Cleaning Services

Tips for Creating an Efficient Cleaning Routine

"Routine is the momentum that keeps a man going," someone once remarked. It’s true; without a proper routine it’s hard to get the boring, ordinary things done. If you’re like most people, it’s always easier to put things off until the last minute when we finally realize we have too many things to do in too short a time. The same applies to cleaning your home.

If you create a routine for cleaning, not only will you always have a clean home and not get caught off guard, but you’ll also have a schedule which will allow for better utilization of your time. In addition, if you make a family schedule you can spread the responsibility around instead of having everything fall on you.

Make a Schedule

First, determine how far-reaching you want your schedule to be. It can be for weekly, biweekly or monthly chores. Next, make a list of all the things that need cleaning.

Once you have your list, determine the frequency that things need cleaning. Some areas may need weekly cleaning while other things, like cleaning out the air conditioner filter, may only need monthly cleaning. However, don’t underestimate these infrequent activities. Cleaning out you’re A/C can save you the expense of calling an A/C technician. If you live in an area like Bridgeport, Connecticut, where many homes have decks, power washing them could be a once-a-year activity, so save it for spring cleaning.

Apportion Your Time

Estimate how much time a certain job will take or how much time you’re willing to invest in it. Short bursts of time are also effective. You can set aside just 15 or 20 minutes and set a timer to motivate you to act quickly and efficiently. When the timer buzzes, it’s time to relax.

Assign tasks to specific days. If a certain day is particularly busy for you, don’t schedule jobs for that day. Likewise, leave Saturday or Sunday for the more time-consuming tasks. Remember, doing a bit each day rather than setting aside a whole day for cleaning makes it easier.

Assign people to the tasks that they are most qualified for. If someone in your family prefers doing laundry to doing the dishes, that’s what they should do.

Tips

Make sure to write down your schedule. It can be kept on the computer or posted on the refrigerator; whatever works best for you as long as it’s visible. Additionally, give yourself a reward. Set aside a nice treat for when you finish the day’s cleaning – it could be going out, having certain food, or just reading a good book.

If you don’t have enough time, or you just don’t like cleaning, you can always opt for a cleaning service. However, you should attempt to schedule them to fit in to your family’s needs as well. You may prefer to have them clean when you’re around, or possibly you don’t like the noise of the vacuum cleaner and you prefer to be away when they clean. Whatever you decide, being organized and properly allocating your time will save you time and aggravation.

Mark Stevens is a writer from New Jersey who has written over 100 home improvement articles. Want to ask Mark something? Send him a message.