April 5, 2012

to clean or not to clean...

Ok, if you know me or if you've been reading this blog for a while, then you know 
that I'm a little OCD and can NOT stand a messy house.
I also understand that a lot of moms struggle with keeping up with housework due to increased responsibilities (i.e. baby crying, baby spitting, baby pooping etc.).

So I thought I would compile a list of some things that I find helpful in this "mundane" task of keeping tidy. I, however, actually enjoying cleaning. weird. I know.


1. Keep up daily. Before the Mr. gets home or before you go to bed set a timer for 15 minutes and do a quick clean up.

2. Doing small things make a big impact. Don't just leave the little candy wrappers or straw papers laying around. Throw them away ASAP.

3. Everything has its place. I find that it's easier to keep things neat and tidy when stuff has a home. All you have to do is make sure every day or every other day that the thing goes in its spot.

4. Do a tiny cleaning every other day or so. My tiny cleanings include: 409-ing the kitchen and bathroom counter tops, lint rolling the couches (we have two dogs), doing the dishes, and occasionally dusting/vacuuming.

5. Once a week do a heavier cleaning. My once a week cleaning includes: cleaning kitchen counter tops, kitchen table, sweeping the kitchen, doing the dishes, doing laundry if needed, cleaning bathroom counter tops, dusting and vacuuming at least the living room and our bedroom. I know that sounds like a lot, but if you have been keeping up with things throughout the week you can probably get it all done in about an hour.

Also, listen to your heart (or your screaming baby), you know if it's a good time to clean or not. If your little ones are needing some extra love/attention or if you haven't spent much time with them then forget the silly cleaning and focus on them. They are exponentially more important.

And remember when all else fails, light a candle.  :)

17 comments:

  1. Very true- I can't stand a messy house either. But, sometimes my house does get a bit messy- especially on the days that Wyatt and I play and go nuts :)

    -kendall
    songbirdsandbuttons.blogspot.com

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  2. I was just struggling with this! Because i would push everything off till the weekends but that's when the fiance doesn't work and we both want to spend as much time together.. I'll have to use some of your tips!

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  3. i am so with you about small things making a big impact. when candy wrappers clutter my table, it throws my whole zen off. to the point where i'll get up and throw it away. even if it isn't mine!

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  4. This is great! It gets overwhelming just thinking about cleaning on a large scale, but I like your tips on doing constant, small clean-ups, rather than letting it pile up and having to deal with it all at one time!

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  5. Helpful! I need to get better at once a week cleaning :)
    -ashley
    http://pencilleddaydream.wordpress.com

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  6. This was good for me to read. It's really hard to keep apartments tidy!

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  7. Tee hee..lighting a candle is A MUST! :) And I always try and do one or two things a day..then I don't get overwhelmed! Go YOU!!

    Jenna

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  8. loving your blog have just discovered it and can not stop reading.

    I have a 3yr old and a 14month old so you can imagine the chaos that is caused so I try and clean up through out the day otherwise the place would just look like a bomb has gone of. xx

    http://dandelionsandkisses.blogspot.co.uk/

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  9. Love this post! I'm new here, and I just adore your blog! I'm off to stalk the rest of your site... Have a wonderful weekend, sugar! xo

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  10. LOVED this post ---I sometimes wonder how well I will do when little one gets here BUT I still have lots of time to learn and prepare beforehand!!! :)

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  11. aww cute! I like cleaning too :)

    pepperandchips.blogspot.com

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  12. Lighting a candle always makes things seem better!

    Sarah & Kristina
    XO

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  13. Hi! I found your blog through Casey. Loved this post! Cant wait to read more later! Have a happy Easter!

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  14. I just had to comment - bec of the last line. thank god for candles eh? I am a candles hoarder.

    http://navlandstyle.blogspot.ca/

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  15. Just found your blog from Ashley at Pencilled Daydream. SO cute! Look forward to getting to know you via blog world ;)

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  16. Love this list. I definitely agree with doing a little bit everyday. Helps so much!

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  17. Good list! I'm also a pick up as you go kind of girl :) It makes such a big difference rather than just leaving things lying around. Then, you have to do a big clean up.

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