How to maintain a clean house every day? I do it by keeping things neat and organized — but honestly, I don’t enjoy spending much time cleaning.
I have a wonderful family, including a beautiful 17-month-old baby, and I just love spending a lot of time with her!
So, how to maintain a clean house every day without spending a lot of time or separate cleaning time?
Here are some easy and effective tips from my years of professional experience that won’t take any extra time but will help keep your home neat, clean, organized, and inviting.
Secret for Maintaining a Clean Home
‘Cleaning a house’ depends on your house size and your specific cleaning needs. However, ‘Maintaining a clean house’ should take little or no time.
The key is to do a regular cleaning once every one or two weeks and maintain that cleanliness until the next regular cleaning session.
Correct Order to Maintain a Clean House Every Day
To maintain a clean house daily, I simply “clean as I go.”
Since the house is already clean after the weekly regular cleaning, maintaining cleanliness becomes easy and stress-free.
For example, I make my bed as soon as I wake up.
I ensure the toilet seat is dry, and I close the lid every time I use the toilet. If necessary, I use the toilet brush. I also remove water stains from the mirror, sink, and tap after using the bathroom each morning. These small actions keep the toilet as clean as it was after the regular cleaning.
If I go to the kitchen instead of the bathroom after waking up, I empty the kitchen rack then.
So, there’s no specific order. You can just incorporate cleaning into your daily habits.
Checklist to Maintain a Clean House
By focusing on these key areas, you can maintain a clean and organized house throughout the entire period between regular cleanings.
Plus, keeping these spots tidy ensures that your home always looks presentable. Even if someone drops by unexpectedly.
Checklist to Maintain a Clean Entrance
- No Clutter: A clean and organized entrance sets a peaceful tone as you enter and leave your home.
- Organize Papers: Place newspapers, advertisements, and magazines in their designated spots. Don’t let them pile up around the entrance.
- Tidy Shoes: Organize shoes neatly in the shoe rack.
- Entrance Items: Keep items like jackets, umbrellas, and hats organized. Store away anything that’s not in use.
Checklist to Maintain a Clean Kitchen Every Day
The most challenging parts of the kitchen to keep clean are the stove and sink.
These quick actions can help you keep your kitchen clean throughout the week:
1. Clean the Stove After Every Cooking Session
Scrub your stove with washing-up liquid after each cooking session.
If you have a specific cleaning detergent, you can use that.
However, washing-up liquid is often the most accessible and quick option.
2. Wipe the Kitchen Counter
Avoid cluttering the kitchen counter with items you’re not using, like chopping boards, knives, or glasses.
Keep it simple, and wipe the counter with a damp cloth every time you use it.
3. Scrub the Kitchen Sink Daily
Scrubbing your sink daily for 2 minutes with washing-up liquid is the best way to maintain its shiny appearance.
4. Replace Sponges and Chopping Boards
Don’t keep torn or dirty sponges in the sink. Replace them with new, clean ones as needed.
Replace your chopping board with a new one if it has deep cuts that are hard to clean and give a bad look in your kitchen.
5. Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Clean up any visible spills, like coffee, sauce, or curry, as soon as they happen.
6. Keep Bottles Label Facing
Keep oil, sauce bottles, washing-up liquid, and hand wash bottles with their labels facing forward.
This gives your kitchen a tidy and organized appearance.
7. Don’t Leave Cooking Pots Out
Don’t leave cooking pots sitting out with food.
Transfer food to storage containers. Storing food in nice containers helps maintain a neat look in your kitchen.
8. Throw Out the Garbage
Dispose of garbage before it becomes smelly or overflows, which keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. And a fresh scent always reflects a tidy kitchen.
9. Clean Up After Each Meal
Don’t leave dishes, utensils, or glasses for later.
Wash or place them in the dishwasher immediately after each meal. It takes very little time.
10. Use Kitchen Towels
Kitchen towels are great for quick cleanups of spills or messes.
Keep them handy for easy kitchen cleaning and maintenance.
Tips:
Oven cooking can make things a bit easier since the mess is hidden, and it’s okay to clean the oven thoroughly once every three months. This way, you can skip cleaning the stove after every cooking session.
Checklist to Maintain a Clean Room Every Day
After the regular cleaning session once every one or two weeks, you can keep your room clean throughout these 7 to 14 days with a few simple actions that take minimal time.
Let’s look at the steps:
1. Make Your Bed
When the bed is made, the entire room appears clean and organized.
2. No Piles of Clothes
Avoid hanging or spreading clothes around.
Put all dirty clothes in the laundry bin.
Store clean clothes properly. Either hang them or fold them and place them in your closet.
3. No Water, Juice Glasses, or Snack Packets Around
Place them in the dishwasher or dispose of them in the appropriate waste bin while you walk around.
4. Close Closet Doors, Drawers, and Hamper Lids
After taking something from the closet, make sure to close the door or drawer.
An open closet door or drawer can make the room look messy.
5. Check the Floor
Ensure nothing is left lying on the floor.
Pick up any items and put them in their proper place.
6. Vacuum the Floor Mat (Optional)
Do a quick vacuum if necessary.
Especially, if you have hair fall issues or pets that shed. A quick vacuum can make a big difference.
Checklist to Maintain Clean Living Room Every Day
- Organize Blankets and Cushions: Keep blankets and cushions neatly arranged on the couch.
- No Food Crumbs: Ensure there are no food crumbs on the couch.
- No Dishes Left Out: Don’t leave wine glasses, spaghetti bowls, or tea cups on the couch handles or coffee table. Place them in the dishwasher immediately after use.
- Straighten the Carpet: If the carpet is tilted, straighten it.
- Tidy the Floor: Pick up any items left on the floor.
Checklist to Maintain a Clean Bathroom Every Day
- Clean Toilet: Ensure there are no unwanted stains inside the toilet. Keep the seat dry and the lid closed.
- No Water Stains: Wipe water droplets off the mirror, shower glass, sink, and tap after each use.
- No Hanging Clothes: Avoid leaving dirty or private clothes, like underwear or bras, hanging in the bathroom. Keep towels neatly organized.
- Label Facing: Keep labels on hand wash, toothpaste, and face wash bottles facing forward.
- Clean Exhaust Fan: If the bathroom exhaust fan has visible dust or cobwebs, clean it with a long handled duster or a dry cloth.
Garbage
- Take Out the Trash: Empty the trash regularly, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to prevent bad odors.
No Cigarette Smell
- Avoid Tobacco Odors: Make sure your home doesn’t smell like tobacco, as it can be unpleasant for guests. And even for you when you walk in from the outside.
Daily House Cleaning Schedule To Maintain a Clean House
All tasks can be done using the ‘clean as you go’ method.
This schedule serves as a convenient daily cleaning checklist to keep track of your routines and maintain cleanliness efficiently.
Morning Schedule:
- Make the bed.
- Empty the dishwasher or kitchen rack.
- Wipe down the kitchen counter.
- Tidy up the living areas.
Throughout the Day:
- Clean the stove after each cooking session.
- Keep bathroom surfaces dry (mirror, sink, toilet seat).
- Place dirty and clean clothes in their proper places.
- Declutter as you go—put things away immediately after use.
Evening Schedule:
- Do a quick vacuum of high-traffic areas if necessary.
- Take out the trash if it’s full or smells.
- Check and tidy up before bed (e.g., straighten the carpet, pick up toys, clear the sink).
Optional Tasks:
- Laundry: You can do one load daily or schedule it every other day or once a week.
- Final Check: Before going to sleep, fix any small things that are out of place for a fresh start the next morning.
Daily House Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms
It’s challenging to think about cleaning when you’re already exhausted after work, especially if you’re wondering how to clean house fast without getting overwhelmed.
However, a daily quick cleaning schedule shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes if you’re not using the ‘clean as you go’ method.
Don’t focus on the cleaning—focus on the time!
It’s just 20 minutes a day to keep yourself motivated and maintain a clean home!
Here’s how to break it down:
- Morning (10 minutes):
Spend 10 minutes before leaving home or starting your workday. This could include tasks like making the bed, tidying up the kitchen, or organizing any clutter. - Afternoon/Evening (10 minutes):
When you return home, take another 10 minutes to tackle quick tasks like wiping down surfaces, doing a quick vacuum of high-traffic areas, or preparing the kitchen for the next day.
Remember, every second counts, so utilize your time wisely.
You can split your daily house cleaning schedule between morning and evening, depending on what works best for you.
Tips:
- Focus on maintaining rather than perfection in cleaning.
- Skip deep cleaning. If something bothers you, leave it for the designated deep cleaning day. Otherwise, you could end up cleaning all day.
- You’ll likely use some cleaning cloths. Don’t worry about those dirty clothes. If it’s not your laundry day, hang them on the edge of your cleaning bucket and wash them on your next laundry day. This way, it won’t spread any unpleasant odors.
