Drama day 14: A Working Mom’s Home Cleaning Routine

 

Staying Organized with Two Kids

Balancing work, kids, and household chores can feel overwhelming, but having a little help and a structured cleaning routine can make all the difference. As a working mom with two children, I’ve developed a realistic cleaning schedule segmented into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to keep the house tidy without sacrificing quality time with my family. Needless to say I also hire help to do the dishes, mop/sweep the floors on a daily basis(so thankful!). Here’s how I manage my portion of the cleaning:

Daily Cleaning Routine

These tasks are quick and essential for maintaining a baseline of cleanliness:

  1. Morning:

    • Make the beds.
    • Start a load of laundry (if needed).

  2. Evening:

    • Clear and wipe kitchen counters after dinner.
    • Put toys and clutter back in their designated places (kids can help!).

Tip: Encourage your kids to pitch in by assigning age-appropriate tasks, like putting their shoes away or wiping small surfaces.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Weekly tasks focus on deeper cleaning that keeps the house feeling fresh:

  • Monday: Dust surfaces (furniture, shelves, and electronics).
  • Tuesday: Clean bathrooms (toilets, sinks, and mirrors).
  • Wednesday: Vacuum upholstery and cushions.
  • Thursday: Wash bedding and towels.
  • Friday: Declutter one high-traffic area (e.g., entryway, playroom).
  • Saturday: Focus on outdoor spaces (the porch, clean patio furniture).
  • Sunday: Meal prep for the week and take inventory of cleaning supplies.

Tip: Divide these tasks over the week to avoid feeling overwhelmed on any single day.

Monthly Cleaning Routine

Monthly tasks target areas that don’t need frequent attention but still require upkeep:

  • First Week: Deep clean the refrigerator (toss expired items, wipe shelves).
  • Second Week: Wash windows and clean window tracks.
  • Third Week: Rotate and clean kids’ toys (sanitize frequently used ones).
  • Fourth Week: Organize and declutter closets or storage spaces.

Tip: Tackle one or two monthly tasks each weekend to keep the workload manageable.

Seasonal or Quarterly Cleaning Tasks

These are the bigger jobs that only need to be addressed a few times a year:

  • Shampoo carpets and upholstery.
  • Clean out the garage or attic.
  • Deep clean kitchen appliances (oven, dishwasher, microwave).
  • Rotate seasonal clothing and donate items no longer in use.

Tip: Schedule these tasks at the start of each season to stay on top of them.

How to Stay Consistent

  1. Set a Timer: Dedicate 15-30 minutes daily to cleaning and stick to it.
  2. Use a Checklist: A visual guide helps track progress and keeps you motivated.
  3. Simplify Supplies: Keep an easy-to-carry cleaning caddy with all your essentials.
  4. Involve the Kids: Assign simple chores like dusting or sorting laundry to teach responsibility and lighten your load.
  5. Embrace Imperfection: It’s okay if not everything gets done. Focus on what’s most important.

Final Thoughts

A well-structured cleaning routine can bring order to the chaos of a busy household. By breaking tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly categories, you’ll create a system that’s sustainable and efficient. Remember, your home doesn’t need to be spotless—just functional and comfortable for your family.

What’s your go-to cleaning tip or hack? Share in the comments below!

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