Streamlined Clean-Up Approach Transforms Day-to-Day Life, Eliminates Clutter, Ideal for Hectic Homes
The Clean-As-You-Go method is not just a fancy title; it's a game-changing approach to maintaining a tidy and clean home. Trust me; I've been using it for six months and can't imagine going back to my old ways. Let's dive into the how, the why, and the benefits of this easy-to-adopt cleaning magic.
What is the Clean-As-You-Go method?
Cleaning expert Scott Schrader from CottageCare explains, "The Clean-As-You-Go is a practical and adaptable cleaning technique that suits any busy lifestyle." It boils down to doing the cleaning as you go about your day, minimizing mess buildup and making the prospect of deep cleaning less daunting.
The perks of Clean-As-You-Go
So, after committing to this method for half a year, I'm thrilled to report it's one of the best cleaning tips I've ever picked up from the pros.
- It's a breeze: No fancy steps or dance moves required. Just clean up after yourself instead of putting it off.
- Every room, every day: Whether it's wet floors in the bathroom or crumbs on the kitchen counter, clean it up as you spot it.
- Household friendly: Anyone can do it, and the more family members on board, the cleaner your home will be.
- Lightning fast: It takes far less time than you'd think and makes those deeper cleaning sessions easier.
- Establishes habits: Stick with it, and these daily cleaning tasks will become second nature.
Of course, like everything in life, there are a couple of drawbacks.
- Inconvenience: Let's face it, there will be moments when cleaning isn't convenient, but with practice, it'll become easier to make it a habit.
- Health concerns: While the method is generally suitable for everyone, those managing mobility issues might want to implement adaptive pacing.
How to master Clean-As-You-Go
Luckily, mastering Clean-As-You-Go is simple. According to Scott:
- Wipe down surfaces and clean spills immediately.
- Put items back in their place when you finish using them.
- Keep a cloth and multipurpose spray handy for quick cleanups.
- Tackle small tasks during downtime, like wiping down counters during cooking or rinsing dishes during commercial breaks.
- End the day with a five-minute reset, walking through each room to tidy up.
Who benefits most from Clean-As-You-Go?
Pretty much anyone can reap the benefits of Clean-As-You-Go, but Scott particularly recommends it for:
- Busy careers or parents who struggle to find time for deep cleaning.
- Homes or apartments with a smaller footprint, where clutter can quickly accumulate.
- Parents with young children, teaching them the importance of cleaning up after themselves.
- Pet owners dealing with fur, dirt, and pet messes.
- Those seeking a low-stress, achievable cleaning routine.
The verdict
After trying Clean-As-You-Go for six months, I can honestly say it's transformed my homekeeping habits. Dinner dishes are wiped down during cooking, the bath and shower are swiped after every use, and my home is looking tidier than ever before. This clever method reduces cleaning time by eliminating the need to clean up giant messes that have piled up over time.
While the Clean-As-You-Go method won't entirely replace deep cleaning, it makes daily upkeep far less overwhelming. My verdict: 8 out of 10.
Cleaning essentials
Bestseller: Microfiber cloths
Microfiber cloths are the cleaning industry's secret weapon, thanks to their ability to remove dust with a single sweep and their versatility on multiple surfaces. Plus, they can be reused hundreds of times and color-coded to prevent cross-contamination.
Eco-friendly: Method
Method’s plant-based all-purpose cleaner is gentle on surfaces yet tough on grease and grime. According to Scott, 'It smells great and can be used on multiple surface areas.'
Expert-approved: O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop
This mop is perfect for quickly cleaning up spills in the bathroom. Scott praises its ability to 'restore hard-to-move stains.'
Tips and Tricks
- Clean from the top to the bottom when doing a deep clean.
- Regularly clean frequently used spaces like the bathtub and shower to prevent grime buildup.
- Declutter each room before starting a deep clean to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
By incorporating these tools, tips, and the Clean-As-You-Go method into your routine, you can maintain a clean, tidy home with minimal effort.
Meet the Experts
Scott is the Chief Marketing Officer at CottageCare, with over 15 years of experience in the field. CottageCare offers a wide range of home cleaning services and serves more than 41 locations nationwide.
Having performed over 1.7 million cleaning services last year, Molly Maid is hailed as the nation's leading residential and commercial cleaning brand. Marla Mock has over 20 years of experience in the home services category.
If you're curious about more quick daily cleaning habits to help you maintain a clean home or you often feel overwhelmed by cleaning tasks, check out our compilation of valuable tips to try out.
Adopting the Clean-As-You-Go method is not only practical for busy lifestyles but also beneficial for maintaining a home-and-garden that reflects a clean lifestyle. By keeping a cloth and multipurpose spray handy, tackling small tasks during downtime, and establishing habits like putting items back in their place, you can master Clean-As-You-Go and maintain a tidy home effortlessly.
