)
- Do Some Deep Dusting: Make sure to include all the nooks and crannies, like baseboards, ceiling fans, shelves, and the tops of cabinets.
- Vacuum And Wash Sofas And Cushions: Vacuuming sofas and washing cushions can significantly reduce allergens and dust.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage your home cleaning tasks in just twenty minutes a day. It’s about efficiency and regularity. By maintaining a regular schedule, you ensure that no area of your home gets too dirty, simplifying cleaning and saving time in the long run.
