While I do share a lot of cleaning tips and advice on my blog, I must admit that I don’t always have a spotlessly clean house. (Hopefully that doesn’t come as a shock! I’d hate to destroy anyone’s illusions that I’m a perfectly tidy person with a home that’s always immaculate.) ;-) I do like to keep things clean, but like anyone else, sometimes I just don’t have enough time for it. During really busy weeks, I’m lucky if I can find 5 minutes here or there to tidy things up!
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When you have a long list of tasks and not a lot of time to do them, what do you do? You start by prioritizing your tasks, right? You tackle the most important stuff first and leave the less important stuff for later. And that’s exactly the approach I take to cleaning when I’m short on time. I’ve figured out which jobs I can skip over and which jobs I need to make time for, and I want to share those with you today! I hope that the practice of prioritizing your cleaning helps you as much as it does me!
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5 Cleaning Tasks You Can Skip (And 5 You Shouldn’t)
✘ Skip It:
1. Mopping
Unless there’s a really sticky mess somewhere, feel free to pass on mopping if you don’t have the time. I like to spot clean the dirtiest spots on my hard floors with a microfiber cloth or a Magic Eraser.
2. Scrubbing The Tub Or Shower
If I have guests coming over, I don’t waste time scrubbing out the shower in the hall bathroom. I just close the shower curtain instead! My guests either won’t know or won’t care that the shower isn’t super clean.
3. Laundry
The laundry can usually wait for a day or two, so skip it if you’re in a hurry. It’s more energy efficient to wash larger loads anyway!
4. Dusting
A little dust isn’t a big deal, so skip it if you’re short on time. When you do dust, use a dusting spray that will help repel dust on your furniture. Using a good spray could turn dusting into a once-a-month job!
Related: The Best Ways To Tackle Your Most Dreaded Cleaning Chores
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5. Washing The Windows
If you’re washing your windows around once a season, that’s probably plenty. I’ve put this particular cleaning job off for months at a time, and it just isn’t that big of a deal! (I do make a point to clean them in the spring though, in order to let more light in!)
✔ Don’t Skip It:
1. Making Your Bed
I’ll happily put off certain chores, but one that I refuse to skip is making my bed. I make my bed every single morning without fail because it makes my bedroom look more put together, which in turn makes me feel more put together! (I can’t explain why—it just does!) I also like sliding into a nicely made bed at night. Something about smooth sheets just feels very restful!
2. Wiping Down Countertops
Taking a minute to wipe down your countertops every day can make a big difference! Spills and crumbs on counters can make your whole kitchen look messier than it actually is. Use a wet cloth or a wipe to quickly clean the countertops, and you’ll never be sorry you did!
3. Dishes
In my opinion, it’s never worth it to skip the dishes! As a mother to four kids, I learned the hard way that the dishes never stop piling up. It’s tempting to put them off in the moment. But that mountain of dishes will be waiting for you in the morning, and it will only get taller!
4. Vacuuming
I haven’t been great at vacuuming often in the past, but I’m making an effort to be better about it. Because in reality, vacuuming doesn’t even take that much time! And it’s doesn’t take a lot of effort either ever since I got a more lightweight vacuum. Vacuuming regularly will go a long way towards make your home feel cleaner! It will also help keep dirt from getting ground down into the fibers of your carpet.
5. Putting Dirty Clothes In Your Hamper
Skipping laundry for a few days is understandable when you’re busy. But there’s always enough time to get your dirty clothes into your hamper! I like to use those hampers that have multiple bags or compartments like this one. Then when I get around to doing the laundry, it’s all sorted already!
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Which chores go on your “skip” and “don’t skip” lists when you’re pressed for time?
The best way I’ve found to get motivated to do chores is to first watch the video “Chore Day” by Three Beat Slide (available for free on YouTube). The video humorously covers the most common household tasks such as doing the laundry, dusting shelves, putting toys away, vacuuming, doing the dishes, etc., and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! You may even find yourself singing their song as you do your own chores!
Regarding laundering bed clothes. I have one set of sheets for each bed. Each week they get laundered, dried and put right back on the beds. No folding, no storage. Some people just like to change up the colors and designs. I don’t care about that. I can’t see them when I’m sleeping anyway. I just don’t want to spend time folding and it frees up space in the linen closet.
What’s the best dusting spray that repels dust? I need to dust every day and would like to find something that repels dust well.
I have two options for you. The first is a homemade dusting spray with olive oil: https://jillee.co/2v5OgCr
The other is Endust. It’s the very best store-bought spray! I actually have a post all about it: https://jillee.co/2KfR0Sx
I agree with making the bed. I like the other’s suggestions of waiting so think I will do that. I have a sister in law and niece that stay with us at least once a year. They don’t make the bed. My niece asked what the big deal was. I told her it is a sign of respect for one’s self and my rules. I am OCD and if you invite yourself to stay in my home I expect you to keep my home clean and tidy. By the way they stay at my home instead of her sister’s because… Read more »
Wouldn’t really count making the bed as cleaning, just a daily chore. Wondered if that one (before I read it) was going to point the finger a those we’ve read about in other posts who don’t change their bedding weekly ☹️
I thought so too! I’m definitely a bed maker. I make mine as soon as my feet hit the floor. As for changing the sheets, once a week for me!
One task I would include on the list is cleaning the toilet bowl and toilet. I put the cleaner in the bowl and do the other tasks then when they are all done come back and clean the bowl. Makes the bathroom fresher I think and only takes a few minutes.
Great tip Carol!
how do you make DIY anti static dryer sheets that may work for dusting
Here’s my post about making dryer sheets, Ellen! https://jillee.co/2v1XhMN
I do the same except for the bed. I was taught to let it air, and so i usually make it later in the day, even if it’s in the evening when i work. I recently read an article that said lazy people who don’t do their beds have less mites and chance of bedbugs because the bed can dry…..
Totally agree. I wait at least an hour before making the bed each morning. Hubby, when he isnt off on a business trip, makes it the second he gets out of bed. Like you Ive read its best to let it air out abit before making it.
Jillee You need to look deeper into the “Norwex” cleaning products. Absolutely awesome and can get rid of ALL of the chemical cleaning stuff. It took me awhile but absolutely the best products ever and you clean with only water.
Really good ideas. About the dusting spray, what is your thought about using your formula for diy anti static dryer sheets to repel dust? I’ve been experimenting and so far I like it. I use ionic air purifiers so don’t get much dust to begin with but so far so good. Thanks again. Love your site!
I haven’t ever tried using my dryer sheets to dust – but I’m sure it works wonderfully!
Yes and for the cost of a bottle of hair conditioner vs the pricy anti static spray, I’m in!
I don’t have much luck with them. But I do use them for baseboards. Works great.