How to Make House Cleaning Easier and Fun

In the “good old days” Spring-cleaning was a family event that took at least a week and meant scrubbing the home from top to bottom. With modern conveniences, it doesn’t take nearly as long. No it everyone is enthralled with the idea of spending time doing extra chores so I thought I would pass along a few tips to make it easier.

Step 1: Decide what to clean

There is a difference between tidy and clean. Sometimes homes need more than quick dusting and vacuuming. Choose a few projects and make a “to do” list so you stay focused. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t get to everything. Certain things like washing the exterior of the house or cleaning the carpets can be hired out so you can concentrate on other tasks. Make sure you have everything before you start. Once you know what you will be cleaning, you collect all the supplies.

Step 2: Get everyone involved

Even young children can help go through their winter clothes or flip the mattress. It may take a little longer, but you will be instilling good qualities in your kids and teaching them to care for their environment. Don’t think you will get anything done with them under foot?

Step 3: Ask a friend to pitch in

Ask a friend to pitch in at your house in exchange for doing the same at hers. A Saturday afternoon cleaning a friend’s house is worth the companionship you will get when you clean yours. Order a pizza and make it a party. Just remember to get through that checklist so the day is not spent talking instead of cleaning!

Step 4: Listen to music

Turn on the same station in every room that has a radio or blast some of your favorite CD’s. This is a great time to practice for that karaoke night you’ve been planning.

Step 5: Take lots of short breaks

Cleaning is hardwork. If you try to work straight through you will tire a lot quicker. Keep breaks to about five minutes every half an hour. Be aware, any longer and you will not want to get up!

Step 6: Don’t watch tv

I can’t tell you how many times I have said, I’ll clean during commercials” it never happens. A whole hour goes by and I haven’t even started.

Step 7: Delegate

If your family is unwilling or unable to set aside time to pitch in, give each member of the household a job. Make sure they know when you expect it to be completed and stick to it. The end result will be the same although it may take longer to accomplish.

Step 8: Start with the fun stuff

Okay, so cleaning is not exactly at thetop of most people’s fun list. There are certainly things I don’t cringe at doing as much as others. I will run to scrub the bathtubs before stepping foot in the attic to replace the burnt out bulb.If you complete the less horrible tasks first you, will be a lot further along than if you start with the worst. You may enjoy yourself more too.

Step 9: Work outside when the weather is nice

No one wants to be stuck indoors on a beautiful spring day. If you must stay in at least open the windows to rid the house of all the stale air from the winter months.

Step 10: Set a time limit

Don’t try to take on too much at once or you will burn yourself out. Two hours is probably more than enough time to get a good start on spring- cleaning.

Step 11: Take pride in your work

If you go at the task determined to enjoy the simple acts of washing windows and dusting bookcases you may find that you actually enjoy the quiet work of caring for your home and creating an environment you can be proud of.