Wet Rooms, Dry Rooms And My New Love

A long time ago I read an article about making the time you spend cleaning your house more efficient. It had some good ideas, but it also had some points I would disagree with. Namely that you shouldn't bother to clean anything that is already clean.

I've instituted a new cleaning routine around my house that is working well and saving me loads of time. Basically, it involves cleaning what is already clean to prevent it from becoming dirty (or dusty, etc.). I know, you're wondering why anyone would want to do that. I'm telling you, it sounds crazy, but it works for me.

Here's how it works. First, you have to start with a clean house. After that, it's a matter of dividing rooms into one of two categories; wet rooms and dry rooms. In my house wet rooms include the kitchen, the laundry room, and the bathrooms. Dry rooms are the living room, dining room, bedrooms, office and hallways. Are you with me so far?

On day one you quick clean the wet rooms, on day two you quick clean the dry rooms. After that you just continue to alternate.

What constitutes a "quick clean" you ask? I'll give you an example of what I do.

Wet Rooms (bathrooms) -

• Squirt toilet cleaner in toilet
• Spray tile cleaner on shower tile
• Clean mirror
• Wipe down vanity, faucet and sink with antibacterial cleaner
• Brush and flush cleaner in toilet
• Wipe down toilet with antibacterial cleaner
• Rinse cleaner off shower tiles
• Run Swiffer over floor

Dry Rooms -

• Dust all surfaces
• Run Swiffer over floor (we have hardwood floors)
• Vacuum Rugs

Since I've started this system, I spend less than 30 minutes a day cleaning my house and it looks and stays clean all the time. I still have daily and weekly tasks like loading/unloading the dishwasher and doing the laundry that aren't included in my 30 minutes. Washing floors and windows aren't included either, but I do those as needed. It's basically a maintenance system, clean once and then maintain. It's quick because nothing ever really needs to be cleaned. Obsessive, you say? Maybe, but it makes me happy. And it leaves me more time to work on important things like my blog!

On the same note, I have to tell you about my new love. Yes, it's a cleaning product. I contacted the manufacturer of my kitchen cabinets to find out what I should be using to clean them. They recommended Simple Green cleaner. Have you tried this stuff? I swear, it's magic in a bottle! It's concentrated, so I dilute it for my cabinets. For tough jobs, I use it straight from the bottle. My porcelain kitchen sink has never been so sparkling white and my cooktop shines like new. My grocery store carries it in the automotive section. How did I ever live without this product?!

And now, with all my extra free time, I'm going into my clean kitchen to make some home made dinner rolls! More on that tomorrow....