Summer! A perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and catch up on family time and relaxation!
But what about the house cleaning? If you’re like me, house cleaning is not on my priority list during the summer months.
But it has to be done….and done right. So what should you do?
The answer is simple. Learn how to power clean your home quick and efficiently so you can enjoy the lazy days of summer!
Power cleaning is an organized and efficient way of cleaning in a short period of time. Ultimately, the better you get at power cleaning, the more time you can spend enjoying your summer activities.
Here are some ways to get you started on the right track of efficient home power cleaning:
- Set up a regular weekly cleaning schedule and stick to it. Trust me, this could change your life for the better! If you learn to stick to a basic cleaning routine, things won’t get so out of control. Once this happens, all the other necessary homemaking tasks will not seem so overwhelming or take so long. Whether it’s a morning routine, a nighttime routine, or even a 10 minute “frenzy” routine, learn to stick with it if it works.
- Dress the part and dress for success. What you wear to clean is important. Create your own comfortable, washable, “cleaning uniform” that is easy to move around in. Don’t forget form fitting gloves and comfy shoes!
- Invest in well-made cleaning tools to clean your home with. Good quality gloves, microfiber cloths, brushes, and mops can help make cleaning easier. To lessen your trips back and forth to the cleaning cabinet, prepare a cleaner’s bucket filled with all tools, cleansers, brushes and color coded microfiber cloths needed to do the job quick and efficiently. Have the microfiber mop and vacuum nearby. Don’t forget to include a plastic bag for trash.
- Simplify your cleaning products by eliminating clutter in your own cleaning basket. Most jobs can be done using the following types of cleaners:
– Glass/multi-surface (make your own by combining 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
– Heavy duty/degreaser (make your own by combining equal parts of washing soda,castile soap, vinegar and warm water)
– Powdered abrasive (make your own by combining 3 cups baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, 3 cups warm water)
– Tile/Grout (make your own by combining 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water)
- Stay Motivated and focus. Limit distractions while cleaning. Don’t stop cleaning to check emails, talk on the phone, or watch your favorite soap opera. Cleaning time will definitely slow down! Instead, keep your cleaning time energized by playing your favorite upbeat music, or better yet, lessen the boredom of house cleaning by cleaning with a buddy. After all, teamwork is especially helpful when it comes to changing sheets and making beds.
- Clean in a logical order. Think through your order to see if it works for you. Usually I start upstairs and clean each room top to bottom. Don’t circle a room more than once. Clean everything in your path before you move on. For example, in the bathroom, stand in front of the sink, spray and wipe the mirror, scrub the sink, wipe down the counters and polish the fixtures all before moving from that spot.
- Learn to use two hands when cleaning. Get into the habit of using both hands to attack cleaning tasks. For example, spray the mirror with one hand and wipe it down with the other. Scrub the counters with 2 cloths, one in each hand.
- Free up some space. Set aside a few minutes a day to clean out a new closet, cabinet, or drawer and donate items you no longer use or need.
- Wrap it up. Return cleaning tools to their proper areas. Throw out trash. Put soiled cloths in the laundry. Check product levels and buy whatever is needed ahead of time.
- End your cleaning by spraying your home with a natural homemade scented spray. Combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons undiluted vodka, and 20 drops essential oil into a spray bottle and spray.
Learning the art of power cleaning and sticking to a routine that keeps your home maintained on a daily basis will help you feel less overwhelmed and can free up some time for you to enjoy the summer by doing what you want to do.
