Just like daily smart diet choices and exercise yield the results you want over time, daily cleaning tasks will lead to a more clean and organized home. A clean house brings order to our lives. Removing the clutter and keeping things clean allows for less distraction and more focus on the things we really want to spend time doing. If your house is generally clean most of the time, you can avoid the stress that comes with worrying whether things are presentable when guests come to visit – especially if people stop by unannounced.
First it is important to set a schedule and stick to it. Set aside some time for cleaning when you know you will get it done. Don’t set yourself up for failure.
Having the right supplies for the job will make it faster, more efficient, and easier for you! Generally it is a good idea to have these four different types of cleaner in your arsenal:
- Glass or multi-surface cleaner
- Heavy-duty de-greasing cleaner
- Tile and grout cleaner
- Powdered abrasive cleaner
You don’t have to rely on store bought chemicals for these cleaners either! If you have the time, you can make your own very simply.
- Glass/Multi-Surface – 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Heavy Duty Degreaser – equal parts of baking soda, castile soap, vinegar and warm water
- Tile and Grout – 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water
- Powdered Abrasive – 3 cups baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, 3 cups warm water
Other tools to make cleaning easier may depend on the type of flooring you have (will you be using a vacuum, a broom, or both?) but for everything else, using microfober cloths are a good investment. When wet, they sanitize and clean floors, counters, glass and tile, and eliminate the need for other cleaning products. They’re reusable (machine-wash, hang to dry) and cost about $5 for a two-pack.
There are generally two ways to tackle the chores you have; by zone or by task. Choose the method that is right for you and it won’t be such a pain.
Zone Cleaning – Focus on one specific area each day or every couple of days. Go deep wherever you focus on a given day, and consider moving the furniture. Bend down to wipe the baseboards and scrub the floors. Reach high to clean cobwebs, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Wash curtains. Dust off blinds and every surface. After all of that is done, vacuum and mop.
Task Cleaning – Instead of focusing on one room or area per day, complete one chore such as dusting, vacuuming or laundry throughout the entire house before starting the next cleaning task. Conquer chores, one at a time, throughout a day or over a period of several days.
And, if you know yourself well enough to know you want a clean home, but don’t have the time or will to do it yourself don’t hesitate to HIRE A PROFESSIONAL!