Cleaning is an essential part of our everyday lives, whether we’re tidying up our homes, workplaces, or other environments. However, it often feels like a chore, and we end up spending more time than necessary on it. The key to efficient cleaning lies in identifying and eliminating the things that slow you down.
Today, we’ll share fifteen common things that could be slowing down your cleaning process and how to overcome them to save your precious time and energy.
1. Lack of a Cleaning Plan
Not having a clear plan is one of the main things that can slow down your cleaning process. Without a plan, you’ll likely waste time figuring out where to start and what to do next.
To speed up your cleaning, create a plan before you start. This should detail what tasks need to be done, in what order, and any supplies you’ll need. For example, you might decide to start by dusting, then vacuuming, and finally mopping. Having this roadmap will help keep you focused and efficient.
2. Using the Wrong Cleaning Tools
Using the wrong tools for the job can also slow you down significantly. For example, using a small brush to clean a large floor area will take much more time than using a mop or broom.
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the right tools for the job. If you’re unsure, do a quick online search to find out what tools are best for the tasks you need to complete. Investing in high-quality, appropriate cleaning tools can save you a lot of time in the long run.
3. Ignoring the ‘Top to Bottom’ Rule
When cleaning, it’s important to work from top to bottom. This means starting with higher surfaces and working your way down. If you ignore this rule, you’ll end up having to re-clean lower surfaces because dust and dirt from higher areas will have fallen onto them.
For example, if you’re cleaning a room, start by dusting the ceiling fan or light fixtures. Then move on to furniture and other mid-level surfaces. Finally, clean the floors. This way, any dust or dirt that falls from higher surfaces will be swept up when you clean the floors.
4. Overloading Your Washing Machine
Overloading your washing machine or dishwasher can slow down your cleaning process. These appliances have a certain capacity, and overloading them can result in less effective cleaning. This means you might have to re-wash items, wasting time and resources.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to load into your washing machine or dishwasher. If you’re unsure, err on the side of under-loading. It’s better to do two effective loads than one overloaded, ineffective one.
5. Distracted Cleaning
Cleaning while distracted can significantly slow you down. If you’re watching TV, checking your phone, or constantly being interrupted, you won’t be able to clean efficiently.
Try to eliminate distractions as much as possible when you’re cleaning. Turn off the TV, put your phone on silent, and let others know you’re busy. You’ll be surprised how much quicker you can clean when you’re fully focused on the task.
6. Not Cleaning Regularly
If you don’t clean regularly, dirt and grime will build up, making the cleaning process much longer and harder.
Try to clean regularly, even if it’s just a little bit each day. This will prevent dirt and grime from building up and make your cleaning tasks much easier and quicker.
7. Not Organizing as You Go
If you’re not organizing as you go, you’ll end up wasting time looking for cleaning supplies or moving clutter out of the way.
Try to keep your cleaning supplies organized and easily accessible. Also, as you clean, put things away where they belong. This will save you time and make your cleaning more efficient.
8. Not Using Multi-Tasking Products
Using separate products for each cleaning task can slow you down. Multi-tasking products that can clean multiple surfaces or types of dirt can save you time and effort.
Look for multi-surface cleaners or products that can both clean and disinfect. These can simplify your cleaning routine and speed up the process.
9. Not Letting Cleaning Products Work
Many cleaning products need time to work effectively. If you’re not waiting for these products to do their job, you’re likely wasting time scrubbing or re-cleaning.
Always read the instructions on your cleaning products. If they need time to work, apply them and then move on to another task while you wait.
10. Cleaning With Dirty Tools
Cleaning with dirty tools is not only ineffective, but it can also spread dirt and germs around your home.
Make sure to clean your tools after each use. This will ensure they’re ready to go the next time you need them and will prevent the spread of dirt and germs.
11. Not Sorting Laundry
Not sorting your laundry can lead to wasted time and potentially ruined clothes.
Try to sort your laundry as you go. This will save you time when it comes to doing laundry and will prevent any clothing disasters.
12. Hoarding Unnecessary Items
Keeping unnecessary items not only clutters your space, but it also adds to your cleaning time.
Try to regularly declutter your home. This will reduce the amount of stuff you need to clean and can make your space feel more open and relaxing.
13. Not Using the Right Cleaning Techniques
Using the wrong technique can make your cleaning less effective and more time-consuming.
Research the best techniques for your cleaning tasks. For example, circular motions can be effective for scrubbing, while straight lines are often better for dusting.
14. Not Prioritizing Tasks
Not all cleaning tasks are equal. If you’re not prioritizing, you might waste time on less important tasks while more important ones are neglected.
Try to identify which tasks are most important or urgent and do those first. This will ensure your time is spent effectively.
15. Not Asking for Help
Cleaning is a big job, and it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re trying to do it all yourself, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and take longer.
Consider asking family members to pitch in, hiring a cleaning service or splitting tasks with a roommate. This can make your cleaning more manageable and efficient.
