Do you spend your weekend cleaning? What a drag!
I’m a big fan of cleaning in little spurts. I’ve read a lot on the subject, as my #1 hated housekeeping chore is cleaning the bathroom. I read an inspired tip in the book, Sweeping Changes: Discovering the Joy of Zen in Everyday Tasks. The author, Gary Thorp, talks about how a bathroom is a great thing to have when you need it. It’s a place we cleanse, purify and refresh. (I try to think of that everytime I approach cleaning the loo, but I’m far from appreciating the task!)
Keeping up on cleaning can be a simple, daily task that doesn’t have to take an entire weekend. Here’s a few tricks I use to simplify cleaning:
- Have less stuff. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, having less stuff, less space, less whatever means less to take care of. When I start to feel overwhelmed at how much laundry I have to do, I know it’s time to clean out the closet. Somehow I feel better, and voila – less laundry to do!
- Keep cleaning supplies close at hand. If the things I need to do a task aren’t within arms’ reach, I’m far less likely to do that task, even if it would take thirty seconds. If I have to go somewhere and grab something, it’s not longer a simple task. It’s an ordeal. So, for example, I keep a small packet of bathroom wipes (biodegradable) near the toilet. I can use these to wipe off the toilet or the counter when I see it needs to be done. This can be done while you’re brushing your teeth and it only takes about 30 seconds.
- Make a “Cleaning Kit.” If you’re ready to tackle the whole bathroom or an entire room, make yourself a kit that is pre-assembled and portable. A bucket or tote filled with all the things you need to clean makes the chore easier: scrubbing powder (or baking soda), sponge, brush, cleaning/window spray, paper towels and gloves. This will save you from having to make trips back and forth to grab a supply you realize you need. This also makes it easy to keep track of all your cleaning supplies so that you can stock up before you run out of something. Nothing ruins a cleaning spree likel realizing you’re out of something important.
- Clean a little each day. Don’t spend your entire weekend cleaning – use it to relax and take a break. You can clean a little each day, even multi-task. Put on a headset while you’re on the phone and sweep, mop, fold laundry, or clean windows. A little everyday adds up to a lot by the end of the week.
So, simplify your life and do a little cleaning everyday. You may just feel refreshed!
What about you? Do you prefer to clean a little bit every day, or dedicate an entire day to cleaning?
