Tips For Keeping a Clean House

Home and Garden - Cleaning

By: smayberry 06-Nov-2010

Introduction:

Keeping a clean house can be a great challenge. It seems as if you just turn your back for a moment and it all gets way out of hand. It doesn't have to be that way, though. These simple tips will help you keep our home in tip top shape!

Get Organized

Make checklists for each room, create a schedule, whatever works for you. I used to keep a checklist, but now I don't have to. I do keep a white board on the refrigerator so I can write down items I need when I go shopping and tasks I need to do. I also have all of my bathroom cleaning supplies in the bathroom, the kitchen cleaners in the kitchen and so on. That way, I don't have to leave the room to get anything. Set rules for your cleaning such as you don't go to bed until the kitchen is clean (if you do it every evening it won't get out of hand).

Have a Place For Everything

Make sure that everything has its own place. This will accomplish several desirable goals. One, it will ensure that each time you to looking for that item, you will know exactly where it is. It will also save time because you won't be wasting time looking for a place to put it and finally, it will help you avoid "junk rooms" and boxes with random things that you can't find when you need them so you go buy more and waste money.

Make a Schedule

Schedules are great for keeping a clean house. I work all week so not a lot of house cleaning gets done then. I tidy up some during the week, actually the kitchen is what gets the most attention. On Saturday mornings, we work together and clean the house from top to bottom (everything off the counters and wipe them down, mop, scrub baseboards, etc).

Take One Room at a Time

Pick a room, get in there and don't come out until it is done. Don't try to clean the whole house at once. You can't. If you stay in one room till it is done, you are less likely to get distracted and start another project. If you go in to clean the closet, stick with it until you are finished then move on to what is next on your list.

Be Consistent

If you set a rule, stick to it. If you have a schedule, stay with it. I don't like to go to bed with a dirty kitchen, so I clean it before I go to bed each night. I load the dishwasher and hand wash the pots and pans, wipe down the counters and stove and make sure that it is tidy. I do this just about every night. I also stick to my Saturday morning schedule. It works and the house is clean.

Final Thoughts

Remember, it is OK if your house isn't clean 24/7. If you have kids or an active lifestyle, chances are that it won't be spotless all the time. But if you stick to your schedule and clean regularly, it is less likely to get out of control.

Give this list a high five!

Comments

Post a Comment

clewand550 1/28/2011
Flag This Comment

I really need help with my house. Thanks for the advice. I will try to remember these tips to help me out. Great job.
bossypants 11/13/2010
Flag This Comment

Boy, I really need thse suggestions! I think Number 2 is especially critical. How many times have we gotten something to replace something we couldn't find?! Sheesh! Thanks for a useful list!