Are you spring cleaning? What begins as good intentions can become overwhelming! Here are my tips for spring cleaning without getting overwhelmed. This post is sponsored by OXO.
A few weeks ago, I began spring cleaning. I had wonderful intentions of deep cleaning the entire house within the span of three or four weeks.
But then the kids were sick.
And I was sick.
And it snowed.
And…what was I thinking?
I realized a week ago that I was not going to get anywhere with spring cleaning unless I had a tangible plan that worked for me. It couldn’t be someone else’s plan or something that I had seen on a talk show. It had to be a real plan that fit into our lifestyle and schedule.
Does this sound familiar? Getting more than just basic cleaning done can be overwhelming. But with a plan in place, it can happen for any household.
Do you know that the best part is? The plan isn’t complicated! There are no printables or schedules or dry erase boards involved. Of course, you’re more than welcome to pull them out if you want, but this super simple idea to spring clean without becoming overwhelmed doesn’t require any of that.
Determine one task that you can feasibly accomplish in one day.
ONE TASK. ONE DAY.
The one task in one day rule is important. For instance, if I make a list of seven cleaning tasks to accomplish in a week, then mentally I know that I have a week to complete the tasks. I tend to procrastinate because, after all, I have seven days, right?? But when something arises- a child becomes sick or an appointment is moved- and I’ve left all the cleaning tasks for the end of the week, I get discouraged and decide to just push them off until the next week.
And this recurs again and again until I’ve done none of the spring cleaning that I intended to do.
On the other hand, if I choose one task each day, I determine that I will not go to bed until that task is finished. For the past week, I have been working on the kitchen. One day, I cleaned the stainless steel appliances. The next day I emptied out a cupboard. This continued for the week until I had accomplished all of the spring cleaning tasks that I had wished to do.
On some days, I had time to do more than one task. Others, the kids were at home and could pitch in so that we could get more done. Knowing that I technically only had to do one task per day made these extra wins especially sweet!
For some, the one task per one day guideline may seem like a way to spread cleaning out for FOR. EVER. But for busy families, especially moms who are always on the go or moms who work outside the home in addition to being a mom, the one task in one day spring cleaning rule is a great way to get cleaning accomplished without feeling overwhelmed.
For spring cleaning in the kitchen, replacing old, moldy kitchen items is a great place to start (plus, it involves a little bit of shopping, so that’s always fun!).
OXO has been my go-to kitchen brand for several years now. I purchased their Good Grips Pop Container Set three years ago for Christmas, and the quality of the items had me hooked! During my spring cleaning, I’ve replaced my icky sponges with the OXO Dish Squeegee and OXO Palm Brush. The Dish Squeegee is made from flexible silicone, and it has a combination of flat and curved edges makes clearing leftover food from plates and bowls a breeze. The durable Palm Brush is great for scrubbing out the stains without leaving a mark on non-stick, ceramic and glass cookware and bakeware. I like how ergonomic it is for cleaning. Pair the sponges with the OXO Sink Mat to aid in cleaning and protecting dishes from chipping and scratching. The holes in the sink mat are designed to allow air and water to flow freely to discourage mildew build-up.
My favorite new OXO kitchen item is the OXO Sink Organizer with Flip-Down Sponge Holder. Previously, I had been leaving sponges haphazardly around the sink. The sink organizer has a tray that makes draining and organizing sponges and other sink items easy.
For those with deep cabinets (me, me!), the OXO 16″ Turntable is great way to organize kitchen items or cleaning items that still allows them to be accessible.
I’ve also been transitioning our home cleaning products like hand wash and other cleaners to those better for our family. These method products are naturally derived and made from a non-drying formula for soft, clean hands. The new limited edition metallic finishes almost look more like a home accessory rather than a cleaning product. Method designed a limited edition collection of precious, high-shine accents that are safe enough to use every day. And the scents can’t be beat!
Are you spring cleaning? What are your tips for getting it all done?
Making a list and doing things one at a time is really the best way to get things done. I must have ADD because I will start one task, get distracted, then start another. Sometimes it is hard to stay focused. The OXO products look interesting. I will have to check them out.
I didn’t know that method made household cleaning products! I might have to look into those the next time I need to stock up. I already like their hand soaps for their natural ingredients and scents, so I’m sure I’ll love those, too.
Honestly, this was me this past weekend. I started my spring cleaning in my bedroom closet literally took me a good 3-4 hours. I was so tired after cleaning and sorting through my clothes, shoes, files, taxes, etc. I felt defeated but I am determined to make a list and tackle one thing at a time.
I have heard great things about Method and those scents sound lovely! I hear you though about cleaning of any kind! I have to stay to one task at a time otherwise I never get any one task completed! Great tips and I will check Method out asap!
I love the look of these products. I haven’t really “spring” cleaned, somedays I am lucky to vacuum and get things picked up. I do like your idea of 1 area a day. I am going to try that and see how that works out for me.
Great tips to consider. I do a lot of spring cleaning lists. Just work through the list one thing at a time. It can be overwhelming though. I do love this time of the year, gets my house in order.
I do the same thing when it comes to spring cleaning! I make my list and then work on it daily. It takes the stress off when other things pop up and they always do! The OXO products look great. I am totally a product girl when it comes to the kitchen and bathroom. I’ll have to check them out.