In an ideal world, I would be able to devote an hour or two each week to cleaning my house. However, with summer travel plans aplenty and my Master's thesis monopolizing most of my time, the ability to devote much time at all to keeping my house up to some standard of cleanliness isn't exactly realistic right now. The good news is, even when you're super-busy, you can keep your house clean...enough.
Yesterday, for example, my husband and I returned from a four-day trip to the river. The house hadn't been given much attention prior to our leaving, and when we got home yesterday afternoon, unpacking, working on my thesis, and grocery shopping (so we could, you know, eat) took priority to folding and putting away laundry, washing the kitchen rugs, and cleaning the kitchen floor.
Miraculously, this morning after I got ready for church, I had 15 spare minutes. What did I do with them?
The founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes that "Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing" (italics added by me). So, I improved upon those precious 15 minutes God gave me. I quickly folded and put away a load of laundry and found I still had about eight minutes. I tossed the kitchen rugs into the washing machine and did a cursory sweeping of the kitchen floor. Now, is my house immaculate? Well, no, not exactly. But it's a little cleaner than it was--and sometimes, that's clean enough.
Here are a few tips for keeping your house clean enough when you don't have time enough:
1) Don't make your bed.
This used to be a huge point of stress for me. I felt like I just could not leave my house if my bed were not neatly made. Then, a few years ago, I read an article in Good Housekeeping Magazine that informed me I should actually fold back all my blankets and air my sheets out every morning before making my bed. Something about drying it out and decreasing bacteria, etc. Now, I fold back the sheets, and don't make the bed at all. I let it air out all. day. long. It saves me a few minutes every single morning.
2) Clean Sheet Sunday
Now, I'm not a total slacker. The bed does get made once a week, every Sunday, when I change the sheets. In addition to not making your bed, I also recommend changing your sheets on a regular basis--once a week was recommended on a healthy housekeeping show I saw a few years ago, and I've stuck with it. We call it "Clean Sheet Sunday."
3) Get some air.
I have a particularly hard time getting housework done when the weather is nice, simply because I want to be outside. If you feel the urge to get outside, but have to get some chores done, try hanging your laundry out to dry on a drying rack or a clothes line. Not only will doing so get you out in the sunshine and fresh air, it will also help you save energy by not using your dryer, and save on money by not using a dryer sheet.
4) Mouthwash and the Mirror
While you swish your mouthwash around for those recommended 30-60 seconds, simultaneously spray your bathroom mirror with window cleaner and wipe it down.
5) Dirty Dishes
Immediately after washing dishes (or rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher), pull out the Soft Scrub and give your sink and faucet a good wipe down. It will only add about a minute or two to your dish duty, and it will make your kitchen that much cleaner.
6) Clean Sweep
Keep a broom and dustpan near the door. On your way out (or in) give the entryway a quick sweep.
7) Squeaky Clean Shower
Before you hop in the shower, spray it down with your disinfectant or mildew spray of choice. Then, once you're in the shower, use a sponge or rag to wipe down the walls, door, and floor--perhaps while you give your conditioner time to set in your hair.
8) Drive By
Keep Clorox Wipes or paper towels and window cleaner in your car. If you are stuck in gridlock traffic or waiting in a parking lot or at a bus stop, you can use the time to wipe down the insides of your car (steering wheel, gear shifter, door handles, etc.). This not only disinfectants, but also cuts back on dust.
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