topic Re: Cleaning Routines in Home

Cleaning Routines

chessylady — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:13:57 GMT

I have never enjoyed housework. How do you get into a routine? What is your cleaning routine?

Re: Cleaning Routines

scotnovel — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:37:25 GMT

I have a list of specific items that I do each day of the week. Before I retired, I would do smaller tasks each evening during the week so I'd have time for other things too. I would dust on Friday nights and then vacuum first thing Saturday. Breaking it up that way kept me from having to face doing everything on the weekends.

For laundry, I don't let it pile up and will do a load at a time. When I change the sheets, for example, I put them in the washer right then as part of that task. When I clean bathrooms, I wash the towels.

I also don't let things pile up on the kitchen counters or elsewhere so I don't have big piles of things or messes to deal with when it is time to dust and vacuum. I hate having a bunch of stuff on my kitchen counters so it stays free of clutter and all I have to do is clean up that day's dishes.

I wasn't complusive about it but just tried to keep the habit as much as possible so I wasn't spending multiple hours at a time doing housework.

Re: Cleaning Routines

GCR18 — Fri, 02 May 2014 00:40:01 GMT

I do laundry during the week. I leave housework for the w/e. Saturday's I change sheets, put everything in it's place and vacuum. Sunday's I grocery shop and do kitchen work. Other routine things like cleaning the bathroom or washing floors are rotated in. Alot of things tend to get done on an as needed basis.

Re: Cleaning Routines

Marsha2003 — Fri, 02 May 2014 01:43:38 GMT

I keep up with dishes, clutter control and bathrooms throughout the week. Everything else gets done on the weekend, but I don't have an exact schedule. I try to fit chores in around other activities. However, my priorities are laundry, which includes changing sheets, and grocery shopping. As long as those tasks are completed, we can make it through the following week. I don't make myself crazy if I miss a week vacuuming or dusting.

Re: Cleaning Routines

Adelm — Fri, 02 May 2014 01:52:14 GMT

I use the Motivated Moms Chore List and it has really changed my life and home. I found it about 4 years ago and I've never looked back. As long as I do the tasks assigned to the day, my home is always guest ready and I never have to do a full house clean or a spring cleaning. I just have a clean home every day.

I used to use the printed e-books but since last year switched over to the app. Both are great although the app is customizable so I decided to go that route.

www.motivatedmoms.com

I'm not affiliated with the company, just a very happy customer. Before Motivated Moms I struggled with getting everything done. Now it's not an issue.

Re: Cleaning Routines

151949 — Fri, 02 May 2014 03:51:09 GMT

Even when I was working I did the everyday tasks every day. I made the bed, cleaned the BR, washed the dishes everyday. Then on one day off each week I totally cleaned the house and did the laundry.Now, I have a very bad back so I have someone come in and clean every 2 weeks - then I just have to do the day to day stuff.She doesn't keep it as clean as I did but it is better than I am able to do now.

Re: Cleaning Routines

Fressa — Fri, 02 May 2014 17:11:25 GMT

I have eased up a bit in my cleaning routine because I was driving myself crazy with trying to get it all done and keep it tidy. Now this is my routine----I pick one day for my major laundry day. This is for the clothing and bedding. I cycle the towels, bedspreads, throw rugs, etc. to once every three or four weeks (as needed). These loads I can do as I watch tv in the evenings or if I have time with the regular laundry.

I keep the kitchen tidy and clean up as I'm preparing a meal. The greatest invention for me are those microfiber cloths and sponges. I use them everywhere. Great for the "once over" or the 15 minutes that you have to do "some thing".

I also try to do the 15 minute pick up to see what is stack up or laying around before I leave or when I come in to the house. It's amazing how much this helps with keeping things from getting too out of control and keeping you from feeling that you are always behind on tasks.

I so the "once over cleaning" on all the bathrooms and floors once a week broken up over the week. I include the dusting with microfiber dusters that you can just swipe across/over everything in that as well. (I have a big house so I limit this to the main rooms and the "public spaces". The other rooms I tackle on my one day off on a rotation basis. I keep my weekends free for the outside chores, gardening or fun and family stuff.

Grocery shopping I do once every two or three weeks but I get everything that we need. I plan this for an afternoon or my day off depending on what is on my schedule.

The important thing that works for me is that I have flexibility with the tasks and the time. This takes the pressure off. If I don't get the bathrooms done but the groceries are bought then I'm good. In any given week, I am able to get a good portion of the tasks checked off my list and in any given month I am able to have squeezed in some home project that I needed to handle, the main part of the house is under control and the remainder of the house is not in a shambles. This works for me.

Good Luck on what you decide. There are good ideas from everyone. It depends on what will work for you and your schedule.

Re: Cleaning Routines

springers — Fri, 02 May 2014 23:58:51 GMT

My big jobs are kitchen/fam.room floor and baths(2.5), I do those in one day(sat usually) . Everything else spread thru week.

Re: Cleaning Routines

151949 — Sat, 03 May 2014 05:26:23 GMT

I do not understand what assistance some of you get in cleaning from a website. I walk around my house in the morning after breakfast and tidy up whatever needs tidied - I am certainly capable to figure out for myself when I look at something that is dirty that I need to clean it. If i see something that is dirty I don't wait until some website tells me it is the day to clean it - when I notice it needs cleaned, I clean it. It seems to me that the time spent on a website being told how to clean would be better spent actually doing the cleaning.

Re: Cleaning Routines

ennui1 — Sat, 03 May 2014 06:27:46 GMT

Monday: Wash Day
Tuesday: Ironing Day
Wednesday: Sewing Day
Thursday: Market Day
Friday: Cleaning Day
Saturday: Baking Day
Sunday: Day of Rest

Re: Cleaning Routines

Mominohio — Sat, 03 May 2014 15:53:29 GMT

On 5/2/2014 happy housewife said:
I do not understand what assistance some of you get in cleaning from a website. I walk around my house in the morning after breakfast and tidy up whatever needs tidied - I am certainly capable to figure out for myself when I look at something that is dirty that I need to clean it. If i see something that is dirty I don't wait until some website tells me it is the day to clean it - when I notice it needs cleaned, I clean it. It seems to me that the time spent on a website being told how to clean would be better spent actually doing the cleaning.

What a ray of sunshine!

Re: Cleaning Routines

Mominohio — Sat, 03 May 2014 16:08:35 GMT

I might not be of much help, because I love to clean and keep house. I'm not preaching here, but I'm so grateful for what I have, have enjoyed picking it out and putting it together over the years, and feel that my home is a reflection of who I am. With those positive thoughts in mind, it isn't really as much of a chore to me, but more of a privilege that I'm so blessed.

I think the key is to have a place for everything, and KEEP EVERYTHING IN IT'S PLACE. I know that can be harder than it sounds, especially if you have kids, or if you have too many things. For so many people, getting rid of the problem of too many things is the first step.

If you follow the above rule, the actual "cleaning" (as opposed to straightening and putting away or throwing away) goes so much quicker and easier. Most people get so bogged down with getting all the stuff dealt with, that they are beat by the time the "cleaning" part comes.

Certain areas take more work and time, so do them more often. For me, that is bathrooms and kitchen. They get attention everyday, and the kitchen, every time it is used for food prep or a meal eaten. Many people's kitchens are out of control because they don't put things away. All dishes and pots back in the cupboards, none left drying. All food in cabinets too, nothing stacked on counters or on the fridge. The only food left out might be a nicely organized bowl of fruit. Nothing on the fridge (since the kiddo is grown, but fridge art from your little ones isn't clutter or mess to me) like magnets, photos etc, to give it a clean, uncluttered look.

As soon as you are done with something, deal with it. Make the bed as soon as you get up. Clean the bathroom as soon as you shower and dress. Do the dishes and kitchen as soon as you get up from the table (unless entertaining).

Require everyone who lives in your house to do things on a regular basis to keep the house tidy and clean. No exceptions, as husbands and even toddlers are capable of helping out around the house.

I think if the websites and charts work for you, then use them. If you are self motivated and can make up your own schedule that will work too.

Re: Cleaning Routines

KathyPet — Sat, 03 May 2014 17:22:06 GMT

My routine? Write a check to my cleaning lady twice a month!

Re: Cleaning Routines

FastDogWalker2 — Sat, 03 May 2014 20:08:55 GMT

On 5/1/2014 Scotnovel said:
I have a list of specific items that I do each day of the week. Before I retired, I would do smaller tasks each evening during the week so I'd have time for other things too. I would dust on Friday nights and then vacuum first thing Saturday. Breaking it up that way kept me from having to face doing everything on the weekends.

For laundry, I don't let it pile up and will do a load at a time. When I change the sheets, for example, I put them in the washer right then as part of that task. When I clean bathrooms, I wash the towels.

I also don't let things pile up on the kitchen counters or elsewhere so I don't have big piles of things or messes to deal with when it is time to dust and vacuum. I hate having a bunch of stuff on my kitchen counters so it stays free of clutter and all I have to do is clean up that day's dishes.

I wasn't complusive about it but just tried to keep the habit as much as possible so I wasn't spending multiple hours at a time doing housework.

You sound like me. I always keep everything up to date so I don't have a major cleaning project. I do like to do a deep clean in the fall before the holidays, but generally keep up with things by working daily on keeping things clean and tidy.

Re: Cleaning Routines

springers — Sat, 03 May 2014 20:26:12 GMT

I like threads like these because people inspire me. I wasnt raised with chores, consequently I am not the most disciplined person around the house. I checked out the chore website mentioned, which can be modified. (Some of the daily jobs are 2 minutes, change towel or feed pet) My problem is I rather be here on the forums, reading mags, or going somewhere then clean. I have learned to get the jobs done since I like a clean house.

Re: Cleaning Routines

mewsmomtoo — Sun, 04 May 2014 00:53:30 GMT

n/m

Re: Cleaning Routines

krissie622 — Sun, 04 May 2014 01:11:26 GMT

On 5/1/2014 Adelm said:
I use the Motivated Moms Chore List and it has really changed my life and home. I found it about 4 years ago and I've never looked back. As long as I do the tasks assigned to the day, my home is always guest ready and I never have to do a full house clean or a spring cleaning. I just have a clean home every day.

I used to use the printed e-books but since last year switched over to the app. Both are great although the app is customizable so I decided to go that route.

www.motivatedmoms.com

I'm not affiliated with the company, just a very happy customer. Before Motivated Moms I struggled with getting everything done. Now it's not an issue.

Looking at the site but I am not seeing a sample of what it is. Maybe I have to download it first? Do you use the E-Book or the app? TIA

Re: Cleaning Routines

Silkeej — Sun, 04 May 2014 04:18:48 GMT

I try to do one thing extra each day like dusting the window blinds one day and then another day cleaning windows, do vacuuming one day and polishing furniture, have a day for laundry and changing the bed sheets and towels. This way I get my chores done and don't have one day that I am overwhelmed.

Re: Cleaning Routines

Adelm — Sun, 04 May 2014 13:58:36 GMT

On 5/3/2014 krissie622 said:
On 5/1/2014 Adelm said:
I use the Motivated Moms Chore List and it has really changed my life and home. I found it about 4 years ago and I've never looked back. As long as I do the tasks assigned to the day, my home is always guest ready and I never have to do a full house clean or a spring cleaning. I just have a clean home every day.

I used to use the printed e-books but since last year switched over to the app. Both are great although the app is customizable so I decided to go that route.

www.motivatedmoms.com

I'm not affiliated with the company, just a very happy customer. Before Motivated Moms I struggled with getting everything done. Now it's not an issue.

Looking at the site but I am not seeing a sample of what it is. Maybe I have to download it first? Do you use the E-Book or the app? TIA

I now use the app. I used to use the e-book. I printed out the pages and kept them in a binder on my counter. It also served as my calendar. In the morning, I would just flip the page to the new day and that would be my checklist for the day. Some tasks are the same every day, such as "Make beds," but some tasks occur only weekly or every two weeks.

Here's an example of what a daily chore list looks like:

Monday Jan 6 2014

Change towels in bathrooms
Empty trash
Exercise - Cardio
Quick tidy in each room
Quiet time
Sweep/vacuum kitchen, entry and living room.
Vacuum main/public rooms or 1st floor
Feed pets
Take vitamins/medication

Bathrooms
Change hand towels in bathrooms
Clean toilets
Replenish stock of toilet paper in bathrooms
Wipe down bathroom sinks, vanities and toilets.

Bedrooms
Make beds

Family Room
Mop living room
Vacuum furniture in family/living room

Kitchen
Clean kitchen sink
Clean middle shelf of refrigerator
Clear/Wipe kitchen counters
Inventory refrigerator contents and plan meals around leftovers
Load/Run/Empty dishwasher
Plan/Cook dinner
Change dishcloth/towel

Utility Room
Clean cat litter
Do laundry

Re: Cleaning Routines

BeautybytesbyCC — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:05:31 GMT

Check ou these you tube videos: clean my space-she also has a blog