Getty ImagesThe never-ending array of methods, practices, and routines for achieving a clean home has been explored thoroughly in my household. My cleaning routine is a blend of various strategies I’ve experimented with over time, including the 6/10 method, zone cleaning, and even a 1950s cleaning schedule. With two children old enough to assist in maintaining cleanliness, our family doesn’t struggle much with day-to-day tidying. However, the challenge lies in the deep cleaning tasks that often get postponed, leading to a sense of overwhelming clutter.
Tasks such as organizing a cluttered closet, sorting through outgrown clothes in the children’s drawers, and thoroughly cleaning the laundry room tend to be continually postponed. The accumulation of these neglected chores gives rise to a feeling that our home is becoming overcrowded. Seeking a solution to this deep-cleaning dilemma, I discovered the one-hour cleaning method as a potential remedy.
The one-hour cleaning method involves dedicating an hour each day to deep clean a specific room, space, or zone. Once the timer goes off, the cleaning session concludes for the day. This approach aims to provide a structured timeframe for tackling challenging tasks, preventing them from becoming overwhelming or time-consuming. The method encourages consistent progress and periodic purges to avoid future buildup.
Benefits of this method include its suitability for individuals who struggle to initiate tasks or prefer a systematic approach to cleaning. It offers a manageable way to maintain a tidy home gradually, making it particularly useful for preparing for special occasions. While the method allows flexibility in planning which areas to clean each day, it may pose challenges for those with limited daily availability or difficulty in leaving tasks unfinished.
Despite its advantages, the one-hour cleaning method’s strict time constraint can be a drawback for individuals with busy schedules. Overcoming the urge to complete tasks beyond the designated hour can also be a personal challenge. By implementing strategies to address time constraints and mental barriers, individuals can effectively utilize this method for efficient and structured cleaning routines.
One concern that remains with this cleaning strategy is that it consumes most, if not all, of my daily cleaning time. Do I really want to neglect the laundry, pet fur tumbleweeds, and the cloudy glass shower door? Not for me. Instead, I’ve opted to implement this approach a couple of days a week when I have some extra time. This way, I manage to keep up with my usual cleaning routine while also benefiting from this effective technique for combating my aversion to deep cleaning.
Tips for the One-Hour Cleaning Method:
Start Small: Begin by tackling a small area when trying out this method for the first time. This allows you to complete a cleaning project within an hour, giving you a sense of accomplishment. I started with my daughter’s bedroom, cleaning out her dresser, dusting, mopping, washing windows, changing linens, organizing the closet, and wiping down surfaces. This helped me build confidence in this new cleaning routine. Once you feel comfortable with the process, you can move on to larger tasks that may take more than a day to finish.
Be Realistic: If you’re juggling a full-time job and caring for young children, finding an extra hour each week for cleaning may seem impossible. In such situations, you can adjust the one-hour cleaning method to fit your schedule. This could mean dedicating 15 minutes daily or weekly to gradually tackle long-pending cleaning tasks. Don’t let cleaning routines become a source of unnecessary stress or guilt.
Don’t Sweat It: It’s important to be flexible when it comes to maintaining a clean and organized home. If a particular cleaning routine doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to let it go. Ultimately, finding a cleaning process that helps you achieve a mostly tidy home is about what works best for you, not adhering rigidly to a specific routine.
