The One Hour Power Clean That Will Change Your Life

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I have found that my stress level is directly related to the state of my house. If it is a mess, my brain is a mess. I’m crabbier just thinking about everything I need to do to get my house back on track so I can actually enjoy living in my space. The state of your home is so important to your overall sense of tranquility. It is absolutely worth it to give it an hour a week to make the remaining 167 hours more peaceful! More peace, less stress.

I learned long ago not to let my house get out of control and one method I use is the “One Hour Power Clean.” Be sure to address the areas you spend the most time in (kitchen, living room, family room, bedroom, etc.) thoroughly so when you finally sit down tonight the area you are in is relaxing.

Ready to get started? You may find it helpful to use a timer so you don’t fixate on one problem area. The goal is to clean the house, not make one area or closet perfect. This is a cleaning that gets your house in a state that is presentable, livable and less chaotic and one hour tops!

Step 1, approximately 10-15 minutes:

• Grab a landry basket and go through the main rooms in your home to gather all of the clutter.
• Put the items in their correct spots.
• Throw away any garbage or papers you do not need.

Step 2, approximately 10 minutes:

• Wipe down the kitchen countertops and rangetop. 
• Load the dishwasher.
• Clean your sink.

Step 3, approximately 10 minutes:

• Dust the living room, dining room, entry way, family room and your bedroom. If you have a lot of knicknacks this may take longer. Evaluate whether or not you need all of this stuff and think about scaling back.
• Straighten the sofa pillows and fold blankets.

Step 4, approximately 5 minutes:

• Make your bed, pillows and all, even if it is evening. You will feel better getting into a freshly made bed. (Oprah trick: stash pj’s behind your pillow!)
• Open shades.
• Tidy nightstands and tops of dressers.

Step 5, approximately 10 minutes:

• Bathrooms – clean mirrors, clean sinks, wipe countertops, polish faucet. Clean shower. (Tip: Clean your bathtub and shower in seconds flat by replacing your stationary shower head with a handheld version. Make sure to get one with a long hose to reach the back wall of the bathtub/shower surround. I have these in all of our bathrooms because they save so much time! Spray with cleaning solution and let set while you’re cleaning other areas of the bathroom, then rinse.)

By now, most of your house is in decent shape. If you have kids you might be thinking “what about their rooms?” Well, to be blunt, their rooms are not your room, and their rooms are their problem. If they are over the age of 5 they can clean their own rooms, with some assistance depending on their age, but for now, all of their things that were all over the house are either in their rooms from Step 1. Close their doors and ignore their messes. You can help them with their own mini One Hour Power Clean‘s this weekend.

Step 6, approximately 10-15 minutes:

• Vacuum all floors. 
• Mop hard surfaces.

That’s it. In one hour, your house is Clean Enough. This isn’t a deep cleaning, it’s a Good Enough cleaning to get your brain back in its happy place. When you go to bed tonight, it will be with one less thing on your mind and you can sleep peacefully knowing when you wake up your house will be ready for a new day. (Don’t forget to make your bed when you wake up!)

If your house is smaller or did not take you a full hour to clean, use the remaining minutes to get a jump on laundry that needs to be folded, or another task that you’ve been putting off. The goal is to not let things pile up- it’s overwhelming and I don’t know about you, but it makes me crabby!

Looks Like Happy’s Favorite Cleaning Supplies

Kenmore Canister Vacuum I LOVE canister vacuums. They are so much more versatile than uprights and the Kenmore’s are capable of handling kid dirt and dog fur. I love that the big head is for carpeting and area rugs, and that it pops off and there is another head for wood flooring & tile. The cords are super long, and they are easy to use on stairs. You can get into every corner and crevice, and easily reach under sofas, chairs, beds and media consoles. The hose/wand extension is perfect for window sills and ceiling fan blades. 

Cleaning caddies are perfect for keeping all of your cleaning supplies in easy reach & accessible. Mine holds cleaning solutions, a sponge, rag and toothbrush, and feather duster. I love a feather duster for a quick breeze through the main level if unexpected guests decide to come over.

The Libman Wonder Mop is awesome. For one, it does a fantastic job picking up dirt and dust. But the best part is that the head pops off and can be thrown in the washing machine. That way the next time you clean you’re actually cleaning, and not spreading nasty bathroom germs all over your kitchen. <gag>

Want more ideas? Take a look at our posts about cleaning tips- they will save you so much time! 
10 Clever Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People
Conquer Clutter Once & For All With These Stylish Storage Solutions
Clever Decluttering Solutions to Organize Your Home Fast!
7 Easy Steps to Simplify Your Crazy Life

For more organization and decluttering ideas, visit our DIY for the Home: Cleaning & Organization Tips board on Pinterest. There are hundreds of ideas from other great bloggers! 

Happy cleaning!
Allison

 

 

 

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