For about 5 years, I didn’t have a cleaning schedule. I had a cleaning day. That day was Saturday, and it was a 6 – 8 hour marathon that left me with no time for anything else. I figured if I didn’t like cleaning once a week, I wouldn’t enjoy cleaning every day. But now, several years older and wiser, I get it! (Welcome to adulting, right?)
Having a weekly cleaning schedule keeps me from getting overwhelmed on Saturday and leaves me time to actually enjoy the weekend. Plus, it makes it easier to keep up with the house day by day.
Benefits of a Low-Maintenance Cleaning Schedule
1. Reduces Overwhelm
- Easier to Manage: Smaller daily tasks prevent the stress of a big cleaning day.
- Less Stress: Consistent cleaning means less buildup and less stress.
2. Saves Time
- Short Daily Sessions: Spend less time overall compared to one massive cleaning session.
- Flexible Timing: Fit short cleaning tasks into your schedule easily.
3. Easier to Maintain
- Constant Cleanliness: Regular cleaning keeps your home tidy and hygienic.
- Prevents Deep Dirt: Consistent maintenance prevents grime buildup.
4. Promotes Consistency
- Routine Habits: Establishing a routine makes it easier to maintain consistency over time. It can become second nature.
- Improved Discipline: Encourages disciplined and regular cleaning habits.
5. Helps Mental Well-being
- Less Anxiety: A clean and organized environment promotes calm.
- More Enjoyable Space: A tidy home creates a more pleasant living space.
6. Encourages Family Participation
- Easier Delegation: Small tasks are easier to delegate when your sharing chores in the family.
- Teaches Responsibility: Regular chores help teach children responsibility and helps even out the responsibility of cleaning.
7. Increases Productivity
- Better Focus: A clean home reduces distractions.
- More Free Time: Less time spent on cleaning means more time for other things.
8. Keep You Prepared
- Always Ready: Your home is always presentable when people decide to surprise you with a visit.
- Less Panic Cleaning: No need for last-minute panic cleaning.
9. Improves Home Maintenance
- Early Problem Detection: Regular cleaning helps you notice maintenance issues early.
- Prolongs Appliance Life: Keeping appliances clean can extend their lifespan.
What to expect!
Monday – Bedrooms
Time Estimated: 30 minutes each
Daily Routine: Tidy up nightstands, make beds, put clothes away, clear the vanity.
Deep Clean Tasks:
- Throw away trash.
- Sweep/Vacuum/Mop
- Wipe surfaces, wipe down mirrors and windows
- Change bed linens
- Reorganize your vanity
Tuesday – Living Room
Time Estimated: 45 minutes
Daily Routine: Tidy up clutter, fluff pillows, vacuum high-traffic areas
Deep Clean Tasks:
- Dust furniture and electronics
- Vacuum under furniture
- Wipe down windowsills and crown moldings
- Sweep and mop floors
- Vacuum carpets
Wednesday – Bathrooms
Time Estimated: 45 minutes
Daily Routine: Wipe down counters and mirrors, tidy up toiletries, replace used towels.
Deep Clean Tasks:
- Scrub shower/tub
- Clean toilet
- Mop floor
- Clean countertops
- Wipe mirrors and light fixtures
- Replace toilet paper and soap.
Thursday – Kitchen (Deep Clean)
Time Estimate: 1 hour
Deep Clean Tasks:
- Clean dishwasher
- Wipe down drawers
- Replace low stock items
- Deep clean refrigerator and freezer
- Reorganize Pantry
Friday – Laundry & Garage
Time Estimate: 30 minute intervals
Daily Routine: Tidy up the laundry area.
Deep Clean Tasks:
- Start a load of laundry (consider doing one load every day).
- Fold and hang.
- Separate clothes you may like to donate.
- Organize tools and storage.
- Sweep garage.
Saturday – Extra Rooms & Outdoor Areas
Daily Routine: Light tidying, put away misplaced items, take out the trash. Clean outdoor areas like patios or balconies, sweep porches. Wipe down outdoor furniture.
Deep Clean Tasks: Choose one room (e.g., home office, guest room, or basement) to focus on. Dust, vacuum, clean windows, and organize. If weather permits, clean outdoor areas like patios or balconies, sweep porches, and water plants.
Let’s be honest. Unless you’re superwoman, the laundry is not going to get done in a day. I’ve tried and it ends up being a two-day thing. So what did I do? I put it in the schedule with plenty of time to make up for it between Friday and Saturday.
Everyday
I declutter and spruce up the common areas: focusing on tidying up the kitchen counters, doing dishes, putting laundry away, organizing the living room. Making sure that surfaces are clear and clean. I also sweep regularly. Taking the time to do this makes “cleaning day” that much easier.
Tips to Help You Follow Through
- schedule your energy, not your time
- listen to podcasts or music while you’re cleaning
- ask for help
- do more when you feel up to it
- spend 10 minutes tidying up common areas
- shut down the kitchen at a certain time
- put away items out of place when you see them
