Time-saving house cleaning tips
Want a clean house but don't have a lot of time? The key is organization and scheduling tasks. Organize and schedule? Who has time for that? Believe me, this is the only way you'll ever routinely save time and keep a clean house with the hectic lifestyle of today.
Let's get organized:
Basic Cleaning Supplies:
* Windex
* Roll of paper towels
* Sponges
* Cotton cloths [diapers work great]
* Endust [or similar product]
* Furniture oil
* Long-handled magnetic duster
* Toilet Bowl cleaner/brush
* Rubber gloves
* Broom/dustpan
* Mop [cotton work best]
* Floor cleaning product
* Bucket/attachment to squeeze out mop
* Vacuum cleaner/attachments
Buy a large basket or a handled, plastic container. This is where you will store all of your cleaning supplies. Select a convenient place to store the basket such as beneath the kitchen sink or in a pantry. Do the same with the broom, mop, vacuum, dustpan and bucket. Always return everything to its place after using and make a note of needed supplies before you run out so you always have what is needed while cleaning.
Time to Clean:
Decide on a routine. If necessary, write down your schedule and carry it with you in your supply basket. Whatever schedule you select always remember to clean a room from the top down to the floor. Here is a sample schedule based on a three bedroom, 2 bath home:
One day a week schedule:
If you are lucky enough to have a morning or afternoon one day a week to clean your house, you can get everything done a couple of hours. A prerequisite of this schedule is that routine everyday chores have been completed such as everything is already picked up...newspapers, toys, shoes, clothes, and dishes. Laundry, dishes and making beds fall into the category of daily chores.
* Step 1 - Take all of your supplies to the first room you plan to clean.
o Master Bedroom
1. Rotation jobs (choose one each week/switch back and forth):
* Run the magnet duster around the top of the ceiling (removal of possible cobwebs - looking for them takes time) around the window(s), over the curtains/blinds, around the baseboard, behind the dresser and beneath the bed.
* Wash window(s) and mirrors.
2. Every week jobs:
* Dust or oil furniture. Start at the highest point and work your way down to the floor.
* Vacuum room (always start in the farthest corner and work your way out of the room.)
o Master Bath
* Clean the toilet bowl inside and out. Wipe dry with a dry cotton cloth.
* Clean mirror.
* Clean the sink and countertop. Wipe dry with a cotton cloth.
* Clean tub and shower. Wipe dry with a cotton cloth.
* Mop floor.
o Second Bedroom
* Repeat the choice of rotation jobs listed for the master bedroom
* Dust the furniture from top to bottom
* Vacuum the room from the back corner out.
o Third Bedroom
* Repeat the chores for the second bedroom.
o Main Bath
* Clean the toilet inside and out. Dry off with a cotton cloth.
* Clean mirror.
* Clean sink. Dry with cotton cloth.
* Mop the floor.
o Hallway
* Dust ceilings and baseboards with magnetic duster.
* Vacuum. Start at the end of the hall and work your way out.
o Living Room
* Select and complete one of the rotational jobs.
* Dust room.
* Wash (glass) television screen.
* Vacuum if room is carpeted/sweep and mop if wood/tile or other hard surface.
o Kitchen
* Choose and complete a rotational chore.
* Clean sink and countertops with a disinfectant cleaner.
* Clean stovetop.
* Wash fronts of the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave.
* Wipe out inside of microwave.
* Monthly rotational jobs [select one each week]:
o Clean oven.
o Clean refrigerator [if you prefer, make this a weekly chore, cleaning one-two shelves/drawers each week.]
o Clean out one drawer or one cabinet each week.
Complete your weekly kitchen chores:
* Sweep and mop floors.
o Laundry Room
* Dust ceilings, baseboards, washer and dryer with the magnetic duster every week to help eliminate dryer dust build up.
* Sweep and mop floor.
You can also use a two-three day, thirty-minutes-an hour schedule:
Select 2-3 rooms [a combination of the easier bedrooms and bathrooms or living room and kitchen] and clean using the same procedures as above.
o Master Bedroom
o Master Bath
o Second Bedroom
o Third Bedroom
o Main Bath
o Hallway
o Living Room
o Kitchen
o Laundry Room
Routine is a time saving device. Don't get discouraged if you find you are spending more time on cleaning than you want at first. "Don't vary from your routine, stick to your schedule and in a few weeks you will be amazed at how quick you can accomplish routine tasks. It is a real time-saver to clean in the same order each week. What is your reward for cleaning quicker? More time for yourself and your family - enjoy it, it is well deserved!