What if you could cut cleaning time in half? (Don’t scoffit’s possible!)
You would think that the only way to cut cleaning time down is to hire a cleaning service Dallas, TX to take on all the difficult and lengthy jobs. While this is certainly an option you can consider there are things you can do yourself as well. By cleaning smarter and more efficiently, you can minimize how much time it takes to clean your home, and enjoy spending time with your family instead. Sound nice? Then let us introduce you to speed cleaning.
As a busy mom, you may be wondering: What is speed cleaning? And how exactly does it work?
From choosing heavy-duty cleaners to strapping on a carry-all apron, here are some easy tips for speed cleaning your home fast and thoroughly. Afterward, you can sit back and relax with the kids.
1. Establish a Routine
Create a regular cleaning routine and checklist to guide you throughout the home, instead of wasting time debating on when and where to tackle chores. Schedule what rooms you’ll tidy up on what days, eliminating one major time-killer: indecision. When you have a game plan, your speed cleaning will go faster and more efficiently. Do what works for you. Focus on a room per day or a chore per day. For instance, you may choose to mop the floors on Mondays, after the kids track in dirt all weekend from playing outside. Or you may prefer to clean the kitchen on Fridays so it looks clean for unexpected company and guests or as a place to enjoy activities with the kids such as crafts or baking.
2. Make Every Move Count
Work your way around each room, corner to corner, without backtracking. This way, you don’t have to make trips back and forth or accidentally dirty up areas you’ve already thoroughly cleaned. Once you have a routine for each room, it’s easy to get into a rhythm. Carry your cleaning supplies and tools with you the entire time (more tips on that later). Also, be sure to clean the floors last or you could find yourself walking over newly polished floors when you still have to clear the clutter from the living room and drop off toys.
3. Choose Proper Cleaning Tools
When it comes to speed cleaning, you need to choose the proper tools to accomplish the job. Invest in a high-quality broom and mop for floors as well as a vacuum, ideally with a hose attachment for getting those hard to reach areas like the ceiling fan and sofa cushions. Keep some scrubbing brushes and microfiber cloths to wipe up areas. If you have pets, a lint roller works wonders for removing fine hairs from upholstery.
Also, be sure to keep your speed cleaning tools in good shape and take proper care of them. If you use a razor blade to clean shower stalls and windows, make sure it’s a fresh blade or it could scratch the glass. Make sure that spray bottles are unclogged and release a fine mist.
4. Choose the Right Cleaners
Make sure to choose the right cleaners to tackle the job. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrubbing harder than necessary. In general, stick to all-natural cleaning methods and products as these are safer for young children and pets. Harsh chemicals can also ruin certain furniture finishes, so be sure to check cleaning instructions. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple solution of gentle soap, baking soda and vinegar. However, when required, use a stronger, heavy-duty cleaner. Bathroom grout and stoves are notoriously challenging to clean.
5. Wear an Apron with Accessible Pockets
Wear an apron or a belt of sorts that offers deep pockets and side straps to keep spray bottles and cloth rags close at hand. Being able to grab and spray on-the-go creates a smoother, more repetitive motion that makes cleaning go faster. Also, be sure to designate pockets and straps for the same cleaners so that you know exactly where to grab for each instead of wasting time fumbling or hunting down bottles in cabinets. If an apron is not your thing, a cleaning bucket works perfectly fine as well.
6. Set a Time Limit and Keep Track
Face ityou could take an entire day to clean a single room properly. But who has time for that? Instead, set a comfortable time limit and keep to it. Set an alarm on your phone and call it quits when it goes off. This way, you won’t feel obligated to continue working on an endless task. Finish up your current task at hand and know when to walk away. After all, as a busy mom, you’d probably rather be spending time with the kids.
7. Clean Top to Bottom
Clean from top to bottom. In other words, you should start with high areas (dusting bookshelves) and work your way down (disinfecting countertops) until you reach the floor. If you dust after you’ve mopped, guess what? Your sparkling floors will have floating dust bunnies. Make sure to clean from the top down to ensure dirt does not spread.
Speaking of which, it helps to have flooring that’s easy to clean and offers low-maintenance, such as vinyl plank flooring or hardwood flooring that only takes a quick sweep and occasional mop and polish.
8. Skip the Not-So-Dirty Areas
If it’s not that dirty, don’t clean it. It can wait until the next speed cleaning cycle. When pressed for time, focus on the essential rooms and areas that need cleaning the most. You can skip the somewhat dirty areas just this once.
9. Use More Hands and Teamwork
Use both hands in unison, spraying with one and wiping with the other. It keeps things moving fluid without slowing down the cleaning process.
Another way to speed clean is to get all hands on deck and invite the kids to help out. Not only does it teach discipline, but it means that you can finish household chores quicker, which means you’ll have time for watching a movie or playing games together.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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