Benefits of a Simple Homemaking Cleaning Schedule
Discussing some major benefits of creating a simple homemaking cleaning schedule along with tips and suggestions that can help you keep a tidy home.
Let’s be real here for a minute, cleaning is not the most interesting subject we can discuss nor is it the most fun aspect of homemaking. However, I think we can all agree, it is necessary, and even fundamental for any homemaker to form some kind of a plan of action when it comes to cleaning. So while this isn’t the most interesting post I can write, we all know how it feels when our cleaning game is going strong, and probably more so when it is not.
If your space is not as clean as you would like it to be, don’t worry. I have a few suggestions to help create a simple homemaking cleaning schedule that works for you. This will help get things back in order, so let’s start with breaking down what a homemaking cleaning schedule is.
Please note: Whether you are a brand new homemaker or one that has been homemaking for years looking to improve. It is important to remember that no one’s house is perfect nor do our homes have to be. We need to have grace for ourselves as we do for others and as women we often don’t. If you fall short, remember there is always tomorrow that will allow you to get up and begin again.
What Is a Homemaking Cleaning Schedule?
A homemaking cleaning schedule is a specific plan that outlines tasks to be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This helps to break down large tasks into manageable chunks that can be done promptly. It also ensures that no task is forgotten or neglected, allowing you to keep your home in tip-top shape, year-round.
I remember my first stab at a homemaking cleaning schedule. It was basically a cleaning/deep cleaning day. Yes, an entire day I devoted to CLEANING, I know. I probably don’t have to tell you just how horrible this was as I was completely overwhelmed by it, and dreaded that day each week.
On most of these cleaning days, I would find myself cleaning well into the late evening trying to finish up my list. Only to wake to a sore back and a house that would only remain intact for a short period.
This was at a time when I began working outside the home, so I wasn’t altogether crazy. I just didn’t know how to balance my time at that point. The real issue was devoting an entire day to cleaning that, in turn, didn’t stay that way long. It wasn’t until a friend asked me why I didn’t just do little bits daily that I had to rethink my system. It was one of those “aha” moments people talk about.
As a full-time stay-at-home mom, I had always held to a daily cleaning routine and devoted one day to deep cleaning the entire house. A plan that was not too far off from this all-day business, but much more realistic. Working outside the house presents a challenge but not one that we can’t make room for if we need to.
Benefits of a Cleaning Schedule
- Can be the best thing to implement for weekly tasks, daily house work and even seasonal cleaning tasks
- Can save so much time by isolating tasks and designating days of the week for each item.
- Is great for both simple tasks and larger projects.
- Keeps monthly tasks and even seasonal tasks top of mind.
Why Is Having a Cleaning Schedule Important?
I get it, you might not be altogether sold on this whole homemaking cleaning schedule idea. So let me expand a little further on why having one could be important to you.
Keeping to a cleaning schedule allows you to be more efficient with your time while providing a way to manage the cleaning that our homes require. It allows you to be more intentional and organized by outlining tasks that need to be done, daily, weekly, and on a monthly basis.
It also ensures that no task is forgotten or neglected, allowing you to keep your home in tip-top shape. Honestly, all of this works as a time management tool that reduces stress and allows you to remain unfrazzled and available for more important aspects of your day.
I don’t know about you, but managing tasks more efficiently and getting more done in a shorter amount of time is something worth exploring in my book.
Implementing a Cleaning Schedule
Creating a schedule is simple. To begin, start by assessing the needs of your household.
Identify which tasks need to be completed each day, week, and/or on a monthly basis. When setting up the schedule, consider the amount of time that will be available to devote to each task, as well as the amount of energy that will be needed to complete each job. Be realistic with your plan and set reasonable expectations upfront so that you have a decent system out the gate instead of one that is doomed for failure.
Write your homemaking cleaning schedule down and keep it visible so you can refer to it when needed. I like using a standard hanging calendar so I can write in my tasks for each day. I don’t run on a daily set schedule, as I am more of a routine kind of a girl. But it is nice to have a to-do list for each day. One that I can easily look at and see what is to be tackled for each day of the week.
Tips for Creating One
- Start small and build up as needed
- Switch things up when you find they are not working
- Set realistic goals for your home
- Write in daily cleaning, and deep cleaning
- Use a calendar or other organizational system to keep track of tasks and due dates
- Divide and conquer tasks among family members
- Incorporate rewards to stay motivated
- Write it down and keep it handy for all to read
Daily Cleaning
A daily routine or daily schedule for cleaning is the best way to keep a clean home. I have certain “touch points” that are covered on a daily basis which helps me tidy the whole house or at least keep it maintained throughout the week. While deeper cleaning can be done with a weekly schedule or on a weekly routine and in some cases a monthly cleaning schedule would suffice. I go through a series of daily tasks that are a part of my overall home management. Whether you choose to do an evening routine, or morning routine it does not matter. The idea is to make good use of your time by having simple daily disciplines
Remember, home is ongoing, life is lived within this space so we will never be at a point of arrival for the most part. Instead, it’s about maintaining our spaces so they can be enjoyed to the fullest.
My Daily Cleaning Touch Points
- Living room pick up (toys, books, dishes, fluff pillows, put anything left out away
- Bathroom light detail (put away products, wipe down the countertop, fold/rehang towels)
- Clean kitchen (wash dishes, wipe down counters, sweep the floor, put away stuff on counters, dump trash)
- Bedroom (make beds, tidy nightstand, pick up clothes).
Deep Cleaning
On the other hand, deep cleaning is much more time-consuming and generally a little more tedious. The good thing is when you incorporate a weekly cleaning schedule, it can be a great way to lessen workload. Dividing up the areas of your home can simplify your deep cleaning schedule. Let’s take bedrooms and bathrooms as an example.
Setting specific days for homemaking tasks allows the focus to be one area that gets a good detailed clean. Rather than trying to fit all of this into a single day, try breaking up the deeper cleaning by rooms. One day might be a bathroom day while the other reserved for bedrooms and so on.
My Deep Cleaning Task List
Bedroom Deep Clean
- Dusting surfaces (dressers, nightstands, blinds, fans, etc.)
- Organizing clothes
- Washing linens
- Cleaning floors
Bathroom Deep Clean
- Cleaning the toilets
- Scrubbing and wiping down the tile/tub
- Sweep/mop floor
- Dumping the trash
- Scrubbing and wiping sinks
Living Room Deep Clean
- Dust surfaces (tv stand, tv, ceiling fan, coffee table etc)
- Vacuum, or sweep/mop (depending on flooring)
- Put away anything out of order (books on book shelves, things not meant for living room)
- Tidy shelves, desktops, tables etc.
- Vacuum under couch cushions and under tables
Kitchen Deep Clean
- Clean out fridge
- Toss out old food or food bags
- Wipe down all surfaces (countertops, shelves, appliances, hood)
- Sweep and mop kitchen floor
- Scrub stovetop/oven
- Scrub sink
- Wipe down cabinet doors
- Declutter countertop
- Organize utensil drawer
Dining Room
- Wipe down surfaces
- Vacuum or Sweep/mop (depending on flooring)
- Polish table
- Dust chandelier, overhead light
Laundry Room/Area
- Sweep/mop
- Wipe down surfaces
- Dump trash
- Put away all clothes, towels etc.
- Toss old soap containers
- Organize shelves
My Simple Schedule
My homemaking cleaning schedule is so simple yet effective as it is doable for me. I believe that is the most important part, it has to be realistic. This is not set in stone every single week as far as designated days go but I try my best to go through each room of my house for a routine weekly deep cleaning. I swap easier deep-cleaning areas out for harder ones when I know my work schedule is gonna be a bit more hectic.
What I have found with this simple system is that it gets easier the more you follow it. Meaning, not everything will need to be done on the deep cleaning list as things aren’t as dirty when they are touched consistently. So in reality, keeping to a regular cleaning schedule makes things easier and saves us time in the long run.
This simple system basically holds to a theme day that helps me keep a clean house without being overwhelmed.
Sample Homemaking Cleaning Schedule
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Kitchen Deep Clean
Tuesday
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Bedroom Deep Clean
Wednesday
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Bathroom Deep Clean
Thursday
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Laundry Room Deep Clean
Friday
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Living room deep clean
Saturday
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Dining room Deep Clean
Sunday
Daily Clean Routine
Weekly: Laundry Day
My Go-To Natural Cleaning Supplies
You probably already know by now that I like to use natural items in our home which I have shared here many times. These are the ones I keep going back to. Not only are they natural and non-toxic options. But they are simple to make and much cheaper than store-bought cleaners, especially those high-priced natural ones.
- Natural Floor Cleaner
- 2 Ingredient Fabric Refresher Spray
- Natural Wood Cleaner
- DIY Natural All-Purpose Spray (can be used on glass too)
- How to Clean a Cutting Board (naturally)
- Eco-Friendly Soap Scum Remover (not natural but a much milder option that works)
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no cost to you).
To Sum It Up
- A homemaking cleaning schedule can help keep a home clean and organized.
- Implementing a schedule can help reduce household clutter and save time and energy.
- Tips for creating a schedule include breaking down tasks, creating a realistic timeline, prioritizing tasks, and having designated days for deep cleaning.
- Be realistic in your goals and expectations in order to set yourself up for success.
- Write it down and look at it daily.
- Enlist the family for help.
- Adjust your homemaking cleaning schedule as needed.
- Finally, have grace for yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know exactly how to implement your very own homemaking cleaning schedule, you can get started right away and start tackling those areas you are struggling with. Might I also suggest creating a homemaking routine if you don’t have one already? Creating one will help you find flow and rhythm as you go about your homemaking days.
You may or may not know that I have written an Ebook, Homemaking 101 Back to Basics Workbook, that is over 20 pages of homemaking tips, ideas, and personal stories that cover everything from grocery shopping to how to create a monthly budget. So if you need to brush up on your homemaking skills or want to create a new system, be sure to check it out!
Have a great homemaking week!
Homemaking 101 Back to Basics Workbook Ebook!
Dive into the basics of homemaking with a simple-to-understand pillar system featuring over 20 pages of personal touches, advice, tips, and printable worksheets to help you become the homemaker you dream of being.