HOME TRUTHS: HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR HOUSE?
In our fast-paced lives, keeping a clean house can feel like a constant battle against the ever-encroaching tide of mess. But what if we told you that a sparkling home doesn’t have to require hours of backbreaking labour?
Does the mere thought of cleaning stress you out? Do weekends spent scrubbing floors and dusting shelves feel like a punishment rather than a productive use of your precious free time? You’re not alone.
Cleaning expert Carol Harding at HomeAdviceGuide.com has created this guide, which will help you break free from the cleaning frenzy and establish a routine that works for you. We’ll explore the factors that influence how often you should clean, provide a breakdown of essential cleaning tasks, and offer some clever tips to maximize your cleaning efficiency. So, get ready to discover how to create a clean and inviting home without sacrificing your sanity or your weekends.
What Factors Can Affect The Frequency of Cleaning?
Keeping a clean house can feel like a constant battle. Dishes pile up, dust bunnies gather in the corners, and laundry seems to multiply overnight. But how often should you really be cleaning everything? The truth is, there’s no magic formula. The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including:
The size and layout of your house: A sprawling mansion naturally requires more cleaning time than a cosy studio apartment. Open floor plans might necessitate more frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms, as mess becomes more visible.
The number of people and pets in your household: More people and pets mean more mess! Factor in shedding fur, muddy paw prints, and crumbs galore when determining your cleaning schedule. A house with a single occupant who works long hours might require less cleaning than one with a young family and a playful Labrador.
Your lifestyle: Do you cook a lot at home, whipping up gourmet meals every night? Entertain frequently with friends and family? These activities can create more mess, requiring more frequent cleaning in areas like the kitchen and living room. On the other hand, if you order takeout most nights and socialize outside the home, your cleaning needs might be less frequent.
Your personal tolerance for mess: Some people thrive in a perfectly spotless environment, where every surface gleams and not a single item is out of place. Others are comfortable with a bit more clutter, prioritizing a lived-in feel over a sterile one. Be honest with yourself about what makes you feel comfortable. A clean house should be a place of relaxation, not a source of stress.
How Often Should You Clean Each Area of The Home?
Daily
Make your bed: It takes just a few minutes and sets a positive tone for the day.
Wash dishes after meals: Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink, attracting unwanted pests and creating a lingering odour.
Wipe down kitchen counters and stovetops (especially after cooking): This prevents grease and food splatter from building up, making future cleaning sessions easier.
Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas: Target entryways, hallways, and areas around the kitchen where dirt and debris tend to accumulate.
Take out the trash (more often if needed): An overflowing bin is not only unsightly but can also attract pests and create unpleasant odours.
Weekly
Mop floors: This removes dirt, dust, and allergens that can track in from outside or build up over the week. The frequency may vary depending on the type of flooring and how much foot traffic your home receives.
Dust furniture and surfaces: Dusting helps prevent allergies and keeps your home looking polished. Pay attention to areas that collect dust easily, like electronics, bookshelves, and decorative items.
Wipe down bathrooms (including toilets, sinks, and showers): Bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. Regular cleaning with disinfecting products is essential to maintain hygiene.
Vacuum carpets and rugs: Vacuuming removes dust, dirt, allergens, and pet hair that can get embedded in fibres. The frequency may depend on the type of carpet, presence of pets, and amount of foot traffic.
Empty and clean litter boxes (if you have pets): This is a daily chore for some pet owners, while others might be able to get away with every other day depending on the number of cats and the type of litter box.
Monthly
Clean out your fridge: Throw away expired food, remove spills, and wipe down shelves to prevent bacteria growth and unpleasant odours.
Wash windows and mirrors: Sparkling windows allow more natural light in and make your home feel brighter and more inviting. The frequency may depend on how dusty or dirty your windows get.
Deep clean bathrooms (including scrubbing floors and disinfecting surfaces): A monthly deep clean removes grime and bacteria build-up in areas like showerheads, grout lines, and behind the toilet.
Vacuum furniture upholstery: This removes dust, dirt, and allergens that can settle deep into fabric fibres, which is especially important if you have pets or allergies.
Dust blinds: Blinds can accumulate a surprising amount of dust over time. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum cleaner attachment.
How to Clean Efficiently
Develop a cleaning routine: Schedule specific tasks for each day of the week or month to avoid feeling overwhelmed by a giant cleaning list all at once.
Clean as you go: Don’t let messes pile up. Tackle spills immediately and put things away after you use them. This will prevent clutter from accumulating and make your weekly cleaning sessions less daunting.
Delegate tasks: If you live with others, share the cleaning responsibilities. Assign chores or create a cleaning rota to ensure everyone contributes. This can make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a collaborative effort.
Embrace the quick clean: Don’t have a lot of time? Even a 10-minute cleaning session can make a big difference. Focus on tidying up high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen, or tackle one specific task like wiping down the bathroom counters.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the goal is to create a cleaning routine that works for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust the frequency based on your needs and lifestyle. By establishing a regular cleaning schedule and incorporating some quick cleaning habits, you can keep your house feeling fresh and inviting without feeling like you’re constantly cleaning. A clean house should be a place of relaxation and enjoyment, not a source of stress. So, ditch the cleaning dread, embrace these tips, and reclaim your weekends for the things you love!
