We all know and frequently complain that we simply JUST DON’T HAVE THE TIME IT TAKES TO CLEAN. And its true. To a certain extent. Our lives are so so busy, we are always on the go, and especially us moms, are the wearers of TOO many hats. But cleaning doesn’t necessarily have to occupy your ENTIRE Saturday morning, or your ONLY day off. It just needs to be poked at n kept on top of so that it doesn’t get out of control.

So let me introduce you to the 30 minute speed clean!

The speed clean is something my staff n I use when clients budgets restrict us from spending all the time we would like to in a certain area, but still ensure we get all the essential areas at the same time. Everyone else can benefit from this same strategy, as it may not be your budget that limits you but the time you have to spend just isn’t what you wish it could be, yet you till need to get the job done.

The speed clean warrants a checklist for the area your cleaning, with a tailored version focusing on killing germs and bringing the space back to functioning position again, without letting yourself get held up on things that could really wait till the next time you clean again without making or breaking your results.

For the Kitchen checklist:

cabinet fronts > but just get the knobs/handles and about 3″ around it where your fingers may touch when grabbing it, versus doing the whole cabinet front. Quickly scan the rest n just touch up the splatters you see.

Countertops >dampen a cloth with water and  a mild soap like liquid Castile and run across the countertops, lifting each thing resting on it with one hand and then running under it with the cloth in the other hand, and then replacing the item. This takes a lot less time than moving everything first, cleaning, then replacing the items. Don’t bother wiping the items themselves down unless absolutely necessary.

appliances > freshen up the fronts of dishwasher, fridge (getting the handles) the stovetop and inside the microwave.

empty the trash n before replacing the liner just give it a spray with disinfectant and leave it..

Load the dishwasher and run it, use the faucet sprayer around the sink wiping it with a soapy sponge at the same time. Spritz it with disinfectant and leave it.

For the bathroom checklist:

shine the mirror

run an alcohol wipe around the faucet/handles, sink basin & vanity knob/handle if there is one, as well as the bathroom door knob

fold towels OR just collect them all n throw in laundry, replacing with fresh ones

use another alcohol wipe on the toilet back/handle/lid/seat, and swish toilet bowl with brush n flush

empty waste bin and spray with disinfectant before replacing liner

For the Floors:

have a few bins or a big basket to collect all things that are out of place and need putting away, but just set aside to do another time when you have a free 15 min or so. Or better yet……..MAKE YOUR KIDS DO IT!!!!

Run a dry microfiber mop around highly traffic’d paths in an “S” pattern, so as to sweep and hold dirt and pull with you. Pick up what you have collected with dustpan, then dampen the same mop head after wringing under warm water and mop the same areas only this time, spraying with your favorite floor cleaner.

Liberally spray a linen & air spray around, being sure to get all the fabric like your upholstered furniture throws/throw pillow, drapes, rugs etc. as all these hold odors and this will help neutralize them.

Thats it!

A couple tips for success……

#1) time yourself…

you’d be amazed what you can accomplish under the pressure of a time clock.

#2) simplify your cleaners…..

use only a damp cloth, with mild soap and water for the kitchen and some alcohol wipes for the bathroom. The less supplies your interchanging or grabbing for the less wasted time you spend.

I highly recommend ECloth combo packs, like the kitchen & bathroom packs, as these come with polishing cloths for glass and only require water to clean AND disinfect.

#3) stay focused….

don’t allow yourself to get distracted. If you see things that should get done but that aren’t on your list, take mental note and at the end jot down on a to-do list to reference when you have a free 15 and aren’t sure what to tackle first. Now is the time to strategize and prioritize for survival 😉

You really only need to focus on your common areas for the speed clean; these are your kitchen bathroom, living room, where you eat regularly (so NOT the formal dining room if you have one) and really only includes one bathroom.

Check out my next post on the bedroom for that area!

I really REALLY hope this helps you!

HAPPY CLEANING 🙂