Let’s not pretend otherwise… there are very few of us who would claim to actually enjoy housework. Yes, we do it, but inevitably because the only viable alternative is to hire – often unreliable – outside help.
How long should we be spending on the task though? Because it’s a chore rather than a joy, often it takes much longer than it should. But it is possible to clean the average home from top to bottom in just 60 minutes. Here’s how…
Like most tasks, being organized is going to reduce both time and frustration.
Hint #1: If you want to bring your kitchen sink back to an ‘as new’ appearance, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda and use a non-scratch scourer to rub it around. rinse off and voila! Use the same trick to remove stains from cups and mugs.
Hint #2: Before you put that bicarb soda away, sprinkle a good tablespoon (dry) down the drain and then pour in half a cup of white vinegar. All that frothing action will help remove built up crud from the S bend under your sink.
Hint #1: Give your bathroom mirrors and vanity top a quick wipe each time you replace the handtowel. There is usually just enough moisture in the towel to remove the toothpaste splatter the kids always seem to leave behind. It takes seconds and those towels are heading for the washing machine anyway. And because your mirrors and vanity tops are the most noticeable features of your bathrooms, when they sparkle, your bathroom always looks good.
Hint #2: Remember that bicarb soda and vinegar you used in the kitchen? Use them to clear and freshen your vanity drain.
Hint #3: Don’t put that vinegar away yet. After you’ve cleaned your toilet bowl, pour in a cup or so of vinegar. Leave it for 30 minutes and it will miraculously remove most stains. Don’t flush yet. Now add a couple of tablespoons of bicarb soda. Wait for the excitement to stop and then flush.
Hint: If you have hard floors – laminate, timber , vinyl or tiles, get yourself a good quality dust mop. They do a fantastic job of picking up an amazing assortment of stuff – from dust to dog hair and it takes just a couple of minutes to do the whole house.!
Pat yourself on the back and consider the benefits of a job well done!
Seeing things laying around where they shouldn’t be can add to our daily stressors. Most of us like to be organized and because we are highly visual animals we like order – the ‘everything in it’s place and a place for everything’ routine. A clean, organized home is going to increase your comfort levels and all it took was 60 minutes!
In our home, the three most important cleaning tools are the dust mop, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. Apart from being safe and environmentally friendly, all three are huge time-savers.
We all have ‘tricks’ that reduce our household workload. What are yours?
