In case you haven’t heard, I’ve claimed this summer as Self-Care Summer! This means spending more time having fun in the sun and less time doing household chores. But unfortunately, they still have to get done. So I’m sharing my method on how to keep your house clean in 15 minutes a day.
My Cleaning Credentials
I grew up in a house that could pass military inspection. My mom lovessss to clean! She goes from room to room day by day until the house is done. There was no hanging out with friends, playing video games, or any fun allowed until every room was cleaned from top to bottom. Dust didn’t get a chance to settle in our house. It was ALWAYS clean. I didn’t even take showers regularly until I went away to college because a shower meant you had to wipe down the tile (although in retrospect cleaning the tub after a bath was probably the same amount of effort). At the time, it was torture, but it was an education on keeping a home organized. And I learned tons of tips and tricks on how to clean every crevice of a space.
While I elect not to spend as much time cleaning as my mother does, I do have a system for keeping my home clean and organized. Whether you are a busy mom looking to save time with some quick cleaning tips or just want to keep a neat home without spending hours doing it, here’s how to keep your house clean in 15 minutes a day.
Before you get started
There are two ways to apply this cleaning method. You can either decide to use the time for deep cleaning or you can use it to keep your home tidy and organized in between deep cleanings. If you want to use the time to deep clean, this list will guide you through cleaning tasks for each room in your home. No matter which method you choose, keep in mind that this 15 minutes won’t replace your normal daily chores like laundry, dishes, pet chores, and the other things you have to do every day to maintain a home.
Before you begin, make sure you have all of the cleaning supplies you need for the space you are cleaning on hand. You don’t want to waste time stopping every other minute to get the supplies you need to finish the job.
If you haven’t cleaned in a while, you may need to declutter a bit before implementing this 15-minute cleaning method. Not sure where to start? Check out my cleaning checklist for tips on how to declutter as well as a list of recommended cleaning supplies.
You will determine how long it will take to get through your house, so I’m not adding days of the week that you should complete each chore. Instead, I’m including a list of chores by room and you can decide what you want to do each day. The idea is not to rush through each task but rather to see how far you can get in the time allotted. You can always finish the chore the next day if you don’t complete it. But I do suggest spending at least 3-5 minutes putting things in their proper place in each room. Or better yet, getting in the habit of putting things back where they belong after using them will save you even more time.
And my best tip to instantly make your room look neater is to make up your bed each morning. Besides accomplishing your first task of the day, it may also inspire you to keep the rest of the room tidy.
It’s Not A One-Woman Job
Keeping your home clean is the responsibility of everyone living in it. Even a toddler can learn to pick up after themselves if it becomes a part of their daily routine. Make it fun for them by making it a game before bedtime. Give them points for each day they keep their space clean with a reward or special treat at the end of the week for a job well done. Simple chores for younger children include:
- Making their bed
- Putting away their toys
- Putting dirty clothes in the laundry hamper
- Helping put clean clothes away
Of course, older kids are capable of handling more responsibility so don’t let them off too easy. Give them an age-appropriate list of chores they can do in 15 minutes a day as well. The more the family pitches in, the more you can get done.
How To Keep Your House Clean In 15 Minutes A Day
Kitchen
- Wipe down microwave, outside of fridge, coffeemaker, and other small appliances
- Clean oven and stovetop
- Wipe down countertops
- Wipe down outside of cabinets
- Sanitize the sink
- Clean floors
Bedroom
- Dust furniture and electronics
- Vacuum/clean floor
- Wipe down window blinds and window sills
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces
- Change bedsheets
Bathroom
- Clean tub/shower and tile
- Clean sink and mirror
- Clean toilet and floor
Living/Family Room
- Dust mirrors, frames, and decorative items
- Dust furniture and electronics
- Disinfect remote controls and other high-touch surfaces
- Vacuum/clean floors
- Wipe down window blinds and window sills
Dining Room
- Clean dining room table
- Dust mirrors, frames, and decorative items
- Vacuum/clean floors
- Wipe down window blinds and window sills
Office
- Sanitize keyboard, mouse, and other high-touch surfaces
- Dust desk, bookshelf, frames, and decorative items
- Vacuum/clean floors
- Wipe down window blinds and window sills
Laundry Room
- Wipe down washer/dryer
- Clean lint trap and sanitize utility sink
- Organize laundry supplies and clean floor
No matter which way you decide to do it, making this 15-minute cleaning method a part of your daily routine will keep your house tidy and give you more time to relax.
Be inspired,
