Factor Time:
READY, STEADY, GO
Let’s not kid ourselves – we’ve got better things to do than spend all day cleaning! Lucky for us, there are ways to make this dreaded task a lot faster. With the right tools, temperature, and cleaning solutions, you can slice your cleaning time in half. And don’t forget to give the chemistry and heat time to do their thing – it’ll make a big difference.
If you’re still looking for ways to speed things up, here are a few more handy tips to help you get the job done faster.
Preparation:
Instead of making multiple trips to the cabinet under the sink, why not prepare a caddy or bucket with all your tools and cleaning solutions in advance? This will not only save you time but also keep you organized and ready to tackle any mess that comes your way.
Have a System:
Tidying up first is the way to go! It prevents any interruption to your cleaning flow. Start at the highest point of the room and work your way down, beginning with dusting off the ceiling. Another helpful tip is to clean from left to right, giving every nook and cranny complete coverage without any unnecessary repetition.
Get Proactive:
Reduce the amount of work and keep your home clean by being proactive and using simple tricks to stay ahead of the mess: If you spill something or notice a stain, wipe it away or rinse it out immediately to prevent it from setting. Wipe the oven while it’s still warm after every use, and fill pots and pans with hot water as soon as you finish cooking to prevent food from sticking. Have a place for everything, and make it a habit to put things back where they belong to prevent clutter from building up.
Create a cleaning cchedule:
Sounds overwhelming and like too much work? Think again! Creating a cleaning routine that’s both practical and realistic for your lifestyle and home can truly make your life easier. With a smart plan that includes all the must-do chores, you’ll breeze through your household tasks in no time. Plus, having a schedule means you won’t stress over a dirty mirror or a dusty cabinet – you’ll know exactly when they’ll get cleaned. Instead, you can focus on your day-to-day tasks without worrying about additional cleaning tasks.
The unexpected guest
AND SPEEDY TOMATOES
Speed it up: The Pomodoro Technique:
Let’s be real, we’re all guilty of procrastinating. But instead of lingering in guilt, imagine finishing up your tasks and actually enjoying your free time. If you’ve ever had an unexpected visitor pop by and had to quickly tidy up in 20 minutes, you know the power of focused cleaning under pressure. And that’s why the Pomodoro Technique is a game-changer. Developed by a university student, Francesco Cirillo, in the late 80s, this time management method is named after the tomato-shaped timer Cirillo used to track his work intervals. (Pomodoro means tomato in Italian, FYI.) The technique involves breaking work (or cleaning) into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. The aim? To make daunting tasks more manageable by breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps. Trust us, this method works like a charm!
We can’t stress enough how amazing the Pomodoro method is, and we have plenty of reasons to back it up:
- Focus on one task at a time, full control over distractions and your schedule.
- Improves your planning abilities and strengthens your willpower.
- Breaks larger tasks into manageable intervals, preventing overwhelm.
- Regular breaks boost motivation and lessen fatigue, while the ticking timer adds urgency and promotes efficient, distraction-free work.
- Prevents burnout, sustains momentum, and leads to a tidier, more enjoyable living space.
It’s simple:
For every 25 minutes of solid work, take a quick 5-minute break. And after four rounds of this, reward yourself with a longer break. The key is to focus fully on each task during each Pomodoro session with no distractions. Then, during breaks, step away from your work and give yourself a well-deserved rest. Trust us, your productivity will thank you for it! There are other methods based on this technique, that work with 10 or 15-minute bursts. Feel free to experiment with different timings that work for you and adapt the Pomodoro technique according to your needs, energy or tasks, suiting your home and family.
The Pomodoro Technique:
Step 1:
Pick a task or make a list: Checking things off your list feels great and motivates you to do more. Put on some nice music if you‘d like. Get your cleaning solutions and tools ready.
Step 2:
Set a 25-minute timer or choose your desired timing (phone works well). Some people prefer a physical timer.
Step 3:
Work on your task without any interruptions or distractions until the time is up if possible, and remember to check off the tasks.
Step 4:
Take a quick 5-minute break and step away from your task. Sip some tea, take deep breaths, get some exercise in, roam around, read something brief, or have a chat.
Step 5:
After every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
If you‘re short on time, just opt for shorter sessions (10 minutes) and focus on visible areas like counters, floors, and dishes. Prioritize the high-traffic zones, like the kitchen, and save the less pressing tasks for later. When the timer goes off, move on to the next task on your list without a break.
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Here’s a little trick to make it more bearable – set a goal for yourself! Decide on a reasonable amount of time to spend cleaning and stick to it. Make sure to prioritize tasks based on their importance and don’t underestimate the time a task takes and plan accordingly. Once your session is over, pat yourself on the back and resist the urge to keep going. If a task can wait until another day, don’t sweat it! Remember, the key is to keep things light and avoid building up any unnecessary resistance towards cleaning.