Cleaning doesn’t happen overnight. It may take days, weeks or even months to completely clean and organize your home. In my experience as the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (a DIY customizable closet system that organizes any space in your home), if you do little cleaning tasks every day, they will make a huge impact on your home.
So, take advantage of just a few minutes here and there to work on some quick cleaning tasks based on the time and energy you have:
5-Minute Cleaning Tasks
1. Take five minutes to clean your kitchen countertops. This will make them shine, look better, and remove any crumbs that may cause foul aromas.
2. Spend five minutes putting away all the shoes and coats scattered around your home. Organize them back in the front entryway or mudroom. This will tidy up your home and prevent accidents.
3. Fix all of the pillows and blankets on your living room couch to make it look neat! Not only does it take less than 5 minutes, but also it will soon become a habit. This is something I try to do every day.
4. Oftentimes, your garbage can will begin to stink. A simple fix is to empty the trash cans from the kitchen and living room. This will prevent bad smells and make your home more comfortable.
5. Dust all the surfaces in one room quickly. Dust will make your home look unkempt, so spend a few minutes to make it look nicer. Also, breathing clean air is vital for your health and well-being.
10-Minute Cleaning Tasks
1. Sweep, vacuum, and mop regularly in high-traffic areas of your home. This includes the entryway, kitchen, living room, and the paths in the hallways between the bedrooms. This will keep dirt from accumulating in your home and give your home a clean look.
2. Throughout the day, your bathroom sink may get dirty with toothpaste blobs, fingerprints, splashed water droplets, and soap residue. This will make it look messy and chaotic. So take 10 minutes to wipe down your sink and mirror using a damp cloth, a bathroom cleaner, or a gentle scrubbing.
3. There may be toys, dirty socks, clothes, and your other belongings scattered along the floors. Spend 10 minutes putting them all away. This will make your home way more tidy and organized.
4. Is your countertop overrun with mail clutter? Take 10 minutes to go through your mail and recycle any junk. It’s best to sort through mail and other papers coming into your home each day. Have a designated spot for holding unopened mail.
5. Keeping your home office desk clear is a constant challenge. Spend at least 10 minutes organizing everything, accumulating files wisely into folders, and cleaning up your desk. This will reduce your stress and increase your daily productivity.
15-Minute Cleaning Tasks
1. A clean, organized kitchen helps you feel at peace. If your sink is full of dishes, it not only looks messy but also it can cause bad smells and attract pests. Spend 15 minutes unloading and loading the dishwasher to clear them away.
2. Kitchen appliances are some of the most used items in your home. Take 15 minutes and clean up your kitchen appliances, such as the fridge, air fryer, and oven, to remove food splatters and fingerprints. This will make your kitchen shine and make mealtime more enjoyable!
3. Take 15 minutes to organize your cluttered bathroom toiletries. Get rid of unused and random items from your bathroom counter. Place each item into their respective basket. Use baskets, dividers, or plastic crates to tidy things up and keep similar items together.
4. Spend 15 minutes dusting and wiping down all of the surfaces in your home. This includes bedroom furniture like bookshelves and side tables. Doing this will give your home a clean, fresh look.
5. Clean any stains on your carpets caused by spilled food or pet accidents to make your home feel cleaner and fresher. To clean carpet stains, blot up the spill with a wet cloth. Apply a carpet cleaner and blot again. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
20-Minute Cleaning Tasks
1. Clean your home’s most frequented areas, ie. the kitchen and bathrooms, by dedicating 20 minutes to wipe down all surfaces. This will prevent the accumulation of dirt and germs and promote a healthier living environment for you and your family.
2. Take some time to routinely change your bed linens. Fresh sheets not only enhance comfort but also contribute to a hygienic sleeping environment. This allows you to unwind and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
3. Take some time to clean cluttered storage spaces in your home, like overflowing bathroom drawers and junk-filled areas. By doing so, you’ll create a more visually appealing environment. Also, by organizing these spaces, it will be easier to find and access the items you need.
4. Wipe down, clean, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and light switches. This will help reduce the spread of germs and illnesses and promote a healthier living space for you and your family.
5. Spend 20 minutes sweeping or mopping the floors in one or two rooms. It will remove dirt and allergens, leaving your living space feeling fresh and revitalized.
30-Minute Cleaning Tasks
1. Spend 30 minutes deep cleaning your microwave and oven to remove stubborn food stains, leaving them clean and spotless.
2. Make your home feel fresh and airy by cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures. Dusting them helps to remove dirt and makes the air cleaner, giving your space a bright and inviting vibe.
3. Take half an hour to vacuum or mop all the floors in your home. Having clean floors can make your home feel more relaxed. It’ll keep your space looking neat and tidy and create a pleasant environment for the whole family.
4. If your pantry is cluttered or your garage shelves are overflowing, take half an hour to declutter and organize these areas. Even though clutter behind closed doors may not be visible, it can still cause stress. Clearing out these spaces can bring a sense of peace and order to your home.
5. Set aside thirty minutes to wipe down and sanitize the refrigerator, kitchen table, and other commonly touched surfaces in your home. It will eliminate germs and maintain a clean and hygienic living environment.
To Wrap It All Up
Cleaning and organizing your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By managing small cleaning jobs regularly, you can make a big difference in your home. Whether it’s spending just five minutes emptying the trash cans or half an hour deep cleaning your kitchen appliances, every little effort helps. So take advantage of your time and pave the way to a cleaner, comfier, and more organized living space.
