We’ve all heard (and some have probably used) the phrase ‘ A clean house is the sign of a wasted life’ haven’t we?
And what about this one?
Both great mottos for life and I actually kind of agree with both of them if I’m honest. But, even though there’s nothing wrong with a bit of dust on the TV cabinet or a carpet that needs a bit of a hoover or even a skirting board that needs a clean, I do always feel happier if things are clean and sparkly as well as tidy.
I’be been introducing more things to help me keep on top of a clean and tidy house lately and it seems to be working so I thought I’d share my tips with you.
First was the re-introduction last year of a bit of a cleaning schedule to help me keep on top of things. This was great as it helped me keep on top of things but it didn’t give me exactly what I wanted as it was much too easy to do the bare minimum and what I really wanted was a way to keep everything clean and tidy with as little effort as possible.
I then had a big spring clean last month and a kitchen de-clutter which helped massively but it quickly builds up again if you don’t keep on top of things.
I’ve tried to make things as easy as possible to keep on top of things starting with the little storage unit I bought from eBay – it cost less than £10 and has three wicker basket drawers in it. I keep it in the corner in the kitchen and the kids have one drawer each that they can stow away their crap (for want of a better word) to save them the journey all the way upstairs! Once a week the box is taken upstairs and emptied of all Lego figures, make-up, stationery and anything else that has been stuffed in their and everything is put away where it should live. The third drawer is used for Xbox controllers and other console type accessories.
Next came the introduction of the chore chart which I purposely included jobs that I hate doing but are essential to keeping things clean and clutter free. Things like polishing and hoovering make things look tidier instantly so to get the kids doing that means I can concentrate on other things.
I’ve also re-written my cleaning schedule and I’m determined to try and stick to which should mean I keep on top of things easier. The jobs I’ve given myself on a weeknight should take around 15-20 minutes if I’m doing them myself – less if I have help and the weekend jobs shouldn’t take too long although they’re clearly bigger jobs.
You might think it’s a bit OTT to have a schedule like this but I work Monday to Friday until 2.30 and get home just in time to do the school run and I like to do things with the kids to spend time together. If I want a tidy house then I need to plan….
Week One
Monday – Fridge/Freezer list and meal plan. Go shopping.
Tuesday – Downstairs toilet blitz
Wednesday – Clean out a cupboard or drawer / make sure all washing put away
Thursday – Hall Blitz (it’s only teeny)
Friday – Garden tidy up
Saturday – Living Room blitz / Kids tidy their own bedrooms
Sunday – Kitchen Blitz / Kids do a general tidy in bathrooms
Week Two
Monday – Fridge/Freezer list and meal plan. Go shopping.
Tuesday – Paperwork
Wednesday – Clean out a cupboard or drawer / make sure all washing put away
Thursday – Hall stairs and landing Blitz
Friday – Garden tidy up
Saturday – Bedroom blitz / Kids tidy their own bedrooms
Sunday – Upstairs bathroom blitz
My last tip is to invest in a steam cleaner – I just bought a handheld one from Tesco and I absolutely love it.
Sorry about the blur.
Mine cost £17 reduced from £69 (pretty sure it was never that price really though) and I can’t even tell you how much easier it makes cleaning. It’s got our dirt that I thought was ground in and cleaned things that I thought were already clean but now they’re sparking. One of my worst jobs is cleaning the toilet but a quick blast with this and a wipe over with a microfibre cloth and it is literally sparkling. Taps, skirting boards, kitchen cupboards – I’ve tried it everywhere and I’m amazed and all without any cleaning product at all! Do read the reviews on whatever steam cleaner you’re going to buy though as I know some aren’t very powerful and may be a bit of a waste of money.
So there you have it – my top tips on how to have a lovely clean and tidy house with minimal effort so there’s still plenty of time left over to make those memories!
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You always shall provide us the best information about every topic. Thanks for sharing.
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Great post. Strangely, I was a lot more organised and on top of housework when I was working (and had LESS free time!), but now I’m on maternity leave and the housework’s barely being done. (Let’s blame the new baby and associated sleepless nights). I’d defo take a tip from your blog and do a two week schedule..I do love a plan. Wish me luck!
That's a hell of a saving you made there on the Steam cleaner. We bought one about a year ago from Homebase and it cost twice as much as that (it was a full upright one) but it has made a huge difference on our kitchen and bathroom floors so I really believe they are worth the month. Don't however get conned into buy extra 'pads' in a year and a bit we are only on our 2nd one still as they clean so easily
Jon
The Money Shed http://www.themoneyshed.co.uk
I hate cleaning with a passion, luckily for my my hubby enjoys it!
Being organised is the key and your planning is a good way to do this.
I really should have a schedule. Washing gets done on nearly a daily basis but the ironing piles up! I do have a routine for changing beds but could do with setting days for other jobs. But the twins often take over lol we have a very fitting sign in the lounge that says “Excuse the mess the twins are making memories” x
I like the idea of a hand held steam cleaner! I don't have a schedule for mine, I probably should do. Luckily I have a cleaner which helps massively!
What a great Idea I am going to do this ! and quote you in a blog post !
Those quotes are me to a tee! I like your storage idea, will be taking that one up when I do my massive Spring clean next week!
I really need to have a good spring clean – I can't do it one bit blitz though so need to write myself a list. x
I need a plan too. I tend to tackle jobs in dribs and drabs. One day I'll do the vacuuming and then on another I'll quickly clean the bathroom before my evening shower. Could be better organised really so I'm inspired to do a chores chart now.
i love cleaning and i had a steam cleaner and they are fab!
Well done for being so organised and thanks for the steam cleaner tips. I didn't realise they could be used all over the place.
I really need to sort myself out a cleaning list – I had everywhere spotless and then came down ill as did the rest of the family – back to square one again now!
What a good idea to get really organised like this. The chore schedule sounds like a brilliant idea. I see you've put paperwork on the list, which is a very sensible plan. *hangs head in paperwork shame*
I have a laundry schedule otherwise I can never keep on top of the endless loads of clothes, towels, bedding and bath mats. I'm not so good at tidying but I am hankering after a steam cleaner and that might give me the kick I need to get on with things! I agree you need a schedule if you are busy and you want to keep on top of things without letting chores rule your life.
I just have cleaners…… I hate cleaning!!
This is great, I wish I was that organised. We need a steam cleaner x
Jeez, I need to get myself a cleaning list- very inspiring!
Love the idea of a handheld steam cleaner but I have far too many kitchen gadgets at the moment.
Sounds like you have a great routine in place! I am in agreement with the quotes to a certain extent – I don't mind a bit of fluff and dust here and there but do like a tidy house at the end of the day!
I've been meaning to make a cleaning list for ages. Don't know why it's taking me so long as I do love a list.
Thanks for this post – I'm pinning it because I need to sort it out!!
A chore list – I think I need to make one of these.