Simplify your life as a busy stay-at-home mom with an easy daily tidy tasks list.
This Busy Mom Cleaning Routine will help you keep up with housework and maintain an organized home. In the past, as a new mom, I struggled with self-care and keeping my home clean during maternity leave. Dishes piled up, the living room was cluttered, and laundry became overwhelming.
Now, after five years of perfecting systems, I want to share my daily cleaning schedule and routines to help other moms tackle the chaos and regain control of their lives.
Let’s make mom life easier and more enjoyable together!
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21 Cleaning Tips all busy Moms Need
Create a Cleaning Schedule
To create a cleaning schedule, start by listing daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Allocate specific days for each task and focus on high-traffic areas first. Delegate chores to family members and make use of quick tidying sessions. Keep cleaning supplies accessible and reward yourself after completing tasks to stay motivated.
Quick Daily Cleanup
Quick daily cleanup involves spending a few minutes each day tidying up high-traffic areas and common messes. Put away items, wipe down surfaces, and address clutter promptly. This routine helps maintain a tidy and organized home without feeling overwhelmed by cleaning tasks.
Delegate Chores
Delegate chores by involving family members in age-appropriate tasks. Assign specific responsibilities to each person to share the workload. Teaching kids to contribute to household chores not only lightens the load for parents but also instills a sense of responsibility and teamwork in children.
Use Multitasking
Utilize multitasking to maximize efficiency in cleaning. Combine cleaning tasks with other activities, like wiping counters while waiting for the kettle to boil or vacuuming during phone calls. Multitasking allows busy moms to accomplish more in less time and make the most of daily routines.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy
Keep cleaning supplies in a portable caddy or easily accessible location to save time and effort. Having all necessary supplies nearby makes it convenient to clean up messes quickly without searching for items. This simple practice ensures you’re always ready for any cleaning task that comes your way.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Focus on cleaning high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. These spaces receive the most use and tend to get dirty quickly. Regularly tidying and maintaining these areas ensures a clean and inviting home for both family members and guests.
Tackle One Room at a Time
Take a systematic approach to cleaning by tackling one room at a time. Concentrate on decluttering, organizing, and cleaning each room thoroughly before moving on to the next. This method ensures a more focused and efficient cleaning process, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment after completing each space.
Use Microfiber Cloths
Opt for microfiber cloths for effective cleaning. These cloths have fine fibers that trap dust, dirt, and grime, making them ideal for various surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. Microfiber cloths are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a practical and efficient cleaning tool for busy moms.
Streamline Laundry
Streamline laundry tasks by sorting clothes regularly and using laundry baskets for organization. Designate specific laundry days to create a consistent routine. This approach ensures that laundry doesn’t pile up, making it easier to manage and keep up with the constant flow of clothes in a busy household.
Opt for Quick Organizing
Choose quick organizing methods to keep clutter at bay. Implement a 5-minute organization routine daily to tidy up high-traffic areas and put items back in their designated spots. Simple actions like straightening up pillows or arranging shoes make a significant difference in maintaining an organized home.
Utilize Baskets and Bins
Utilize baskets and bins for practical and stylish organization. Assign each container a specific purpose, such as toy storage or organizing pantry items. Baskets and bins keep items neatly contained, making it easier to find and put away belongings, reducing clutter and enhancing the overall tidiness of your home.
Embrace the 2-Minute Rule
Embrace the 2-Minute Rule to tackle quick tasks right away. If a chore takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately, like putting away dishes or hanging up coats. This simple rule prevents small tasks from piling up and maintains a more organized living space with minimal effort.
Clean as You Go
Practice cleaning as you go to maintain a tidy home. While cooking or after meals, wash dishes and wipe down surfaces. Put away items immediately after use, reducing clutter and minimizing the time needed for major cleaning sessions. This habit ensures a consistently clean living space with minimal effort.
Utilize Dishwasher for More
Maximize the dishwasher’s potential by using it for more than just dishes. Clean non-electric kids‘ toys, toothbrush holders, and even pet bowls on the dishwasher’s top rack. This time-saving hack keeps various items sanitized and clutter-free, streamlining your cleaning routine.
Vacuum Strategically
Vacuum strategically by focusing on high-traffic areas and places prone to dust accumulation. Prioritize the living room, kitchen, and entryway, where dirt and debris tend to gather. Regular vacuuming ensures a clean and allergen-free home, reducing the need for deep cleaning sessions in the long run.
Clean Toys in Batches
Clean toys in batches to save time and effort. Gather a group of toys with similar materials, such as plastic toys or stuffed animals, and wash them together using mild soap and water. This efficient approach keeps toys hygienic and maintains a clutter-free play area.
Minimize Paper Clutter
Minimize paper clutter by handling mail and paperwork as it arrives. Sort documents into categories like “to file,” “to shred,” or “to take action on.” Utilize a designated spot for important papers to avoid unnecessary piles and maintain an organized home office.
Enlist Help from Kids
Enlist help from kids by assigning age-appropriate chores. Encourage them to tidy up toys, make their beds, or set the table. Involving children in household tasks not only lightens the workload for parents but also teaches responsibility and valuable life skills to the little ones.
Use Dryer Sheets for Dusting
Use dryer sheets for dusting to efficiently clean surfaces. The anti-static properties of dryer sheets help attract and trap dust, leaving a fresh scent behind. Simply wipe down furniture, baseboards, and electronics for a quick and effective dusting solution that also reduces static cling.
Prioritize the Essentials
Prioritize essential cleaning tasks to maintain a tidy home. Focus on making beds, cleaning the kitchen, and keeping high-traffic areas clutter-free. By tackling the most important tasks first, you can ensure that your home remains presentable and functional, even during busy days.
Reward Yourself
Reward yourself after completing cleaning tasks to stay motivated. Treat yourself to a relaxing break, enjoy a favorite snack, or engage in a hobby you love. Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments helps maintain a positive attitude towards cleaning and makes the process more enjoyable.
