Short cuts or ideas for cleaning house.

lovinmomma

I thought that this would be a great forum to list those little tips we have to help with the daily stuff.

My first idea.... All my kids have a lingerie bag that they put their dirty socks in. then I do not have to seperate socks and they get perfectly clean.

dreamwriter

I fold into piles according to Person, Hang Up, Dresser by drawers

From the age of 4 the children could take their bunch and put them away. 

I would have a pile for me stacked in layers (lingerie drawer, shirts drawer, pants drawer), then things to be hung up.

Each week there would be four piles and I knew that they could all put them away in a matter  of minutes. 

Now that there are 3 of us (eldest moved out), we simply take our laundry down in their baskets and fold right into the basket.   Each basket is dropped into a room and the owner and they put it all away.

abbadoodles

Terrific idea for a thread!

Try to train family members to take off their shoes when they come in the house.  Have slippers handy by the door.  Easier said than done, I know, but it really helps minimize floor cleaning.  I have several friends from different European countries and they say this is common practice over there.  I dunno but it sounds good.

That said, I have been doing this for over a year or so but getting dh to do it is another story.  Still, every little bit helps.

pomegranate

Put a mug of water in the microwave and turn on high for 1-2 minutes. Then remove the mug. Take a damp sponge and wipe out the microwave--hot water softens anything "stuck on," and voila, it's clean and energy is saved for another task!

My aunt raised her 2 girls to keep their toys and clothes in their individual rooms. When my aunt came home from work she gathered up any errant items and put them in a box. They stayed in the box for 1 week before the girls could have them back!

Set the breakfast table the night before, set up coffee pot ready to go. Morning breakfast is a snap that way.

I load the dishwasher without pre-rinsing the dishes. I turn on the short wash and hold cycle after each meal's dishes are put in. Then when full, I run the dishwasher. I end up w/out caked on food and clean dishes.

At our house, whoever cooks does not have to do the dishes. Surprisingly, my dh would rather not cook but would rather DO the dishes. Okay by me, as I don't really want to eat anything he cooks if you get my drift! LOL 

Pomegranate 

carolsd

I like this topic!

Use antiseptic wipes to do a quick clean up of the bathroom when unexpected guests show up. Keep a Swiffer and wet wipes on hand for quick floor refreshings between big cleanings. Place a Dow automatic shower cleaner in the kids' shower and train them to "push the button." (nag them until it becomes automatic!)

Hattie

We consider the piles of  laundry on the couch an artistic statement...

Life is messy--clean it up.  We try to keep the house clean, but there are better things in life.

 My best tips?  Have a reason to clean up (company!) and a fun thing to do when it is done (after we clean up, we can go ____.   Amazing how quickly everything gets done. Also, have people choose their chores.   And: clean as you go.  Everything in its place and a place for everything.

 Now I have to go--my family would hoot if they knew I was giving housework advice.  

I have to say one of my earliest thought when I was diagnosed was "I don't regret not spending more of my life on housework!"

 Take care,

--Hattie 

StarWish624

This may sound funny, but it makes me feel better. When the sink/counter has a stack of dirty dishes & pans, I just take them all, and put them into a plastic trash bag. Then I wash off the counter. Clearing up the counter looks so nice, that I get a lift right away. Then, I wash the dishes, and feel so much better doing it, since the counter looks neat and clean, and I don't have to look at a mess while washing the dishes.

Mary-Lou

I love this topic. I can't clean without "Mean Green" It cuts the work in half for dirty stuff, such as trash cans, tubs, and even the stove.

Mary-Lou

I Had To BUMP, This is a good topic.

GramE

I love the Flylady website.  When I was clearing out my house, after 36 years in it, it was very good. Here is a link for "crisis cleaning":

http://flylady.net/pages/FlyingLessons_crisiscleaning.asp 

GramE

Here is a hint for those into "recycling":

http://www.athenascup.org/ 

Hannahbearsmom

leftyAKAnancy: I have read a little on the flylady website a long time ago but honestly never really put it into action. I like the "crisis cleaning" link. I think I'm going to try that today. The whole house is in such a mess that it's hard to know where to start. At least this way I will be progressively tidying up each area. I think it's funny how she says don't get side-tracked because that is exactly what I am likely to do. Thanks!

TCK

GramE

TCK, I had once up a time signed up for the daily emails from Flylady, but they got to be way too much.  The various individual links are great, in MY opinion.   

Since I live alone and rarely have company, things do pile up here and there.   Setting the timer for 15 minutes gives a sense of accomplishment, like folding the laundry for only 15 minutes.  

Just let the phone ring and I am way into side tracked...!!!!