After years of moving and changing spaces and desiring to keep things as simple as possible, I’ve discovered the key elements of a simple and affective cleaning routine that leaves me feeling good. The more I stuck with the cleaning routine the easier my life became. Let me show you how 🙂
Zone Cleaning routine
Whether you live in a 24 sq/ft RV or a 3,000 sq/ft home, I believe you can achieve a peaceful cleaning routine that doesn’t leave you scrambling. My most helpful way to do this is with DAILY small efforts with zone cleaning. For me at least, doing a bulk cleaning day out of the week just left me frantic. I would stress if I missed the day or if I had unexpected company, I would rush to clean.
Zone cleaning is essentially splitting up sections of your home into days of the week and thoroughly cleaning that zone on a specific assigned day. So for example, Mondays I clean the kitchen, Tuesdays the living room & dining room, Wednesdays bedrooms and so on. I like to stick to six days of the week to leave a day of rest. I noticed that after incorporating this cleaning routine, the zones, which once would take 20-30 minutes, end up taking up 10-15 minutes of my time. If I stayed consistent, I became more efficient and the areas are cleaner so less work needs to be put in. Obviously a larger home will take some more time but it is well worth the effort if your goal is a clean home and peaceful mental state. There is rest in the routine.
Zone cleaning routine specifics
What do I clean exactly in each zone? Everything! Walls, counter tops, inside appliances, on fans, behind doors, etc.. The reason cleaning routines with specific duties do not work is because just dusting or wiping all baseboards or cleaning windows does not give satisfaction with a fully cleaned area. With each zone receiving full attention, you can focus on detail, stay in one area which equals less time running around and a look of achievement with an area of your home. Of course we want the rest of our home to remain clean/uncluttered, but this is more on the detailed cleaning. Think of when or if you’ve ever hired someone to clean your home, you expect them to do a detailed cleaning routine- like behind the toilet and under the bed kind of cleaning. This is the same, this cleaning routine can enable you to take control over your home without feeling overwhelmed.
Daily cleaning routine
We all know our home, no matter if it’s two people or twelve, requires daily upkeep or it will become a disaster in .2 seconds. This is why a daily cleaning routine is just as important as a cleaning zone per day. Let me show you my specific daily cleaning routine
- Beds made ( my 3 y/o makes hers as well)
- unload dishwasher
- one load of laundry ( we mix laundry, hang dry delicates and do sheets on Fridays )
- always clean up after messes immediately once completed ex: cooking, finishing a meal, playing with toys, reading books, crafts.
- close kitchen in the evening. Empty sink, dishwasher running, all food put up.
- All clutter cleaned up in the evening. ( waking with a messy home immediately induces stress)
- fold laundry and put away
- take out trash if needed
- clean up as I go about my day
Whether this list seems like a little or a lot, it has become universal for me no matter where we’ve lived. This includes seasons without dishwashers, a washer/dryer ( laundry mats on specific days ) or really small spaces. I’ve learned living even in a construction zone, if I give myself tasks I can control, it brings peace and a brighter home.
FAQ
What type of tools do you use for cleaning? I use microfiber cloth for windows and mirrors, cotton cloth for services, mr. clean magic erasers for baseboards, sinks, bathtub, outer toilet and hard to remove surface areas. For floors- I mop using a large organic cotton fabric and hot soapy water. I find using my hands to actually be easier than any mops I’ve used. Microfiber cloth is used for dusting as well. I have a standard vacuum but would recommend rainbow vacuum for heavy duty or any Dyson brand.
What cleaning products do you use?
Often I make a multipurpose spray cleaner with vinegar, water and essential oils. For scrubbing difficult surfaces like tile, glass stove tops and small crevices- I’ve always used Bar keepers friend powder and or baking soda. For all laundry material I make a powder mix using baking soda, washing soda, salt and castile bar soap. I love this recipe.
Final thoughts
If you find yourself scrolling this post, I am assuming you do care about wanting to keep a clean home but have struggled. Please know this is not something I do perfectly but I do heavily depend on it. I have learned that I am at more peace and rest when I keep up with my cleaning routine and any other rhythms that I or my family values. It’s not just so I can cram one more thing on my to-do list. I value my time very much and so I have learned that this is worthy of my time and effort. There is a time and place for hired help and I am so grateful, hello postpartum! But these cleaning routines give me confidence and peace in my current busy season.
Let me know if you try my cleaning routine and what your thoughts are below!
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