Quick Cleanup Tips for the Home

I’m the first to tell a person I don’t believe in Betty Crocker. The perfect woman – perfectly-coifed hair, perfectly-accessorized wardrobe, high-heel wearing, vacuum-pushing, cookie-baking mom just does not exist. I saw one once, but only on TV. If she is out there in the universe, I’m sure there is some deep dark Wisteria-lane inspired secret hidden in the recesses of a perfectly lined, sachet filled underwear drawer.

Having said that, I do appreciate a clean, organized home. (I can see my grandmother, the ultimate Queen of Clean, laughing when she reads this).  Have I always had one? Do I always have one? No. I have bad days, days when I would rather stay in bed and watch Oprah, days when there are so many dang things to be done cleaning seems overwhelming. I have often felt stretched between feeding a newborn, caring for a toddler, running a business, working on homework and chauffeuring everyone around that the dishes don’t get done, the laundry seems to collect itself exponentially and the vacuum cleaner gathers dust.

But I do have a secret. And assuming there are no major disasters or crises going on in my life, this one secret helps me quickly whip my house into shape and stay afloat for relatively long periods of time. (When you have three children, the house can quickly deteriorate in less than 60 seconds).

A quick disclaimer – this is not original material. I found this method at http://www.flylady.net/ when my oldest child was an infant and have relied on it ever since. By the way, this website has a great system and I recommend you check it out to see all their tips and tricks.

The greatest tool in organizing and doing a ‘quick clean’ for company is to use a timer. Any timer will do, egg timer, microwave, stove, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is to make sure that wherever you are in your home, you can here it buzz.

Start your cleaning in the kitchen – as the kitchen goes so the rest of the home follows. But set your timer for 15 minutes. Once the buzzer rings, stop cleaning in the kitchen and move to another room. Keep this up for 1 hour, continually moving from room to room, but only staying in each room for 15 minutes. After 1 hour, set the timer again for 15 minutes, but this time rest. Get a glass of tea, read your email, do some yoga stretches – whatever will make you feel more relaxed and ready to go for more. Once your 15 minutes is over, start the fifteen minute cleaning routine again. Tip – if you are cleaning for a special event, focus on those rooms that you know people will enter.

What I have found great about this is that I don’t feel overwhelmed. I focus only on what I can do in 15 minutes. I don’t worry about getting it perfect in those 15 minutes. But sometime during the second hour, my efforts become apparent. I also start with those things that make the most impact. For instance, clutter tends to make even a clean house look bad. So, I start removing any junk mail, trash, shoes, dishes, or clothes and put it in its place. And unless it is really obvious, I leave the dusting for last. 

But one thing that I do put importance on is a clean floor. When I’m trying to pick up fast and time is short, running the vacuum over the rug, even if I don’t get every nook and cranny, makes it appear to the casual observer that I did. And rather than mop the whole floor, on those occasions I need it done fast, I spot mop and work on those areas that truly need it. One note, and I do NOT get compensation for this – Swiffer Wet Jet has been wonderful for quick cleanups and unless you have a huge floor space, it is great for regular floor cleaning as well. I have tried other brands, but have found them lacking. The Swiffer is sturdy and easy to use. The pads stay on well, something I didn’t experience with off-brands.
Remember, for sprucing up in a rush, these tips will help guide you and keep you on track. First, use a timer. Second, clean and rest in 15 minute increments. Third, focus on those areas that guests will enter. Fourth, pay attention to areas that will make a high impact, particularly floors.

I’ll be back with more tips that have helped me. If you have your one tips, please feel free to leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you!