Stay-at-home moms are some of the busiest people on the planet. Between taking care of children and managing the home, there is plenty on your plate. Cleaning is probably at the top of your to-do list most days, but that does not mean you enjoy it. Keep reading for the top cleaning tips every stay-at-home mom needs.
1. Create a Routine
Making a schedule can help you stay on top of your massive to-do list. List out all of the cleaning tasks and areas of your home that need attention throughout the week, then assign them to specific days. For example, Monday can be dedicated to cleaning your master bedroom and playroom, washing dishes, and doing a quick clean-up where necessary. For Tuesday, you can wash sheets, scrub down the kitchen, and tidy up.
Creating a master schedule for house cleaning can keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Break the major chore down into bite-sized chunks that are easy to manage. You can also create shorter routines for completing tasks in the morning, including making your bed, putting away the laundry, or emptying the dishwasher.
2. Keep Supplies Handy
Stocking up on cleaning supplies ensures you always have what you need, when you need it. Spills and messes happen every day, especially when you have small children. There’s no need to worry about spilled milk or runny paints when you have the right supplies on hand. From your preferred surface cleaner to disinfecting wipes, make sure you have enough of the items you use most often.
3. Vacuum Instead of Sweeping
As a stay-at-home mom, your time is precious. Playing with your kids, running errands, and enjoying personal time are much more important than cleaning up. You can make the cleaning process a little easier on your time and yourself by reaching for the vacuum instead of the broom.
While there are times you cannot avoid using a broom, your vacuum can get the job done faster. From crushed cereal on the kitchen floor to dog hair on your tile, your vacuum is more than equip to handle the task. In addition to saving time, your vacuum is also easier on your back than a broom and dust pan.
4. Wash Toys
Toys can get pretty gross. Instead of spending time cleaning them all individually with disinfectant wipes, you can use a laundry bag to get the job done faster. Check whether or not the toys are safe in water, then throw them all in a mesh laundry bag. They will come out clean and disinfected, ready to be played with again.
5. Clean as You Go
It’s easy to let things pile up. Before you know it, your cleaning chore list has grown to massive lengths. Save yourself some of the headache by cleaning up as you go throughout the day. As your children move from one activity to another, pick up the toys or supplies they leave in their wake. Try cleaning dishes or loading the dishwasher as you cook or while dinner is in the oven. If you look hard enough, there are plenty of places to fit in a little cleaning here and there.
6. Make a Priority List
If your to-do list is too long, focus on the most important tasks. Some days, vacuuming the living room is enough without having to wipe down the baseboards and mop the floors. Decide what the top priorities are for the day and work them into your schedule. Everything else can wait, and you do not have to feel guilty for leaving items unchecked on your to-do list.
7. Delegate Chores
As your kids get older, you can start designating chores. Whether they are assigned to pick up their room, make up their bed, or help put away laundry, you can start to move a few items from your to-do list. Be sure to enlist your spouse and work out who is responsible for which chores at the start of each week. Also, it never hurts to call in reinforcements. If your to-do list has gotten out of control, reach out to your parent, sibling, or friend to help out for the day. Then, be sure to return the favor when they need it!
8. Hit High Traffic Areas
Your priority list should definitely include your house’s high traffic areas. Make a list of the spots in your home that get the most attention – and need the most cleaning. The kitchen, playroom, dining table, and sofa are just some of the places that collect the most dirt and germs throughout the day. You should also regularly disinfect your doorknobs, light switches, and other surfaces that are touched frequently. A disinfectant wipe should do the trick once or twice a day, especially if you have visitors at home.
9. Schedule Regular Cleanings
Professional cleaning sessions can help you get back on top of your to-do list. Give yourself time back in your day to spend with your children and keep your house spotless by trusting the professionals. With child-safe cleaning supplies, you can rest assured that your family and your home are in great hands. Book cleaning services that fit with you schedule, and make the process more convenient by booking online with Hellamaid.
