here’s how we’re cleaning going into in 2026🧺🧼
i get that not everyone loves cleaning or wants to spend their whole weekend doing it. this is the schedule i always suggest to friends who feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. it’s realistic, flexible, and built around doing a little bit at a time instead of everything at once. you don’t need a spotless house to feel good in your space. sometimes five minutes really is enough!!!
what’s the one chore you avoid at all costs? for me it’s folding laundry…😬
Okay, so you've seen my realistic cleaning schedule, but let's dive even deeper into making it truly work for *you*, especially if you're a busy bee with a full-time job or a packed schedule. I totally get it – fitting cleaning into an already crazy week feels impossible sometimes! Making Cleaning Realistic for the Full-Time Hustler The secret, I've found, isn't finding more time, but making the most of the little pockets you have. Remember that "daily minimum (15 minutes max)" concept? It's a lifesaver! Instead of thinking you need a whole afternoon, aim for tiny bursts. For instance, while your coffee brews, quickly wipe down the kitchen counter and sink. After dinner, spend 5 minutes loading the dishwasher and wiping the stovetop. These micro-tasks prevent buildup and make those weekly cleans so much less daunting. I also love to "time block" my cleaning – dedicating just 30 minutes on a Saturday morning to one or two "weekly basics (pick 1-2 per day)" tasks, like vacuuming or dusting. It feels more manageable than facing an entire house! Your Weekly Deep Dive: Tackling the Toilet & Kitchen Counters Let's talk specifics. For the toilet, I do a quick daily spray and wipe of the seat and rim with a disinfectant wipe. Then, once a week, I dedicate a proper 5-minute scrub. I use a good toilet bowl cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes while I do something else (like wiping down the bathroom mirror), then give it a thorough brush and flush. Sparkling! As for the kitchen counter, my golden rule is "clean as you go." After every meal prep, I wipe down all surfaces around the kitchen sink and hob. Once a week, I give the entire kitchen counter a deeper clean. I clear everything off, spray with an all-purpose cleaner, let it sit, then wipe it down, paying special attention to grout lines or backsplash. Don't forget those small appliances that live on the counter too! Craft Your Own Cleaning Chart Idea! I'm a visual person, so a cleaning chart has been a game-changer. You can make a simple one on paper or even use a digital app. Divide it into categories: "daily minimum (15 minutes max)," "weekly basics (pick 1-2 per day)," and "once a month cleaning." List out those tasks from the article under each. Tick them off as you go – it’s incredibly satisfying and helps you visualize your progress. This chart isn't about perfection; it's about consistency and seeing what needs attention next. Conquering Those Dreaded Chores (Like My Nemesis: Folding Laundry!) Okay, we all have that one chore we avoid. For me, it's folding laundry. My trick? I break it down. Instead of doing all the laundry at once, I aim to fold one load right out of the dryer. I also make it more enjoyable by putting on my favorite podcast or music. Sometimes, I even bribe myself with a treat afterward! For other chores you dislike, try the 'two-minute rule': if it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This applies to things like putting away shoes, wiping a spill, or hanging up a coat. It prevents small tasks from piling up into overwhelming monsters. Remember, every little bit helps you feel better in your space, and that's what truly matters!
Laundry is definitely a weekly or bi weekly task, laundry every day is a waste of water and quarters if you don’t have in-unit laundry machines. I know it says if needed but why try to consider it every day when you can see when your hamper is full? To each their own though 🥰