Multi-tasking while cleaning: How to save time
Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task that leaves you feeling exhausted. By multi-tasking and combining your cleaning efforts, you can complete chores more quickly and efficiently, freeing up time for other activities. Whether you have a busy schedule or just want to optimize your cleaning routine, these time-saving tips will help you tackle your household chores without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Use Waiting Time for Small Tasks
Many cleaning tasks don’t require your full attention. Use the waiting time in between tasks to tackle smaller jobs.
Examples:
While Laundry is Washing or Drying: Use the time while your laundry is washing or drying to clean other areas of your home. You can wipe down kitchen counters, tidy up the living room, or organize your bathroom.
While Dishes Are Soaking: If you have a few pots or pans soaking in the sink, use that time to quickly wipe down kitchen surfaces or clean the fridge handles.
While the Oven or Microwave is Heating: Take a few minutes to quickly wipe down the countertops or clean up any crumbs in the kitchen.
2. Combine Cleaning Tasks with Household Activities
Instead of dedicating separate time to cleaning and other tasks, combine them so you’re working on multiple things at once.
Examples:
Clean the Bathroom While Taking a Shower: Keep a small bottle of cleaner and a sponge in the shower. While you shower, quickly wipe down the walls, the faucet, and the mirror. The steam from the shower will help loosen grime, making cleaning easier.
Fold Laundry While Watching TV: Instead of folding laundry in a separate session, do it while watching your favorite show or listening to a podcast. This makes it feel less like a chore and more like multitasking entertainment.
Clean the Kitchen While Cooking: While you prepare meals, clean up as you go. Wipe down counters, load dirty dishes into the dishwasher, and sweep the floor as you wait for food to cook.
3. Focus on High-Traffic Areas First
Certain areas of your home are more likely to get dirty or cluttered quickly. By focusing on these high-traffic areas first, you’ll save time and prevent the mess from spreading.
High-Traffic Areas to Prioritize:
Entryway or Mudroom: This area is where dirt and clutter accumulate the most. Keep a basket or bin by the door for shoes, bags, and jackets. While the kids are putting their shoes away, wipe down the floor and tidy up the space.
Living Room: This is often the center of activity in your home. Quickly fluff pillows, fold blankets, and do a quick sweep or vacuum to keep it tidy while also doing other tasks, like answering emails or helping with homework.
Kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of the house, with spills and crumbs common throughout the day. Wipe down counters and appliances quickly while you’re in the kitchen cooking or prepping meals.
4. Use Time-Saving Cleaning Tools
Having the right tools for the job can significantly reduce the time it takes to clean your home. Invest in multi-functional tools and equipment to help you work faster.
Time-Saving Tools:
Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths trap dust, dirt, and grime more effectively than regular cloths. They also require less cleaning solution and work on a variety of surfaces.
Cordless Vacuum: A cordless or stick vacuum allows you to quickly clean floors and upholstery without having to drag a heavy vacuum around. It’s especially handy for quick sweeps of high-traffic areas.
All-Purpose Cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner can save you time when cleaning multiple surfaces. You can use it on countertops, floors, sinks, and even appliances.
Robot Vacuum: A robot vacuum can clean your floors while you do other tasks. Set it to run during the day or while you're working from home to keep the floors clean without lifting a finger.
5. Enlist Help from Family Members
If you have a family, divide cleaning tasks so everyone can contribute to the workload. This will make cleaning more efficient and ensure the house stays clean without one person doing all the work.
How to Enlist Help:
Assign Age-Appropriate Chores: Give your kids simple tasks, like picking up toys, folding towels, or wiping down surfaces. The more everyone helps, the less work there will be for you.
Set a Timer for Speed Cleaning: Turn cleaning into a race! Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and have everyone clean as much as they can in that time. It’s fun and motivating, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can get done.
Work Together on Big Tasks: For larger tasks like deep cleaning the kitchen or bathrooms, divide the work. One person can focus on wiping down surfaces while someone else vacuums or organizes.
6. Keep Cleaning Supplies Accessible
Having cleaning supplies in every room or high-traffic area can save you time by eliminating the need to run around the house gathering materials.
Tips for Keeping Supplies Handy:
Create Cleaning Stations: Store basic cleaning supplies (cleaners, microfiber cloths, sponges, and disinfecting wipes) in a central location or in each bathroom and kitchen area. This makes it easy to clean without needing to gather everything from a single storage area.
Use Caddies: Keep a cleaning caddy with all your essential supplies so you can easily move between rooms while cleaning.
7. Use Multi-Tasking Cleaning Products
Instead of using a different product for every surface or task, opt for multi-tasking cleaning products that can be used on a variety of surfaces.
Examples of Multi-Tasking Products:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Use it for countertops, floors, and even appliances. A good all-purpose cleaner can eliminate the need for several different products.
Disinfecting Wipes: Wipes are great for quick clean-ups, as they sanitize and clean surfaces without requiring additional tools.
Vacuum and Mop Combo: Some vacuum cleaners come with a mop attachment, allowing you to vacuum and mop floors simultaneously.
8. Create a Daily Maintenance Routine
The key to saving time on cleaning is staying ahead of the mess. A little daily maintenance can keep your home in a constant state of tidiness, preventing large cleaning sessions from piling up.
Daily Routine Tips:
Quick Evening Tidy-Up: Spend 10-15 minutes each evening tidying up. Put away toys, load the dishwasher, wipe down surfaces, and fluff pillows.
Laundry Daily: Instead of letting laundry pile up, do one load each day. This helps prevent laundry from building into an overwhelming task.
Wipe Surfaces as You Go: Wipe down kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and coffee tables while you cook, clean, or move through the house.
Conclusion
Multi-tasking while cleaning is a great way to save time and stay on top of household chores. By combining tasks, using time-saving tools, and keeping a cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and organized home without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re cooking, working, or spending time with your family, these time-efficient cleaning hacks will help you keep your home looking fresh with minimal effort.
