Cleaning Schedule

The pictures aren't great, but I wanted to try and describe my cleaning schedule. I have a sort of obsessive personality, and sometimes I get too obsessive and don't know when to quit. This is why I like goals. This gives me a stopping point, and lets me feel like I still accomplished something. This is why I created my cleaning schedule. This way I can separate my chores throughout the week. I finish what I need to for the day, and then I can simply say I'm done and I don't have to worry about anything else for the rest of the day-- kind of :).

I have these fun little stickers for each chore. When deciding which chores to do when I just tried to decide what I needed to do, and how often I needed to do it, to keep my house clean enough so I didn't feel overwhelmed. This way most everything stays maintained.

I divide each chore throughout the month. Somethings I do weekly, like vacuuming and laundry. Sometimes I do thing every other week, like dusting and bathrooms. I then have once a month chores like cleaning the car and mopping the floor. With my schedule now I have split up the dusting and bathrooms to be done at least once a month. With the addition of school to my schedule I had to simplify a little more, so that is how I did it.

I also like to try and spend a little quality time with my kids, so on the weeks that I don't clean I try to sit down for "lessons". I truly hate calling them that, but I can't think of a better term. This is a little of subject, but I basically just have a little box for each kid with flashcards and stuff. I try to do an art project with them every other week too.

This is how I've decided to divide out my time, so everything can be maintained.

At the top of the calender is a deep clean sticker. I'm supposed to pick a different room each month, and work on deep cleaning that room throughout the month. This is yet to happen :).

This is my Daily chores list.

This is my wipe down list. Amongst my chore sticker there is one for bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, etc. and then one for wipe down. This is what I get done on the days I have the wipe down chores.

Below the calender I have everything divided up into these envelopes.

I also have a sticker called "Project Day". On this day I'm supposed to pick a project from an envelope, which has become obsolete, and complete it. The idea was to write down all our household projects and for sure do one on this day, but this is yet to happen as well.

So that's my cleaning schedule. Setting these up for people was a service I wanted to provide, but I'm yet to figure out a good way. However, if anyone wants me to clean their whole house on a regular basis I recommend letting me set up one of these. Of course yours will include more consistent and frequent cleaning then mine, but I still think this will work the best :).


 

Cleaner Spolight: Cleaning Bleach

I'm not the greatest with fancy tricks, and neat little tips. I don't have many secrets. I just clean things with different cleaners until it comes clean. But I thought I might try to post some of my favorite cleaners, and what I use them for. Lets start with my absolute favorite: Cleaning Bleach

I don't like to use bleach unless there is absolutely nothing else that can get the job done. The reason why is because I have ruined far to many clothes. This is also why I only like to use bleach in a very controlled environment. But bleach does a job, and it does it well so it still ranks high on my favorites list.

I keep bleach in a cupboard by my toilet. When the toilet starts look gross, or has some fun little spots inside, I'll spray it with bleach and just let it sit. No scrubbing, no having to remember to go flush, just let it sit and most the time you'll come back to find a sparkling toilet. Some spots have to wait till I have time to scrub but bleach really helps keep it under control.

So in my house I have a cleaning schedule, that I try to stick to. I'll share more on that later. The purpose of this schedule is to create a balance between the house being clean enough so that I don't get stressed, and me spending time with my kids and having fun. With the schedule I can get certain things done in a day, and when they are done I know I'm done and I'm free to do other things. My house isn't immaculate, but its under control. Sometimes events in my life cause me to re-figure the cleaning schedule and make it simpler. One of these events was my last pregnancy. I used to scrub my tub twice a month. But now I only do it once a month. The other times I just spray it with bleach and let it sit. It works great, and it is so easy.

Bleach is great for mold in bathrooms. That's one reason I love to bring it cleaning. I also use it to clean my toilet brush after each house I clean.

I like Cleaning Bleach because it's not as strong as the bleach you use in the laundry. When something in the laundry needs bleached that isn't white, or all white at least, I like to use cleaning bleach. Before bleaching any article of clothing remember to get it completely wet before using the bleach to avoid getting weird spots.

Anyway. . .those are just a few reasons why I like having Cleaning Bleach in my home. Remember to use all cleaners safely. When in doubt follow the directions on the bottle :).