Save yourself the frustration of getting knee-deep into a large spring cleaning project only to realize you’re in over your head and can’t possibly finish the job. All it takes to get a cleaning project done right is a little planning, the right attitude, and the correct allotment of time. Read on to learn how to break down a cleaning project so that you can effectively tackle it head-on and get a sparkling clean home without the fuss.
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How Do You Start a New Cleaning Project?
The first step of a cleaning project is to recognize the scope of your project. What is it that you would like to accomplish? For example, are you reorganizing your medicine cabinet or redoing all the storage in your bathroom? Once you have outlined the parameters of your cleaning project, you can focus on the amount of time it’s going to take you.
Let’s pick reorganizing and cleaning your kitchen as our example for this blog.
Where Do You Start When Reorganizing Your Kitchen?
When you decide to reorganize any room in your house, the first steps are the same:
- Walkthrough
- Declutter
- Deep clean
Write Down 3 Tasks
When you do your original walkthrough or planning step of your strategizing process for your cleaning project, write down three primary tasks that you want to get done. Write a shopping list to keep track of any organizing house or cleaning supplies you may need before you start. For your kitchen cleaning, these three tasks might be:
- Reorganize storage areas
- Deep clean
- Update kitchen linens
They can be whatever you want, so tailor the tasks to your preferences for your kitchen cleaning.
Storage Space Declutter
Decluttering is a vital part of any home organization project. Think of a new system you will want in place of what you currently have for your house organization. Until you have learned to maintain your new system, you may need to revisit this organizing house step every couple of months.
A wise first place to start is in the storage areas – pantry, cabinets, drawers; anywhere you may be collecting things without a proper house organization system. This may be a very time-consuming task, but the more time you put into it, the more rewards you will reap from having a productive, organized, clean kitchen.
An excellent first step to tackling this part of your cleaning project is to divide it into sections, beginning with the pantry. Remove all items, wipe down the shelves, wash all your storage containers, and mop the floor, if there is one. If you need more storage space than you have, think about purchasing an over-the-door tiered rack with shelves that will instantly grant you more storage space and assisting with your overall home organization. Throw out all expired items, corral like-items – like baking supplies or kids’ snacks – in clear bins, and use airtight storage containers to hold your staples, such as flour and sugar.
Time for a Deep Clean
This is when things get serious. The kitchen, one of the hardest-working rooms in your house, tends to be the most in need of cleaning and reorganization.
Here is a valuable checklist for when you’re ready to take this critical step of kitchen cleaning:
- Clean both the interior and exterior of appliances
- Wipe down wall tile
- Polish or clean hardware
- Clean all light fixtures
- Dust window blinds, windowsills, and all frames
- Wash windows
- Wash window treatments, floor mats, towels, oven mitts
- Clean and degrease countertops
- Clean out fridge and freezer
- Clean and sanitize the sink, garbage disposal, and dishwasher
- Wipe down all baseboards
- Clean both interiors and exteriors of cabinets and drawers
- Sweep and mop flooring
- Wash, deodorize, and sanitize trash can
Since you already took the time to declutter and redo the storage system in your pantry and cabinets, your kitchen is now both clean and orderly!
How Much Time Is Spent on Cleaning?
In a survey of 2,000 American parents living with partners, respondents were found to have spent around 23 hours and 36 minutes on cleaning projects and housework a month – a whopping 5 hours and 54 minutes per week. Furthermore, it was discovered that sweeping and dusting were the tasks that took the most time at 50%, with cleaning the bathroom a close second at 48% and laundry at third at 44%. In addition, 69% of those responding felt that the housework time added up quickly and caused them to miss quality time with their family.
Another survey, sponsored by the American Cleaning Institute, discovered that, even with Americans spending that much time on cleaning projects, roughly a third of us are worried that we aren’t cleaning enough. To that end, the ACI has these recommendations when strategizing how to best clean.
When looking at how to prioritize your cleaning tasks, it is best to do them in this order:
- Bathroom cleaning: Disinfect toilet bowls, sinks, tubs, and showers
- Kitchen cleaning: Clean cutting boards, countertops, dishes
- Laundry: Wash sheets, towels, and bathmats weekly
- Floors: Vacuuming carpets and mopping floors will reduce asthma and allergy triggers
Additionally, consider practicing prevention if you are trying to cut your overall cleaning project time without minimizing your cleanliness. Home organization is key! Here are a few habits that will help your household keep ahead of the mess!
- Try to avoid clutter traps. This will prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
- Wash hands regularly and wipe shoes on the entryway rug or mat. Better yet, remove them!
- Keep bathroom and kitchen surfaces dry and clean to prevent mold and mildew.
- Clean crumbs promptly and wipe up spills immediately.
- Treat any spots or stains on clothing as soon as they happen.
When you plan to tackle a new cleaning project, taking the time to think out your steps is essential. But unfortunately, you can’t speed clean your way through a deep clean project. If you don’t have the time to get the desired results, reach out to Pure House Cleaning. Pure House Cleaning serves communities in and around Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland and can help keep your home looking and feeling its best with cleaning that fits your schedule and budget. Check out our website to learn about our cleaning process, prices for cleaning in Seattle and other coverage areas, and more.