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I get a lot of emails asking about my cleaning schedule after I wrote about my typical day on Joanna’s blog. I truly do not love cleaning, but I know that I’m so much happier with life when my house is clean. Don’t you feel the same way?
A couple years ago, right after I had Claire and when Gracie was old enough to really start doing some damage, I was feeling like I would never have a clean house again. (I also thought there was a good chance I would never get to sleep through the night again. :) good times) I was picking up the house all week long it felt like, and then I would do all my laundry and deep cleaning on the weekends. That meant my Saturday was completely gone and that the house was totally dirty again by Monday morning. Stresses me out just thinking about it.
Then one time I was visiting a friend’s house who had three rambunctious toddler boys. I walked into her house for the first time and my jaw dropped. Her house was CLEAN. Like, I’m not talking about tidy – tidy is not always possible during the day with kids, but it was clean. She is one of those amazing mothers who is really active with her kids, so I knew she didn’t spend all day neglecting her boys to clean the house. I was surprised and a little jealous of her sparkly floors so I begged her to share her secret. She laughed and said she kept a chore chart, which I thought was hilarious! What grown woman has a chore chart?! Suddenly I had to have one!
I copied her chart and have been using a slightly tweaked version ever since. I can’t say that I’m always following through here, but when I do, my house is practically spotless and best of all, I don’t feel like I am cleaning all the time – which honestly was the hardest part for me of being a stay at home mom in the early years.
It looks like a lot, but I think even on the most intense days I’m only spending 30 or 40 minutes in aggregate cleaning (though we live in a 1500 sq ft apartment, so your home might require a little more time). I’ve listed the chart here below, and here’s a simple printable version.
So the basic idea is this: there are daily chores – easy things you should take care of almost habitually in the morning and in the night, and then there is a single special chore of the day. Most of these chores end up getting done once a week (for example, every Monday I do a deep vacuuming of all our rugs. I took only one interior design class in college and I only remember a handful of things from that class. One of them was a tangential comment my professor made about vacuuming. She said that you should go over the same area on a rug SEVEN times super slowly to get it clean. Isn’t that just nuts? I don’t do that, but I do try to do a slow vacuuming on Mondays.). Friday though is the swing day, where you rotate in chores that need to be done less frequently, like scrubbing the microwave.
I’ll walk you through today’s cleaning schedule. It’s Tuesday. I wake up and make our bed. It won’t get done unless I make it as soon as I get up. The girls are getting good about making their beds too. After I finish getting ready I wipe down the bathroom counters and the sink. While I’m making the kids breakfast I empty out the dishwasher.
Then life happens and the house sort of falls apart during the day.
Then at night the girls help me clear the table and load the dishwasher. Michael does the trashes. Once the kids are in bed I quickly sweep or vacuum the kitchen and dining room and I might pop into the living room too. I keep a wet rag with me and as I go I’ll spot clean the floor. My goal is fast and furious cleaning!
And here’s where my baskets come into play. I keep them everywhere. I really love this basket that I posted about yesterday because it is super sturdy and holds its shape. I zip through my house every night with this basket, throwing in every misplaced item, then going back to each room once and put the things back where they belong. It takes me just a few minutes to pick up a day’s worth of clutter this way. No more running back and forth and back and forth from room to room putting things away. Try the basket method – you’ll never go back!
Plus – another bonus of having your pretty baskets out in every room? If you have a friend coming over right away, you can just corral everything in the basket super fast and no one’s the wiser.
Once the house has been de-cluttered, I do my chore of the day (today was cleaning the mirrors and windows), and then I’m done! It might sound like a lot, but I promise it isn’t. When I’m consistent with this schedule, I never have to do one of those marathon cleaning days to get back to ground zero. The house never has a chance to get really dirty, so the cleaning never feels like a true chore. It feels easy and, dare I say it? Pleasant?
So that’s my approach to cleaning in a nutshell. I know we all have our special tricks, and I’d LOVE to hear yours!
Today’s super-sized give away is $350 to Target AND $150 to the Container Store and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment sharing your favorite cleaning or organization tip. I can’t wait to see what you guys do to keep your spaces sparkling! Any other crazies out there with a chore chart? :)
Contest ends March 22. Winner will be announced on the 23rd. Contest rules can be read in full here. Good luck!!
I've incorporated doing one load of laundry every day into my routine. It keeps laundry from turning into a huge ordeal when it piles up and has to be done all at once. It also helps me avoid that late night time crunch where you can only go as fast as the machines cycles will allow. I throw a load in in the morning – switch them over by lunch – and then I have all afternoon and evening to fit in the folding and putting away. It never feels like a huge task anymore.
I have to say that clear plastic drawers/containers are the best way to stay organized and keep everything neat. You can store them away and easily find them later!
http://www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com
I love the chore chart and I am DEF going to use it! One thing I would add to one of the week days, maybe window day, is to dust off the tv with a microfiber cloth. A dusty tv makes the whole room look dirty, and it takes 30 sec to run a cloth over it!
You're chore chart is inspirational!! My cleaning routine desperately needs improvement. One thing I will say though is I limit what I bring into the house by stopping junk at the door. I live in an apartment building and each day I get home, pick up the mail and head to the recycling bin. Junk mail never has a chance to pile up in the house. I try to purge my purse of receipts and outdated notes while I'm there as well. It makes for less mess to battle later when I'm cleaning our place! Thanks for a chance to win.
I like using clear plastic shoe containers for my kids' toys. I label them and they can see what goes in what container.
My favorite cleanup trick is spraying pans that have food burnt on food. It get the pans or dish spotless. make certain it can withstand chemicals. Works great on iron too. Swiffer duster is the best thing created, but i have rather mop with a really good all-cotton mop.
Before I start cleaning, I pour Clorox in all of the drains. It not only takes the odor away, it helps clean drains.
Happy Tuesday.
Teresa
xoxo
We keep one CLEARLY marked electric toothbrush in each bathroom. They are fantastic when it comes to deep cleaning small tight spaes, and they make it virtually no work at all.
I live alone so I don't have to pick up after kids- but I have a ace for everything and make sure that I always put things in their places. Also, I spot clean during the week and alternate the rooms that I deep clean in the weekends.
Love this chore chart. I used to do that and after baby number four I lost all cleaning organization. That was three years ago:) I try to keep thing under control by having my 9 & 7 year olds empty the dishwasher morning and night. That way I can do other things while they empty and then I'm ready to load dishes in.
I use vinegar diluted with water to mop the floor because we don't like chemicals.We have a young child and he loves to play on the floor. Usually, I just spray the vinegar and water solution on an area once, then mop the solution away using warm water.
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
My biggest pet peeve is stuff crammed into the food cabinets so tightly that the things in the back are never seen or heard from again! I've gotten into the habit of pulling most of it out and making sure it stays neatly arranged every time I come home with a load of groceries. That was old stuff doesn't get lost forever in the back, and stuff I use almost daily (like olive oil, spices etc) are easily reached.
I love your chore chart! My mom always had one for our family and I have one now for mine.
I think one of the best organizing tools is a couple of trash bags. One for garbage and one for donations. The less stuff you have, the easier it is to keep your home clean and free of clutter!
I don't have a great solution, but I thank you for yours, Jenny!
We have neighbor kids who show up anytime of the day, and the first thing they spout off is, "your house is messy" as they proceed to dump every toy bin in sight.
They once asked me if I have a cleaner, and like a fool, I thought they meant vacuum, so I said yes!
I found out very quickly that they have a cleaning lady, and that was the question they were asking.
It is something I cannot afford, and it's quite embarrassing to have 5 year olds call you out, when you spend all day cleaning like a mad-woman after your 3 kids!
Thank you for your technique, I can't wait to try it out! Hopefully it will make the weekly pop-ins slightly less embarrassing;)
Keeping the house is by far the thing I am worst at, I am going to try your schedule and some of these ideas from comments!
I love using baskets, drawers, bins, etc. for collecting misc. items that are all around the house. It only takes a few minutes to collect everything and make it makes a huge impact.
I am good at picking up clutter – my rooms are generally spotless with everything in its place, but I don't *clean* very well, so I end up having to have a one day marathon every so often!
I wish I had a trick to share! But I'm going to try the chore chart and basket idea. Thank you!
I like using clear, plastic shoe boxes to use in cabinets, shelves and closets. They're very inexpensive, you can see what's in them and they're the perfect size to hold small baking supplies or bath items.
lionsrrroar[at]gmail[dot]com
Wow, I always voted you as one of my domestic goddess and hero. Since I had a toddler, I suddenly realized I had a cleaning schedule as well. To my surprise, my routine is a lot like yours! Just not written down as set in stone.
15 minutes a day. I just set a timer, crank up the tunes, and tackle whatever I have on the list for that day. I also do laundry every day or so. Makes it much less overwhelming!
15 minutes a day. I just set a timer, crank up the tunes, and tackle whatever I have on the list for that day. I also do laundry every day or so. Makes it much less overwhelming!
I clean my kitchen every morning. Sometimes that just means a quick counter wipe down and dishwasher loading session, sometimes it is more thorough. If my kitchen is clean I can focus on everything else.
Oh I forgot to leave mine cleaning process, I make sure I contribute around 20 minutes of extra chores daily, like cleaning bathrooms. And I will always do my usual chores like washing up dishes, and laundry every day. I have lots of plates, chest of drawers everywhere for tidying toys, small bits away. Almost every corner of our house has storage units.
15 minutes a day. I just set a timer, crank up the tunes, and tackle whatever I have on the list for that day. I also do laundry every day or so. Makes it much less overwhelming!
I mop with my baby attached to me in a carrier — she gets to cuddle and our house gets cleaned.
My favorite cleaning trick is hiring a cleaning service once a month! It really helps to have someone come in and deep clean the house (which I really do not enjoy doing).
I think the best cleaning tip is decluttering, so you have less to clean to begin with and more space to keep it tidy. Thanks!
I am definitely going to adopt your daily/weekly cleaning schedule. I need it! My tips would be 1) that everything has a place and I return it there when I'm done, 2) get kids involved when they are tiny. When they're little they think it's awesome to help, then when they get older their already used to it, 3)I do all the wash as fast as possible, switching loads immediately & folding & putting away as it comes out of the dryer.
When I can't seem to get a mirror completely spot and lint free I'll use a coffee filter and rubbing alcohol to wipe it down – the coffee filters leave no lint behind, and they really get squeaky clean.
Personally, I HATE to clean but…I love having a cleaning chart! It makes me feel like it HAS to get done if it's on paper where I can see it.
http://britspolkadotlife.blogspot.com/
Britney
We use an alternating schedule too– we spend 15 minutes every day doing home maintenance, and 15 minutes working on a project, although your chore chart is awesome too!
One of my favorite house tips is to just have less stuff. It's a little hard at first, but we cut down on knick-knacks and a lot of extras (and I know this isn't for everyone!), but we both have a Kindle, and all of our clothes fit comfortably into one dresser/in our closet, and our shoes all fit in the entryway… it makes life much simpler! And cleaning much easier. I rotate our collection of thing through our glass-door-covered bookshelves. No dust, and cleans up with a microfiber cloth. Works for us!
We use an alternating schedule too– we spend 15 minutes every day doing home maintenance, and 15 minutes working on a project, although your chore chart is awesome too!
One of my favorite house tips is to just have less stuff. It's a little hard at first, but we cut down on knick-knacks and a lot of extras (and I know this isn't for everyone!), but we both have a Kindle, and all of our clothes fit comfortably into one dresser/in our closet, and our shoes all fit in the entryway… it makes life much simpler! And cleaning much easier. I rotate our collection of thing through our glass-door-covered bookshelves. No dust, and cleans up with a microfiber cloth. Works for us!
Yesterday i've been making more chore calendar for the first time. I got it off a cleaning blog. So you should know I'm so happy to see yours!!
A tip I always do:
With in each room. I take everything EVERYTHING that is out of place and put it in a large pile. Then I quickly throw baby stuff in one pile, things that go back to the kitchen in another, maybe it's just the way I work but, its seems more efficient because then I don't waste time going back-forth-back-forth.
^(sorry)
Jenny, I just think you are so great. (I loved that post on Cup of Jo, your girls are darling!)
Lando and I are both full times students- so it's a different kind of busy- and we live in a teeny-tiny apartment that can look clean in 15 minutes but also horrendous in 15 minutes. I have a chore chart too! Literally hanging on my fridge as I type (today was hand-mop the kitchen and bathroom) I think THAT is the best advice, but my second in line is straightening up my closest everyday while I get ready. Color-coding my blouses and straightening my shoes does wonders for my itty-bitty closest.
I live in a townhome so I really utilize baskets – I keep one on the base of each flight of stairs so that I can easily bring things upstairs vs carrying stuff up piecemeal. Also I use storage baskets under my kids beds for their shoes do they can help put them away. Love your chart!
I use the Motivated Moms App for iPhone. It has REVOLUTIONIZED my life!
Wow! I've definitely learned the benefits of doing a little at a time over the years, so this chore chart looks great! Something I do that really helps me (since I don't have a dishwasher) is to do the dishes as soon as I'm finished eating and take my wet soapy sponge to wipe down the kitchen counters and stove at the end. This way, I can skip kitchen cleaning most weeks and just tend to the floors every few days.
I printed your version of the chore chart– it's more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and makes it more "fun"!
I really wish I had some tricks for you, but I am the one who is reading the blogs for tricks and tips!
I too like everyone else like a clean house. My solution is to pay my son's girlfriend. She likes to clean and hangs out at our house a lot. Even before we started paying her she was always cleaning.
Love the chore list, but I like to add a daily or every other day laundry load to the the list so Saturday doesn't become overwhelmed with laundry. For example, Monday – sheets, Tuesday – kids clothes, Wednesday – adult clothes, Thursday -towels, Friday – kids clothes, Saturday – adult clothes. With a set schedule it is easier for the rest of the house to help.
Thanks for all you do! Love your blog!
I will definitely use your chore chart! One thing I do is to go through the mail each day and get rid of anything that is junk. I find that if the mail and papers get out of order, then it starts everything in a downward spiral!!
Thanks for the giveaway, I would love the gift cards!!
paulapositano@aol.com
I use the Sidetracked Home Executives card file system. I learned from my mom, who has been using it since my siblings and I were in grade school. I also like to make sure all surfaces are clear of clutter at some point each day, as Martha says, "Tidiness begets tidiness."
Wow, I'm not being judgemental or anything, but I would be so bummed if I had to take such a huge responsibility for keeping the house clean! Maybe it's a national difference (I'm Swedish). Me and my husband have divided the chores (he does trash and recycling, I do laundry, he does all the vacuuming, I clean the kitchen etc.). I tend to think that all "western" countries are the same, so it's interesting to note differences. Love your blog! /Anna
I love the idea of the chore chart! I'm going to start tomorrow! I've adopted a new little tip in my bathroom. I keep two sets of hand towels in different colors, one for hand wiping and the other for wiping down my sink at morning and night (this is out of guests reach). It totally keep away the gross build up between my deeper cleans.
I love the idea of the chore chart! I'm going to start tomorrow! I've adopted a new little tip in my bathroom. I keep two sets of hand towels in different colors, one for hand wiping and the other for wiping down my sink at morning and night (this is out of guests reach). It totally keep away the gross build up between my deeper cleans.
Cleanliness is next to God-liness right! Having a cleaning routine is imperative in today's busy life. I do have help one morning and that really does help. It is worth every penny.
pve
Your chart is a great idea! I do something similar where I have an evening cleaning routine and a morning one, usually before my daughter goes to bed, or after my husband leaves for work. The less bodies in the house, the easier it is for me to tear around straightening up!
I do think I need to copy your chart though! Keep me on task. :)
Hi, This is really amazing and provide me answers to all my questions. This is really informative. Thanks.
While it's not so much a tip, I generally just keep on top of cleaning.. Kind of like your cleaning plan! I usually throw a load of laundry in in the morning and hang it up while dinner is cooking. I also make sure that the kitchen is clean before going to bed. Makes a big difference. I've found that if something is clean, it keeps you more motivated to keep it that way!
i really love this idea. i've heard of it before but always thought it would still be too much. the wat you have it laid out makes total sense and is totally doable.
my tip is to do laundry almost everyday and fold right away or as soon as possible. what i do is collect all our clothes that night and throw in laundry right before bed. if i am still up when it stops, i then throw in the dryer. i wake early so get clothes and fold then.
i also spend 30 mins at night and 30 mins in the morning picking up toys, doing dishes, the floors, etc. this way all the chores don't seem as overwhelming.