Do you want to join me? I am about to get mean and clean! I have about had it with cleaning! I tend to get lazy about it and procrastinate until I am doing it all in one day. I realize that I have been doing it all wrong over the years and I am ready to make a change! That is... with a schedule! It is not as bad as it sounds. Read on...
{My living room}
I was reading an article in my Better Homes and Gardens magazine called "Quick-Clean Routine". It explains that the best approach for cleaning is to do one chore a day. That just resonated with me and I want to try it! Are ya with me? Come on....
{Antique find}
With the weather improving and all the flowers budding I am ready for a spick and span sparkly home! I have decided to name my routine "The Mean Cleaning Tour". Basically because it is quirky and because I want to think of me "touring around my house and not chore-ing around my house. That doesn't make sense! Anyway, here it goes, follow along (would love some touring buddies or two).
{My oh so bland foyer}
Mean Cleaning Tour
My Monday:
How about you dust in every room and clean all glass surfaces?
Sounds good!
I will!
Not so bad so far! Hang tough and no laying down on the job, we are just getting started!
{My chandelier}
My Tuesday:
How about you vacuum all of the carpets and rugs? Not bad? Eh?
I will!
{My living room}
My Wednesday:
How about you mop all the floors that need mopping using a lightweight steam cleaner or all-in-one floor cleaner-no bucket required. (BHG article)
I will!
{My feet-don't be scared}
My Thursday:
How about you take a break today?
I will!
{My Restoration Hardware silk pillow}
My Friday:
How about you save today to do all the odds and ends like clean the toilets, remove cobwebs, dusting ceiling lights and shades, or wiping scuff marks and fingerprints from doors, walls, and moldings. (BHG)
I will! (my pledge to do so : )
The key is to do these chores on a regular weekly rotation schedule. Nothing is left undone for more than a week...love this! (BHG)
My Saturday and Sunday:
How about you are off for the weekend (if ever)!
{Now what about laundry! Ugh!}
{Photo taken by my daughter}
Things are looking up already!
{Maggie}
One thing that could be helpful is to leave a rag by the door to wipe your pets feet. Also to brush your pet frequently. My dog makes her share of messes. She loves to tear paper!
More tips from BHG:
Clean up spills as soon as the happen. Especially in fridge and microwave!
Wipe water off of walls and glass door when done in shower. Leave a squeegee hanging for this.
I like to place disposable surface wipes in each bathroom (such a great thing) and kitchen for wiping down after last person is done in bathroom.
Fun-Fun-Fun...isn't it?
Don't forget to get your kids involved. They can pick up after themselves, make their bed, bring laundry down to wash, wipe down bathroom after they are done, walk pets, sweep and even vacuum...who knew?
Also, your dashingly handsome hubbies can pitch in. I know they work hard...can you take out the garbage sweetie? Don't nag!
I hope you participate with me and are inspired to get mean and clean! I feel more in control now!
Now, go clean!
xoxojamilyn
(Images from Living It At Home, BBC Drama, Martha Stewart, BHG, Flicker)
Is anyone else having trouble with their blog today? Second time I had to type over this post! arggh!
22 wonderful comments:
Doesn't sound so bad when you break it up over a course of days...count me in! See you in my shiny countertops :)
Well, sitting here and laughing about your funny post does not help at all with my house work...
But I do as you say, everyday a little installment. Sometimes on Friday I pretend I am at a lovely boutique hotel, in the morning cleaning as the maid and the weekend staying as the guest! This is a fun game! I put little chocolate squares on the pillows! Gives me a real kick...
I do refuse to tidy my kid's rooms. They have to do it or they have to stay behind for pleasure things like special movies or sleep overs! Works quite well I have to say!
Hubby gets nagged sometimes I have to admit, he is so used to first class service...
XX
Victoria
Great plan. I tried to devote cleaning on my day off but some days, I just don't feel like cleaning!
I love your plan of attack. I feel like cleaning is a neverending ordeal in our household. Living with four men, I am always playing catch-up. Those children you spoke of, you know, the ones who straighten up, wipe down, walk the dog...where do I get me some of those? Target? ;0)
I'm rooting for you Jamilyn. Let us know how it goes!
By the way, your beautiful home looks pretty spic and span to me! My walls on the otherhand...ugh!
I just came across your blog and I really like it! Great post..I'm a bit of a neat freak, and I think I may try this approach :)
Such a cute post...and Maggie! :)
(so come on...honestly...did you really do ALL of it?) ;)
I really want to give this a try. I of course will have to start next week with Monday. I certainly will be doing my hectic cleaning for the rest of the week. I believe that a chore a day will work. Even if I devote 1 hour everyday to something, it has to get better by the end of the week! My house has 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths...also a living room, sitting room, office, kitchen and basement (which we are not using right now). So, it is a lot to clean! I really should have help, but I am too stubborn I think! For now, I am going to try this approach! Hope you all try it!
I hate cleaning. It does sound better when you break it up.
:) xoxo
Cleaning is a never ending thing!
And it's true if you do a little everyday, and as the messes happen it takes less time in the long run. But you have to be careful not do a Felix Unger ha ha.
Sometimes a little clutter and some dog hair tumbleweeds look homey (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).
Thanks for stopping by...
xo xo
Saw a new exercise video how you get your workout in with your vacuum. Will send you if I find it!! Might as well kill to boring things in one swoop!!
Ok, I'm game. Only I'll vacuum after dusting. G- knows what will end up on the floor.
But I too, feel the need to clean, clean, clean. I do have to agree with npk: the children? They are the source of most of that mess!!! How does one get a 13 yr old to clean up after herself? The constant clothing changes, makeovers and food consumption??? AGH!
I'll join VictoriaArt at the boutique hotel. Sounds worth a try!
On for Monday!
Come and check my blog tomorrow, I have a little surprise for you!
XX
Victoria
Ugh, I feel like I could clean all day everyday and still not finish! I finally caved and have a cleaning lady come every other week which is such a big help!! I know what you mean about dogs making their share of messes. Mine have been contributing their own share of messes. Oh, and those chandeliers, beautiful but a nightmare to dust!
I do think it's the only way to keep a home. I have to stay on top of things or I can't function. It also never feels overwhelming to do it that way...keep us posted and let us know if old habits die hard. Your home is gorgeous!
Thanks for putting the article out there! I've been stuck in a cleaning rut (how could I not be? BLAH) and this might change it up a bit.
And BTW, I think your foyer is lovely :-)
Can Colin come to me after he is done his mad clean for you. I am mad for him and a clean house.
pve
Hello - yes, the 'bite size' serves makes it all feel a little better, but the thought of a whole week with chores.. Iiih. I am not sure about that. I must say I am a bit of an all or nothing person and tend to get really stuck into it when I start. My family always looks a little nervous when I get in the 'cleaning mode' and that alone is enough to make them join me (in fear of seeing their loved possessions being chucked or vacuumed away for ever)! :)
Thanks for your lovely post on my blog today. We share admiration for Marija. She is amazing!
x Charlotta
I end up doing the same thing. Like today...it's already 2 and I have a whole house to clean. So what do I do? I read about cleaning with pretty pictures, that is much more fun! Great tips Jamilyn, I am with you!! I will try to do the whole house today and tommorrow and will start Monday with you! I will keep you posted to see if it will work for me.
Londen
i would love to join, but where can i find a handsome darling like that who can help me manage the garbage? have a great weekend! verbena cottage
I'm SO impressed!! I read that article and was exhausted at the end of just reading it! SO pathetic!! You may just have inspired me to get off my butt and actually do it!
Melissa
Okay, I will do it! You've made it sound so much easier!!
Karena
Art by Karena
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