- Published:
- Author: Margo R.
Cleaning Hacks for Busy Parents
Why is Cleaning Important
Before we get into our amazing cleaning hacks, we want to touch on the importance of cleaning and maintaining your home. While we know it’s not easy, there’s numerous benefits to having a clean, decluttered living space. These include:
- Better sleep
- Less stress
- Improved mental health
- Fewer bugs and pests
- Better mood
- Greater confidence
- Improved air quality
- Increased productivity
These are just a few of the many reasons why cleaning, although time-consuming, is more than worth the effort. Even though you may not have a lot of time, if you do a little bit every day, you’ll find the task is much more manageable. Don’t worry; we’ve listed some of the top (realistic) hacks that you can use that will really make a difference when it comes to keeping your house clean. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it!
1. Create a Schedule
Schedules are a parent’s best friend, especially when it comes to cleaning. With so much going on, from practices to afterschool clubs and activities, cleaning often falls by the wayside. Creating a schedule will help keep you focused and give you daily goals to accomplish. It’s okay to keep it simple, adding just one task per day, the key is to create something that’s attainable for the long run. Here’s an example of what your schedule could look like.
Monday | Wipe down kitchen counters | ✓ |
Tuesday | Vacuum | ✓ |
Wednesday | Mop | ✓ |
Thursday | Dust | ✓ |
Friday | Change sheets | ✓ |
Saturday | Clean bathrooms | ✓ |
Sunday | Laundry | ✓ |
Once you’ve completed the task, proudly put a checkmark beside it to keep yourself organized and motivated!
2. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas
If we’re being honest, most parents only have time to clean the spaces in our homes that we use most, and that’s okay! Prioritizing high-traffic areas is a quick and easy way to make your home feel clean without going through the hassle of tidying up the entire space. Focus on whatever rooms cause you the most stress, whether it’s the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living room, etc. Since they’re used the most, these areas tend to get dirty the fastest, so breaking it down into manageable chunks makes them easier to maintain. Generally, it doesn’t take much to transform a messy room into one that feels fresh and clean. And since you know you only have to focus on one space, it makes it much easier to fit into your schedule.
3. Set a Timer
Who has hours to spend cleaning every room of the house; not us, that’s for sure! That’s why a timer can be your best friend! Similar to focusing on only one area, using a timer makes cleaning much more manageable. You choose the amount of time that best fits with your schedule, from five minutes to an hour or more. During that time, you put your complete focus into cleaning as much as possible. Some people also call this method ” Speed cleaning,” which is a fun name, but you can call it whatever you’d like. The key is to set aside a manageable amount of time and clean as much as you can, then put your broom away and enjoy a well-earned sense of accomplishment!
4. Get the Whole Family Involved
Cleaning shouldn’t involve only one parent doing all the work; getting the entire family to do their part will help get the job done faster and teach valuable lessons. In fact, studies show that kids who learn to clean at an early age develop a wide array of habits and skills that can help them succeed in the long run. Choose age-appropriate chores that your kids can do on their own or with limited help. Having set tasks promotes a sense of independence and responsibility while teaching respect, value, and integrity. It’s also important for your kids to see you doing your part since your actions set an example they’re sure to follow. It’s okay to tell them that you understand cleaning isn’t always fun, but it helps keep your house clean and inviting so they have a safe and peaceful place to call home.
5. Make it Fun
Speaking of cleaning not being fun, why not take steps to make it that way? Turn up the music, put on a movie, and have a good time as you go about your tasks. If your family is competitive, you can turn it into a race and see who can finish their jobs the fastest. The more creative you get with cleaning, the less of a chore it becomes, which can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with teenagers! Don’t be afraid to try new things and spice it up; who knows, cleaning day just may become your family’s favorite day of the week!
Final Thoughts
Keeping your house clean as a busy parent isn’t an easy task, but small changes now can make a big difference in the future. While these hacks may not turn cleaning from a chore into your family’s favorite activity, they will help you stay on top of things and keep your home looking great!
CleanServices Jacksonville is proud to offer professional house cleaning services to Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. As a veteran-owned business, we know what it takes to make your house shine and use our years of cleaning experience to do the job right every time. Using advanced cleaning techniques and tools, we’ll ensure your home looks great and exceeds your expectations. Discover the clean home you’ve always dreamed of with SVS Cleaning today!