Snaps! quick & easy cleaning schedule for immaculate households
In this journal post, we introduce a streamlined cleaning routine designed for professionals seeking efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining a tidy environment. Central to this method is the "straighten technique," which transforms overwhelming disarray into organized simplicity. By tackling one area at a time and adhering to a systematic 90-degree angle ‘grid’ approach, easily create a visually appealing space. Begin by straightening individual items, then sorting items into like categories and discarding any trash, then vacuum verticals, cleaning from top to bottom and left to right. This ensures that dust and debris are removed efficiently, paving the way for a thorough floor vacuum and steam mop. Provided with room organization ideas, this will enhance the beauty of your interior space. With the straighten technique integrated into any daily cleaning routine, find managing any space less daunting, allowing for fast achievements of a pristine environment, quickly and easily.
Home Cleaning Routine:
Step 0 Load Machines & Set the Mood
Before straightening the countertops, start a load of laundry to ensure it runs while cleaning. Set a secondary timer to remind switching the laundry to the next load promptly, preventing any mildewy odors. Additionally, load and start the dishwasher to overlap cleaning tasks and maximize efficiency. Tune the lights and put on some music or a show to set the cleaning session tone.
Step 1 Straighten {See Technique}
Before spraying any surfaces, ensure all countertops are cleaned off and straightened. Group like items together, remove any excess, and clear the area to facilitate the effective application of the multi-surface cleaner.
Step 2 Prep & Place Cleaning Items
Place essential cleaning supplies such as tight-fitting rubber gloves, microfiber towels, multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, and enzyme based disinfectant on the counter, ensuring that each cleaner is designated for its specific task. Prepare to clean in a systematic order, starting with the least corrosive cleaner and progressing to the more potent option for the appropriate application.
Step 3 Prepare Surfaces & Verticals for Vacuum
Once countertops are cleared and cleaned, prepare the floor for a vacuum. Remove any slippers, shake out rugs, and relocate easy-to-move items like ottomans to ensure the floor is entirely free. Then, with a hand vacuum fitted with a clean round brush, delicately vacuum all dust-collecting surfaces from top to bottom, including light fixture tops, window applications, baseboards, and plants, ensuring thorough cleanliness.
Step 4 Spray, Wipe & Disinfect Surfaces
After hand vacuuming, set the vacuum aside and apply a multi-surface cleaner pre-mixed with an essential oil, ensuring it has a pleasant scent. Use a microfiber towel with protective gloves to wipe all vertical surfaces from top to bottom, left to right, using safe cleaner specific to the surface, for example, a stainless steel wipe for stainless steel surfaces. For windows and mirrors, utilize a dedicated glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free shine. The wiping will be minimal after the initial surface vacuum since all of the excess dust and chunks will have been previously picked up.
Step 5 Vacuum Floor
After wiping all surfaces from top to bottom, vacuum floor using the designated floor brush, ensuring to reach corners and beneath appliances or furniture. Use the appropriate attachment for tight spaces, then replace and vacuum the rugs, moving chairs and other movable items to clean thoroughly underneath.
Step 6 Steam Mop
Steam mopping is a perfect finishing touch to your cleaning routine, especially after you've wiped and vacuumed the floors. Choosing the appropriate steam mop setting according to the surface is crucial, as not all flooring materials are compatible with steam. For delicate surfaces, a gentle mop without heat may be required to avoid damage. However, if your floors can withstand it, steam mopping provides an effective way to achieve a thorough clean that leaves everything aromatically fresh. It is advisable to use distilled water, which works best with steam mops, and consider using a foaming cleanser for an added layer of disinfection before mopping. Always prioritize safety by wearing a mask if you have sensitive lungs and using gloves for protection, be aware of heating elements and the steam itself. Additionally, incorporating orange-scented oil cleaners specifically designed for the floor can enhance the cleaning process. Some mops even come with carpet gliders, making it possible to refresh rugs as well. This comprehensive approach will ensure that floors feel immaculate, completing cleaning effort with satisfaction.
To ‘Surface Straighten’:
Pro Tip!
The straightening technique helps individuals who feel overwhelmed by their clutter by organizing items into a grid, enabling them to progress to the next step of cleaning.. When your home feels like an ‘bomb went off’ and chaotic, take a deep breath and focus on one simple task: straightening. Go through each item on the counter and align it, 90 degrees, where it’s at, in a neat, organized manner as if creating a square grid. This basic step will clear mental clutter, allowing you to move on to the next phase of cleaning. Remember, just straighten—do not worry about organizing or putting items away yet. Once everything is aligned, you'll feel more in control and ready to tackle the next steps.
For those who get overwhelmed when cleaning the straightening technique will become your greatest ally! Here are a few essentials when straightening: know that this is the fastest method to initiate a thorough clean and is also the most subtle. It should only five minutes tops to straighten the entire home, including all of the cabinetry everything that’s inside the cabinets, anything on the surfaces, and interior drawers and shelves.
When Straightening:
It’s going to feel minor and insignificant, but straighten, straighten first. Do a quick sweep around the whole house. This should take only a few minutes.
Do not put the item away.
Do not clean the item or wipe the surface yet.
Do not discard any items while straightening, even if it’s trash, straighten it.
Straighten the individual item by placing it on a 90° angle parallel to the surface that it’s on.
Straighten the entire house first, then go in for another round of straightening after.
See everything in a grid like format, and after all items are individually straight, quickly shift like items by grouping them together within arms reach.
Once all items have been straightened and grouped, pick up all the trash items in one swoop and discard.
Move to the next step, start placing items where they go.
Straighten the entire house first, then go in for another round of straightening after.
If there are double items, or excess items, discard or store.
Once all items are refined, straightened, placed where they go or discarded, the cleaning ritual can begin.
{Images, Courtesy of Ashlyn:}
Cleaning Checklist
Straighten all surfaces.
Group like items.
Remove excess items, store or discard.
Clear sinks.
Clean coffee machine.
Load dishwasher.
Load laundry.
Prepare cleaning supplies:
Multi-surface cleaner
Glass cleaner
Antibacterial enzyme cleaner
Microfiber towels
Rubber Gloves
Get vacuum with extension and brush.
Vacuum all vertical and above floor surfaces (top to bottom, left to right).
Vacuum cabinetry and dust-collecting areas.
Set vacuum aside.
Clean all surfaces with the appropriate cleaner (top to bottom, left to right).
Clean all multi surface surfaces with multi surface cleaner.
Clean all glass surfaces with glass cleaner.
Clean stainless steel with specific cleaner.
Disinfect surfaces with enzyme cleaner.
Vacuum floors and corners.
Steam Mop.
Recommended Cleaners
Multi-Surface Cleaner: Versatile for various surfaces in the home.
Bathroom Cleaner: Effective against mold, mildew, and soap scum.
Glass Cleaner: For mirrors and glossy surfaces.
Dish Soap: Gentle yet effective for dishes and kitchen surfaces.
Floor Cleaner: Specific to the type of flooring (wood, tile, etc.).
Oven Cleaner: Stronger formula for heavy-duty oven cleaning.
Fabric/Upholstery Cleaner: For stains and freshening up fabrics.
Distilled Water: Mop so that it doesn’t accumulate hard minerals.
Isopropyl Alcohol: Effective in cleaning surfaces, disinfecting tools, and removing grease, and sticky residues. Ideal for use on glass, metal, and plastic, it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue, making it a popular choice for sanitizing.
Appliance Specific Cleaning Pods: Convenient, pre-measured capsules designed to be simply tossed into machines, providing powerful cleaning solutions tailored for laundry or dishwashers. These throw-and-go pods dissolve during operation, effectively removing stains, residues, and odors while saving time and ensuring optimal appliance performance.
Cleaning Techniques
Start from the top (ceiling fans, shelves) and work the way down.
Vacuum first & often, then use a microfiber cloth for fine dusting & detailing after.
Employ a systematic approach by breaking down cleaning tasks by room and frequency, ensuring that every area gets addressed thoroughly.
Consider using a caddy or bucket to carry cleaning supplies to minimize back and forth trips around the home.
Take breaks as needed to maintain efficiency. Set a timer to avoid fatigue, especially during deep cleaning sessions.
Cleaning Schedule
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Kitchen
Wipe down countertops with a multi-surface cleaner.
Clean dishes and put them away.
Sweep and mop the floor using a floor cleaner.
Living Room
Tidy up clutter and organize.
Dust surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
Vacuum carpets or rugs.
Bathroom
Wipe down sinks, faucets, and toilets with a bathroom cleaner.
Scrub the toilet with a toilet cleaner and toilet brush.
Clean mirrors using glass cleaner.
Sweep and mop the floor with a disinfecting floor cleaner.
Wash & replace Towels
Bedrooms
Make the bed and fluff pillows.
Dust surfaces and clean debris.
Vacuum carpets or rugs.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
Kitchen
Deep clean the microwave using a mixture of vinegar and water.
Wipe down cabinet faces with warm soapy water.
Clean the refrigerator interior with a mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol.
Living Room
Dust electronics and furniture using a soft cloth.
Clean under furniture and cushions.
Wash throw pillows and blankets.
Bathroom
Scrub the toilet with a toilet cleaner and toilet brush.
Clean the bathtub and shower tiles with a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner.
Wash bath mats.
Bedrooms
Change bed linens and pillowcases.
Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Declutter closets and organize items.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
Kitchen
Deep clean the oven and stovetop using an oven cleaner.
Descale the coffee maker and clean appliances.
Empty and clean the dishwasher on deep clean cycle.
Living Room
Wash curtains and dust blinds.
Polish wood surfaces with furniture polish.
Vacuum upholstery using an upholstery attachment.
Bathroom
Clean and descale showerheads and faucets.
Wash or replace bathroom mats.
Organize bathroom cabinets and drawers.
Bedrooms
Rotate and vacuum mattresses; consider using a mattress protector.
Dust baseboards and corners for cobwebs.
Organize bookshelves and remove unnecessary items.
Seasonal Cleaning Tasks (Every Three Months or Often)
Kitchen
Clean kitchen vents and exhaust fans.
Purge expired food items from the pantry.
Deep clean behind and beneath appliances.
Living Room
Shampoo carpets or deep clean with a steam cleaner.
Clean and reseal grout in tiled areas.
Assess and donate any unused items.
Bathroom
Replace shower liners and clean caulking.
Check for leaks and make minor repairs as necessary.
Refresh storage spaces with organizers.
Bedrooms
Conduct a thorough wardrobe clean-out to donate clothes.
Vacuum under the bed and other hard-to-reach areas.
Reorganize any books or personal items, shift placement.
Bonus! The Finishing Touch
Once the cleaning routine is complete, with surfaces wiped down, floors vacuumed, and steam mopped, it’s time to set the mood for enjoyment. Lighting a candle creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring the wicks are clean for an even burn. Freshening the space with a room spray or mist can be easily achieved by combining spring water with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle. Turning on the fans promotes airflow, making the environment feel alive and invigorated. Changing out any air fresheners and flipping incense sticks adds extra freshness. A quick spritz of linen spray on textiles can enhance the overall ambiance. These finishing touches transform the space into a serene retreat, ready for relaxation and enjoyment.
