8 tips for quicker cleaning

Last Friday, I posted my cleaning schedule. I confessed that I very rarely do more than 30 minutes of cleaning/ tidying per day.

Some people may be bemused as to how this is possible. Here are eight tips that work for me, allowing me to decrease my cleaning time:

1. I let go of ‘perfect’

I still find this difficult, especially for those tasks that I know I won’t be doing again for a couple of months (cleaning a window or light fitting). I remind myself that if I spent the time getting it perfect, I would not be doing it again for years. Even with the everyday tasks, I have to tell myself, “It looks better than it did!” even if that doesn’t mean “It looks great!”

2. My ‘tools’ are simple and always ready

I don’t over-complicate cleaning by using lots of different cleaners and polishes. I can clean almost anything (apart from big carpet stains) with my vinegar/ water (ratio 1:1) spray bottle and a couple of cleaning cloths. I do have fancy microfibre cloths (aka enjo), but if they are not available, I use old washers, toothbrushes etc. I keep all of these under the kitchen sink, along with my dustpan and brush. My mop and broom are kept alongside the fridge. I’m ready to go quickly.

3. My children are occupied

I mentioned before that C. usually ‘helps’ me (by carrying her own cloth and/or empty spray bottle). Sometimes she does lose interest. Then she watches Play-school instead. T. is usually either happily playing on the floor or in bed when we clean. The task takes longer if the children are not occupied of course. I have had those times where C. wants to pull toys out to play on the floor where I need to mop or I am rushing in and out of T’s room, trying to get him to sleep. Argh!

4. I aim small

One area or one surface is enough. I only ever aim to clean one window in a day, or one blind, or a couple of light fittings. I might aim to vacuum, but save mopping for the next day. I clean one bathroom, but not both etc…

5. I set a deadline

I usually have the natural deadline of needing to go somewhere after cleaning time. It might be useful for you to set a timer to help stick to 15 minutes.

6. I use music

I don’t usually bother with this, unless I am in a real music mood. Some people might find it motivating to put on some fast paced music, dance and clean.

7. I clean as I go.

If I am walking to C’s room from the lounge room, and notice some books that need to go back, they come with me. If I see a pile of dog fur on the floor, I pick it up. If I see a grubby hand print on a wall (if it is obvious), I grab a cloth and wipe it off. All this makes the “bulk” cleaning time faster.

8. I “just do it”

Remembering that it will only take 15 minutes sure helps with being able to “just do it”. I tend to get very lazy after lunch. It is enough for me after lunch to bring in washing and cook dinner. I don’t want to have my daily task to do as well. Reminding myself how I will feel after lunch motivates me to get on with it first thing in the morning.

How do you simplify your cleaning?

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