Ever wished that someone would just come and ‘magically clean all that up for you’ or that the housework was a lot more fun or at least less of a major chore?
Here’s a list of cleaning hacks to help busy mums and dads keep their homes tidy and organized while juggling a hectic schedule:
- Do what you don’t like doing first, get it out of the away and then the rest of the tasks appear easier.
- Declutter Daily: Spend a few minutes each day decluttering one area of your home. It prevents messes from piling up and makes cleaning easier in the long run.
- Create a Cleaning Schedule: Designate specific days for different cleaning tasks (e.g., Mondays for vacuuming, Wednesdays for laundry). This helps break down chores into manageable chunks.
- Use Multi-Purpose Cleaners: Opt for versatile cleaning products that can be used on various surfaces to save time and storage space.
- Set a Timer: Challenge yourself to clean for a set amount of time (e.g., 15 minutes). You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short bursts.
- Delegate Tasks: Assign age-appropriate cleaning tasks to kids. It teaches responsibility and lightens your load.
- The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Whether it’s wiping a spill or hanging up a coat, addressing small tasks right away prevents them from snowballing into bigger issues.
- Preventative Measures: Place mats at entrances to catch dirt, encourage shoes-off inside, and use spill-proof containers to minimize messes.
- Bed-Making Shortcut: Straighten your sheets and fluff your pillows instead of fully making the bed every morning. It saves time and still looks neat.
- Use Baskets for Organization: Keep baskets or bins in common clutter zones (e.g., living room, kids’ rooms) to quickly stash items that are out of place.
- Dishwasher for More Than Dishes: Toss toys, toothbrush holders, and even some kitchen items (like sponges and microwave covers) into the dishwasher for a quick clean.
- Clean as You Go: While cooking, wash utensils and dishes you’re no longer using. It reduces post-meal cleanup time.
- Dryer Sheet Magic: Use dryer sheets to wipe down baseboards, blinds, and even electronics. They repel dust and add a fresh scent.
- Steam Clean Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon juice in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam will loosen food splatters, making them easy to wipe away.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo: This dynamic duo works wonders for cleaning tough stains, unclogging drains, and deodorizing.
- Freezer Trick for Gum: If gum ends up on clothes, freeze the garment in a plastic bag. Once frozen, gently scrape off the gum with a butter knife.
- Vacuuming Hacks: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to eliminate odours and use the hose attachment to clean tricky spots like crevices and corners.
- Lint Roller Beyond Clothes: Use a lint roller on lampshades, upholstery, and even your car’s interior to quickly remove dust and pet hair.
- Laundry Basket Sorting: Sort laundry directly into baskets as it gets dirty. It saves time when it comes to laundry day.
- Zone Cleaning: Tackle one area at a time, completing all tasks in that area before moving on. It keeps you focused and prevents hopping between rooms.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself with a treat or a brief break after completing a cleaning task. Positive reinforcement can boost motivation.
- Stairs: If your home has stairs, leave a basket on the stairs to collect items to take up all at once.
Remember, keeping a tidy home is an ongoing effort, and it’s okay to ask for help or even consider hiring professional cleaning services if it fits your budget. These hacks can help streamline the process, making it easier to maintain a clean and organized space amidst your busy lives.